Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">600g boneless, skinless chicken breasts</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 medium carrots, diced (about 200g)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 celery stalks, diced (about 100g)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 medium onion, finely diced (about 150g)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 garlic cloves, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2L chicken stock (low-sodium preferred)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 bay leaf</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried thyme</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried parsley</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">½ tsp dried rosemary</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g egg noodles</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp fresh lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)</li></ul>

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Sharp chef's knife</li></ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Add the chicken to the hot oil and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. You're not cooking the chicken through at this point, just developing flavor through caramelization.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside on a plate. To the same pot, add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. The moisture from the vegetables will help you scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Immediately pour in the chicken stock, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any remaining browned bits – these contain concentrated flavor that will enrich your broth.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Return the seared chicken to the pot and add the bay leaf, dried thyme, dried parsley, and dried rosemary. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 75°C.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and transfer to a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces (or cube it if you prefer a chunkier texture like Chick-fil-A's version). The warm chicken will shred easily, and this technique creates the perfect texture for soup.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add the egg noodles. Continue to cook the soup at a gentle simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but still have a slight bite (al dente). Cooking the noodles directly in the broth allows them to absorb the flavors while also releasing starches that naturally thicken the soup slightly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Remove the bay leaf and stir in the fresh lemon juice. The acid from the lemon brightens all the flavors without making the soup taste lemony. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. The soup will thicken slightly as it stands. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with some crusty bread on the side for the ultimate comfort meal that rivals Chick-fil-A's beloved version.</li></ol>