It's not often that the most delicious comfort dishes are also very healthy for you. Low and slow-simmered chicken, fresh and wholesome vegetables, savory herbs, healing broth...this "ultimate" version bumps up the flavor several notches and is sure to become your go-to for this beloved classic soup!
5 from 82 votes
Prep Time 15 minutesmins
Cook Time 1 hourhr20 minutesmins
Total Time 1 hourhr35 minutesmins
Servings 6
Ingredients
2tablespoonsoil
3 to 3 1/2 poundsbone-in, skin-on chicken pieces(drumsticks and thighs will produce the best flavor but you can include breasts)
1large yellow onion, finely chopped
3large carrots, sliced into rings
3large celery ribs, diced
1medium leek, finely chopped, thoroughly rinsed and drained
4cloves garlic, minced
10cups quality chicken broth(either homemade or high quality store-bought; we use and recommend ANETO)
3/4 teaspoondried thyme
3/4teaspoondried rosemary
2bay leaves
1teaspoonsea salt
1/2teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
8ouncesuncooked egg noodles(or pasta of choice)
3tablespoonschopped fresh parsley
2tablespoonschopped fresh dill(optional but highly recommended for best flavor; can use extra parsley instead)
1tablespoonfresh lemon juice
Instructions
In a Dutch oven or stock pot heat the oil over medium high heat and brown the chicken pieces in batches on all sides until dark golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and leek and cook until softened, 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.Return the chicken pieces to the pot along with the thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Add the broth and stir to scrape any browned bits on the bottom of the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover ,and simmer for 50-60 minutes. Remove the chicken and let it sit until cool enough to handle. Remove and discard the skin. Remove and dice the chicken meat. Discard the bones. If desired, spoon off the top layer of oil on the soup. Add the noodles and cook for 8-10 minutes or until done. Discard the bay leaves. Place the chicken pieces back in the pot along with the parsley and lemon juice and heat through. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.