Quick Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Ingredients

Vegetables

• 1 cup carrots, peeled and sliced thin (about 1 1/2 large carrots)
• 1 cup celery, sliced thin (about 2 stalks)
• 1 cup sweet Vidalia or yellow onion, peeled and diced small (about 1 medium onion)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Soup Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 64 ounces 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth (plus more if desired)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon pepper, or to taste
• salt, to taste
• black pepper, to taste

Main Ingredients

• 12 ounces wide egg noodles (or your favorite noodles or pasta)
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken)
• 3 to 4 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, optional

Instructions

1. To a large Dutch oven or stockpot, add the olive oil and heat over medium-high heat until warm. Add the carrots, celery, and onion, and sauté for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
2. Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, then add the bay leaves, fresh or dried thyme, dried oregano, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle boil for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are fork-tender. Add extra broth or water if you prefer a brothier soup.
4. Add the wide egg noodles to the boiling soup and cook for about 10 minutes or until the noodles are soft and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, chopped parsley, and optional lemon juice. Boil for 1 to 2 minutes until the chicken is warmed through. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs as needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Notes

• Storage: Keep soup airtight in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days or freeze for up to 4 months.
• Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid overcooking noodles.
• The noodles will continue to absorb broth over time; add extra broth or water when reheating to maintain desired consistency.
• Lemon juice is optional but brightens the flavor nicely.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick option or cooked leftover chicken to save time.