📖 Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: If you're using a whole chicken, place it in a large pot. Otherwise, use about 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Make sure to trim off any excess fat. Its important to do this properly to avoid the flavor being ruined.
2. Add Aromatics: Add 1 large chopped onion, 2 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks to the pot with the chicken. These vegetables form the base of our flavor profile, infusing the broth with their subtle sweetness.
3. Cover with Water: Pour about 8 cups of water (or chicken broth, for extra richness) over the chicken and vegetables. The water should completely cover the chicken by at least an inch.
4. Season Generously: Season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon of dried parsley. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Some people like a little more pepper, others prefer a stronger thyme flavor. Dont be afraid to experiment!
5. Bring to a Boil: Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. If using chicken breasts, start checking for doneness around 30 minutes to prevent them from drying out.
6. Remove and Shred Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Once it's cool enough to handle, shred the chicken using two forks. Discard the bones and skin if you used a whole chicken.
7. Strain the Broth: For a clearer soup, strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot. This step is optional, but it removes any small bits of vegetables or chicken that might cloud the broth.
8. Return Broth to Pot: Pour the strained broth back into the pot. If you didn't strain the broth, simply skim off any foam or impurities from the surface using a spoon.
9. Add Noodles: Bring the broth to a gentle boil and add 1 cup of egg noodles (or any other type of noodle you prefer). Cook according to the package directions, usually about 7-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
10. Add Shredded Chicken: Stir the shredded chicken back into the pot with the noodles and broth. Heat through for a few minutes until everything is warmed through.
11. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up the flavors.
12. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the chicken noodle soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper, if desired. Enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of homemade goodness!