01 -
First up, grab a big ol' pot or Dutch oven. Pour in your olive oil and let it warm up over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Stir 'em around until they start to soften and get a little translucent, probably about 5-7 minutes. I just love the smell that fills the kitchen at this stage; it's the real start of the magic. Don't rush this part; it's where the flavor foundation for your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe truly begins!
02 -
Once those veggies are soft, toss in your minced garlic. Stir it constantly for just about a minute until it's fragrant – you don't want it to burn, trust me, that's a mistake I've made! Then, sprinkle in your dried thyme and drop in the bay leaf. Give it another quick stir to let those herbs wake up. This is where the kitchen starts to smell absolutely incredible, a real warm, earthy aroma that promises good things. Keep everything moving so nothing sticks to the bottom.
03 -
Now, nestle your chicken breasts right into the pot with the veggies. Pour in your chicken broth, making sure the chicken is mostly submerged. Bring this whole concoction to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. This slow simmer is key for a flavorful broth, honestly!
04 -
Carefully take the cooked chicken breasts out of the pot and place them on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. I like mine a bit chunky, but you can shred it as fine as you like. While you're doing this, the broth continues to develop its amazing flavor. Don't forget to remove that bay leaf from the pot before you put the chicken back in!
05 -
Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Now it's time for the egg noodles! Add them directly to the simmering broth. Cook according to package directions, usually about 7-10 minutes, until they're tender. Keep an eye on them; nobody wants mushy noodles! This is where the soup really starts to look like the comforting Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe we all know and love.
06 -
Once the noodles are perfectly cooked, it's time to taste and adjust your seasonings. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Stir in your fresh parsley, letting it wilt slightly in the warm soup. Ladle it into bowls, maybe with a little extra sprinkle of parsley. The final result should be a beautiful, fragrant, and deeply comforting bowl of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe, ready to warm you from the inside out.