Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup (Weight Watchers-friendly)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast (skinless, boneless)
• 2 cups uncooked whole wheat egg noodles (or use a low-carb alternative for keto/low-carb diets)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
2. Add Garlic and Broth: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute. Pour in the reduced-sodium chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.
3. Add Chicken and Seasonings: Once the broth is simmering, add the shredded cooked chicken, whole wheat egg noodles (or low-carb alternative), dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Simmer Soup: Let the soup simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until the noodles are cooked al dente and the vegetables are tender.
5. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Optionally, garnish each serving with chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and freshness.