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Cozy Rainy Day Chicken Noodle Soup

cozy rainy day chicken noodle soup recipe - featured image

A warm, comforting chicken noodle soup perfect for chilly, rainy days. This easy homemade recipe features tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles in a savory broth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 ounces egg noodles or preferred pasta
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Pat dry the chicken breasts or thighs. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, add diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened and fragrant. Add minced garlic for the last minute to avoid burning.
  3. Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth. Add bay leaf and thyme. Nestle the seared chicken back into the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes.
  4. Remove the chicken to a plate and shred finely or into bite-sized chunks using two forks. Discard any bones if using bone-in chicken.
  5. Bring the soup back to a simmer. Add egg noodles and cook according to package instructions (6-8 minutes) until al dente. Avoid overcooking.
  6. Stir shredded chicken back into the pot. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove bay leaf. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.
  7. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over each bowl before serving.

Notes

Sear chicken first to lock in juices and add depth of flavor. Avoid overcooking noodles to prevent mushiness. Simmer gently to keep broth clear. Add fresh herbs at the end for brightness. Baking soda pinch can balance acidity if needed. Store noodles separately to maintain texture in leftovers. Freeze broth and chicken without noodles for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken noodle soup, comfort food, rainy day recipe, easy soup, homemade soup, chicken soup, cozy meal