The Best Homemade Chicken Soup

Instructions

1. In a large stockpot, place the whole chicken and cover it with 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

2. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface. Add in the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.

3. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

4. Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool. Remove and discard the bay leaf.

5. Add the egg noodles to the pot and let them cook according to the package instructions, usually about 6-8 minutes.

6. While the noodles are cooking, shred the cooled chicken meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones.

7. Once the noodles are cooked, return the shredded chicken to the pot. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

8. Ladle the hot and comforting homemade chicken soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot. Enjoy the heartwarming flavors!