Classic comfort food soup loaded with tender chicken, hearty noodles, and fresh vegetables in a rich broth. Ready in about 50 minutes and perfect for any occasion.
Heat olive oil in a large pot (6-8 quart) over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are slightly tender and onions are translucent.
Add minced garlic and dried thyme. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Pour in chicken broth, add bay leaf and dried rosemary. Bring to a gentle boil. Add raw chicken breasts if using.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return to pot. If using rotisserie chicken, add shredded meat now.
Add uncooked egg noodles and cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes (or according to package directions), stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender but not mushy.
Remove and discard bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste, starting with 1/2 teaspoon of each. Stir in fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add rich flavor. Simply shred and add with the noodles.
Don’t overcook the noodles. They’ll continue to soften in the hot broth. For best leftovers, store noodles separately.
For gluten-free version, use gluten-free noodles and verify broth is gluten-free.
Add diced zucchini, green beans, or spinach for extra nutrients. Add hearty vegetables with carrots, delicate greens in last 5 minutes.
Always remove the bay leaf before serving as it can be a choking hazard.