Cooking Instructions:

Begin by heating a couple of tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, sliced carrots, and chopped celery, and sauté the vegetables until they're slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add the chicken base if using. Stir in thyme, marjoram, basil, oregano, black pepper, and salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Carefully add the whole chicken or chicken breasts to the pot. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 25-30 minutes for breasts and up to 1 hour for a whole chicken.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. While the chicken cools, add the egg noodles to the pot and cook according to package instructions until tender.

Shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then return it to the pot. Stir everything together, adjust the seasoning as needed, and serve hot. If desired, add a squeeze of lemon juice for a touch of acidity. Add chicken and noodles gently to avoid boiling chicken for the best texture.

For extra tips, consider making homemade egg noodles for a truly authentic touch, or adding fennel for a unique flavor twist.

Remember to allow your homemade noodles to air dry before cooking them for best results.

If you have leftovers, store the soup in the refrigerator for up to a week, and feel free to freeze portions for a quick meal later on.

Enjoy the comforting flavors of Mama Jean's Chicken Noodle Soup!