### Detailed Steps for Making Chicken Vegetable Noodle Soup
Chicken vegetable noodle soup is a comforting and nutritious meal that can be customized to suit various dietary preferences. This recipe will guide you through making a delicious and healthy version using fresh ingredients.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 large chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 8 oz egg noodles or your preferred pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1 can of chickpeas for added protein
#### Equipment:
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Measuring spoons
### Step-by-Step Guide:
#### Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Start by chopping your onion and mincing the garlic. Peel and dice the carrot, and cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
#### Step 2: Cook Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they start to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant but not burnt.
#### Step 3: Add Vegetables and Broth
Push the vegetables to one side of the pot and add the chicken pieces on the other side. Cook the chicken until it turns white and is partially cooked through, about 5 minutes.
Next, pour in the vegetable broth, adding enough water if necessary to cover all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil.
#### Step 4: Simmer
Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Use a fork to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces once it's done cooking.
#### Step 5: Add Noodles and Vegetables
Add the diced carrots and broccoli florets to the pot. If using chickpeas, add them now as well. Simmer for another 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
#### Step 6: Cook Noodles
About 2-3 minutes before you want to serve the soup, add the egg noodles to the pot. Stir gently to ensure they don’t stick together.
Cook the noodles until al dente, following the package instructions for the specific type of pasta you are using. Drain any excess water if necessary but try not to overcook the noodles.
#### Step 7: Season and Serve
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
### Tips:
- For a richer flavor, you can brown the chicken pieces in the pot before adding the vegetables.
- Add lemon juice or a squeeze of fresh lemon for an extra burst of freshness.
- Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for unique flavors.
By following these steps, you'll be able to enjoy a hearty and healthy bowl of chicken vegetable noodle soup. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to customize based on your preferences!