Classic Homemade Chicken Soup

 Classic Homemade Chicken Soup

 Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 lb (450g) chicken breast or thighs
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup egg noodles (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

 Instructions:

1. Sauté the vegetables
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5–6 minutes until softened.
2. Add garlic
   Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add chicken & broth
   Place the chicken into the pot. Pour in the chicken broth.
4. Season the soup
   Add salt, pepper, thyme, parsley, and bay leaf.
5. Simmer
   Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
6. Shred the chicken
   Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, then return it to the pot.
7. Add noodles (optional)
   Add egg noodles and cook for another 8–10 minutes until tender.
8. Finish & serve
   Remove bay leaf, sprinkle fresh parsley on top, and serve hot.

 Tips:

• Add a squeeze of lemon juice for freshness
• You can use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time
• For a richer soup, add a little butter at the end