Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. The oil helps to soften the vegetables and add richness to the soup.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion turns translucent.
Add the Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. As the broth heats up, the flavors from the vegetables will begin to infuse the liquid.
Season the Soup: Add the bay leaf, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little extra salt can really bring the flavors together.
Add the Chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken, letting it heat through in the hot broth. This will allow the chicken to soak up all the savory goodness of the broth.
Simmer the Soup: Lower the heat and let the soup simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes. This is when the flavors really come together and deepen.
Cook the Noodles: While the soup is simmering, cook your noodles (if you haven’t already). They should be slightly undercooked, as they will continue to cook in the soup. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
Add the Noodles to the Soup: After the soup has simmered and the chicken is fully heated, add the cooked noodles. Stir to combine.
Let it Rest: Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, letting the noodles soak up the flavor of the broth. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or thyme as needed.
Garnish the Soup: Once the soup is ready, remove it from the heat. Ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. A squeeze of lemon is optional but can add a lovely, bright note to the rich broth.
Serve: Serve the soup warm with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete, comforting meal.
Enjoy: Sit back and savor your homemade chicken noodle soup—there’s nothing quite like it to warm you up and fill you with comfort.