🧾 Ingredients
Chicken & Broth
- 1½–2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts
- 8 cups chicken broth (good quality = big flavor)
- 2 cups water
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
Vegetables (classic base)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Seasoning
- 1½ tsp salt (adjust later)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley (or fresh)
- ½ tsp turmeric (optional for color + warmth)
- 1 bay leaf
- Juice of ½ lemon (optional but brightens flavor)
Noodles
- 2–3 cups egg noodles or spaghetti broken in halves
Optional Add-ins
- Fresh parsley
- Green onions
- Corn or peas
- Ginger (for cold/flu version)
- Chili flakes
🔥 Step 1 – Sauté the Flavor Base
In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter.
Add:
- onion
- carrots
- celery
Cook 5–6 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
This step builds deep flavor. Don’t skip it.
Your kitchen should already smell amazing 😄
🍗 Step 2 – Simmer the Chicken
Add:
- chicken
- broth
- water
- seasonings
- bay leaf
Bring to a boil, then reduce to low simmer.
Cover and cook 20–25 minutes until chicken is tender.
The broth turns golden and rich here.
🥩 Step 3 – Shred the Chicken
Remove chicken.
Shred using two forks.
Return shredded chicken back to the pot.
Now it looks like the soup in your photo — juicy chicken strands everywhere 🤤
🍝 Step 4 – Add Noodles
Add noodles directly into soup.
Cook 8–10 minutes until tender.
Don’t overcook or they get mushy.
Tip:
If storing leftovers, cook noodles separately to keep them firm.
✨ Step 5 – Final Touches
Taste and adjust:
- salt
- pepper
- squeeze lemon
- fresh parsley
Remove bay leaf.
Soup should taste savory, cozy, slightly herby.
🍽️ Step 6 – Serve Hot
Ladle into bowls.
Top with:
✔ parsley
✔ cracked pepper
✔ drizzle olive oil
✔ squeeze lemon
Serve with bread or toast.
Then enjoy that first warm spoonful… heaven.
😍 What It Tastes Like
Light but rich
Savory
Herby
Comforting
Fresh
Cozy
It’s not heavy like cream soups — it’s clean and soothing.
The kind of meal that makes you feel better instantly.
💡 Pro Tips (Big Difference)
1. Use thighs for more flavor
Breasts = lean
Thighs = juicy & rich
2. Add lemon at the end
Makes flavors pop like magic
3. Don’t boil hard
Gentle simmer keeps broth clear
4. Fresh herbs at the end
Brighter taste
5. Extra thick soup?
Add more noodles or a small potato
🔥 Variations You’ll Love
Creamy Chicken Noodle
Add ½ cup cream or milk
Spicy Version
Add chili flakes or hot sauce
Asian Style
Add ginger + soy sauce + sesame oil
Vegetable Loaded
Add zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms
Low Carb
Skip noodles → use cauliflower or zucchini noodles
🥡 Storage
Fridge:
4–5 days
Freezer:
3 months (without noodles is best)
Reheat:
Add splash of water/broth
❤️ Why This Soup Is Special
Because it’s simple, real food.
No complicated ingredients.
No fancy techniques.
Just honest, homemade goodness that tastes like care and warmth.
Some recipes impress.
This one comforts.
And honestly… we all need that sometimes