Peppery Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Peppery Chicken Noodle Soup is a hearty, comforting soup with a bold kick of black pepper, tender chicken, and classic noodles. It’s perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying.

Peppery Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 8 oz egg noodles (or any noodle of choice)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper, then sear on both sides for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
3. Build the Soup Base:
   • Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Add the bay leaf, thyme, oregano, and freshly ground black pepper. Return the chicken to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Shred the Chicken:
   • Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
5. Cook the Noodles:
   • Add the egg noodles (or any noodles) to the soup. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 6-8 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
6. Taste and Adjust:
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or black pepper if needed. For a stronger peppery flavor, add extra black pepper to taste.
7. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a hearty meal.

Tips:

• Extra Pepper: If you love a strong pepper flavor, add a bit more freshly ground black pepper at the end of cooking or as a garnish.
• Noodles: Add the noodles just before serving to avoid them becoming too soft if you’re planning to store leftovers.

Enjoy this flavorful, peppery twist on classic chicken noodle soup!