Name: Classic Chicken Noodle Soup with Brined Chicken
Prep time: 40 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 medium carrots, sliced into rounds; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 4 oz dried egg noodles (or other pasta shape); 1 bay leaf; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp dried parsley; 2 tsp kosher salt (plus more for seasoning); 1/2 tsp black pepper; 6 cups water (for brine); 1/4 cup kosher salt (for brine); 1 tbsp olive oil (or neutral oil like canola); 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Juice of 1/2 lemon

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup with Brined Chicken

GardenSpoon4801

This chicken noodle soup takes comfort food to the next level by brining the chicken prior to cooking, guaranteeing succulent, seasoned bites in every spoonful. Classic aromatics—onion, carrot, and celery—build a fragrant base, while a splash of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors. The soup is hearty and satisfying, perfect for a humid Maryland evening or a foggy, cool night. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making this a meal you’ll crave again and again.

Ingredients

Instructions

In a large bowl, dissolve 1/4 cup kosher salt in 6 cups cold water. Add chicken breasts and let brine for 20-30 minutes while you prep other ingredients. (This keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful.)
While chicken is brining, prep onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
Remove chicken from brine, rinse under cold water, and pat dry. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened but not browned.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Add chicken broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, dried parsley, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 tsp salt. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Add chicken pieces to the simmering soup. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until chicken is just cooked through.
Add egg noodles. Simmer for another 6-8 minutes until noodles are tender.
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed. Remove bay leaf.
Stir in fresh parsley and the juice of half a lemon for brightness before serving.