Ultimate Chicken Noodle Soup

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Diet: Regular

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp canola oil
• 3 cups uncooked kluski noodles or other egg noodles (approximately 8 ounces)
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 4 medium-sized carrots, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 stalks of celery, chopped
• 1 tsp freshly minced thyme or 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Optional: Additional salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2-1/2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs
• 10 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley

Preparation Instructions:

1. Begin by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season them with salt and black pepper. Heat the canola oil in a 6-quart stockpot over medium-high heat. In batches, cook the chicken, skin-side down, until it attains a dark golden brown color, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside. Remove and discard the chicken skin, saving 2 tablespoons of the drippings in the pot.
2. In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion in the reserved drippings until soft, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Return the chicken to the pot. Add the chopped celery, carrots, bay leaves, and thyme. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
4. Transfer the chicken to a separate plate. Allow the soup to continue simmering. Add the egg noodles to the soup, cover, and let them cook until tender, about 20-22 minutes.
5. While the noodles are cooking, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces after removing it from the bones; discard the bones.
6. Return the shredded chicken meat to the stockpot. Stir in the freshly chopped parsley and lemon juice. Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt and pepper if needed. Discard the bay leaves before serving.

This Ultimate Chicken Noodle Soup offers not just comfort but also a rich tapestry of flavors, perfectly balanced to create a heartwarming dish. The soup brings together tender chicken, nourishing vegetables, and hearty noodles in a flavorful broth, making it ideal for any day when you need a little extra warmth and comfort. Remember to adjust the seasoning according to your preferences, and enjoy this classic, soothing soup