1. **Prepare the Chicken (SEO: "prepare chicken for soup")**
- Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water.
- Pat them dry with paper towels.
- Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. **Cooking the Chicken and Vegetables**:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and garlic; sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant (SEO: "onion and garlic in soup").
- Add chicken pieces to the pot; cook for another 5 minutes or until slightly browned. Remove from the pot with a slotted spoon.
3. **Cooking Vegetables**:
- In the same pot, add carrots, zucchini, bell pepper, and celery (SEO: "vegetable ingredients for soup").
- Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Return the chicken back to the pot; stir in thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. **Adding Broth**:
- Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil; reduce heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes (SEO: "simmering soup").
5. **Cooking Noodles**:
- While the soup is simmering, cook the noodles according to package instructions in salted water until al dente.
- Drain the noodles well.
6. **Final Assembly and Serving**:
- Add the cooked noodles into the soup pot; mix gently so that they are evenly distributed.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes (SEO: "mixing ingredients").
- Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro.
#### Tips and Variations:
- For a heartier soup, add some diced potatoes or green beans.
- To make this meal more nutritious, consider adding spinach or kale towards the end of cooking.
- Ensure you use low-sodium broth to control the overall sodium content (SEO: "low-sodium recipes").
By following these detailed steps, you can create a delicious and healthy chicken and vegetable noodle soup that is perfect for chilly evenings. This recipe not only provides a hearty meal but also ensures it's packed with essential nutrients from the vegetables and lean protein from the chicken.