Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodle Soup

Photo byGwen Wren

Sometimes you just want a great basic recipe that you can dress up if you feel like it, but that tastes delicious as is. With cold weather on the way, it also means the arrival of cold and flu season, and this hearty chicken noodle soup will be just the thing. Put some up in the freezer for those days when you don’t feel like cooking.

Chicken and Noodle Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 bone-in chicken breasts (for extra flavor)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 8 cups chicken broth (or water, or a combination of both)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 oz egg noodles (or your favorite noodles)
• Optional: 1 cup diced carrots, 1 cup peas, or 1 cup chopped broccoli
• Optional for creamy version: 1 cup milk or ½ cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken:
2. • In a large pot, add the chicken breasts (with bones) and enough chicken broth and/or water to cover the chicken (about 8 cups).
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
   • Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred or chop the chicken, discarding the bones.
3. Prepare the Soup Base:
4. • To the same pot with the chicken broth, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the onions soften.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add Noodles & Optional Vegetables:
6. • Stir in the egg noodles and any vegetables you’d like to add (diced carrots, peas, or broccoli). Let simmer for 8-10 minutes until the noodles and vegetables are tender.
7. Return the Chicken:
8. • Add the shredded chicken back into the pot and stir to combine. Let everything heat through for 2-3 minutes.
9. Optional Creamy Version:
10. • If you want a creamier soup, reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of milk or ½ cup of heavy cream. Simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the soup reaches your desired creaminess.
11. Taste and Serve:
12. • Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations:

• Herbs: Add fresh or dried thyme, parsley, or bay leaves for extra flavor.
• Storage: The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles may soak up extra liquid, so add a splash of broth or water when reheating.