Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients. This saves time later on. Chop the vegetables, mince the garlic, and slice the shallots. Having everything prepped creates a smoother cooking experience.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, diced onion, and sliced shallots. Sauté until they become translucent and fragrant. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. You want to build a base of flavor here.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
- Add the chopped carrots and celery to the pot. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften slightly. You can already start to smell the aromatics mixing together. That’s when you know you’re in for something special.
Step 4: Brown the Chicken
- Push the vegetables to the side of the pot. Add the chicken thighs or breasts and brown them on both sides. This should take about 4-5 minutes. Don’t worry if they’re not completely cooked through — they’ll finish cooking in the broth.
Step 5: Deglaze with Sherry
- Pour in the cooking sherry, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This step adds complexity to the flavor. Let it simmer for a minute so the alcohol evaporates, leaving behind rich taste.
Step 6: Add the Stock and Herbs
- Pour in the chicken stock and add the bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, and sage. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot, letting it simmer for 20-25 minutes. The chicken will cook through, and the herbs will infuse their flavors.
Step 7: Cook the Noodles
- After the chicken is done, remove it from the pot. Add the egg noodles, cooking them per package instructions until just tender. As they cook, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 8: Combine Everything
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot, along with the parsley, lemon zest, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes. If the soup looks too thick for your liking, you can always add a bit of water or stock to loosen it up.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
- Once your soup has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Ladle it into bowls, top with shaved parmesan if desired, and serve it warm. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Notes
- Use High-Quality Chicken Stock: A good stock enhances the overall taste. Homemade is best, but look for low-sodium options if you buy it.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs truly elevate the flavor profile of your soup. They are worth the effort.
- Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies such as peas or corn for added color and nutrition.
- Adjust the Noodles to Your Preference: If you're gluten-free or prefer a different type of noodle, there are plenty of options available. Choose what pleases your taste buds!
- Make it Ahead of Time: This soup can be made in advance. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together!
