Why does chicken noodle soup make us feel better? What does it have that helps? 

The healing properties of grandma’s chicken noodle soup are this: Warm vapors help open up our nasal passages and can help soothe a sore throat. 

The veggies provide vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to help the immune system fight illness. 

The chicken provides needed protein and has tryptophan, a precursor for serotonin that helps with mood and sleep. 

For the noodles, whole grains provide fiber and carbohydrates. You’ve got all the nutrients you need in a single dish. This is not only good if you are under the weather, but will warm you up on a cold winter’s day! 

Healing Chicken Noodle Soup 

Ingredients 

• 2 Tablespoons of butter or olive oil 
• 1 onion, diced 
• 1 cup carrots, diced (about 2 carrots) 
• 1 cup celery, diced (about 2 stalks, use the leaves, too!) 
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 
• 8 cups of (low sodium) chicken stock or broth (stock is heartier) 
• 1-2 Bay leaves 
• 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped) 
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)  
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper (to taste) 
• 1 1/2 to 2 pounds chicken breast 
• 6 oz whole wheat rotini or wide egg noodles (whole wheat adds fiber) 
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 

Directions 

1. Heat butter or oil in a heavy stock pot. 
2. Add onions, carrots and celery.  Sauté for 5-6 minutes. 
3. Add garlic and stir for one minute. 
4. Add chicken stock, bay leaves, salt, pepper and thyme.  Bring mixture to a boil then turn down to simmer. 
5. Simmer for about 35-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
6. Remove chicken and either dice or shred, add back to stock. 
7. Add noodles and cook until preferred texture about 6-8 minutes. 
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve! 

Crockpot recipe 

Place oil and chicken on the bottom of crockpot. Add onions, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, thyme and chicken stock to crockpot.  Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours.  Remove chicken, dice or shred, then add back.  Add the noodles and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until tender.  Garnish with parsley and serve.    

To freeze: leave out noodles