There are few dishes as universally beloved and comforting as Chicken Noodle Soup—a steaming bowl of savory broth, tender chicken, and slurp-worthy noodles that feels like a warm hug on even the coldest day. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving a taste of nostalgia, this classic soup combines simple, fresh ingredients to create a meal that soothes the soul and wakes up your taste buds. Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, and absolutely any time you need a comforting bowl in your hands.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things delightfully simple, with ingredients you probably have on hand. Each one brings something beautiful to the pot: sweetness, aromatics, heartiness, or that signature cozy flavor. Trust in these essentials—each one is a building block for pure comfort!

Olive oil: Use this to gently soften the veggies and boost their natural flavors right from the start.
Yellow onion: The backbone of soup flavor, diced onion brings a mellow, savory note that sets everything off.
Garlic: Just two cloves, but what a difference—they infuse the broth with irresistible, aromatic warmth.
Carrots: Bright and sweet, carrots add color and a subtle hint of natural sweetness to your Chicken Noodle Soup.
Celery: Gives texture and a gentle herbal flavor that ties in beautifully with the other veggies.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Eight cups make a flavorful base, letting you control the saltiness as the soup simmers.
Cooked shredded chicken breast: Juicy, tender chicken turns this into a hearty meal—rotisserie chicken is a helpful shortcut.
Egg noodles: Their springy texture soaks in all the broth’s goodness for that classic, slurpable finish.
Dried thyme: A teaspoon is just enough to impart gentle, woodsy notes.
Dried parsley: Adds an earthy brightness that balances the soup.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning—add gradually and taste as you go.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkle on top for a punch of color and a refreshing herbal kick.

How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and let it cook for about three minutes, just until it softens and turns slightly translucent. Stir in your minced garlic and let it cook for another minute—this is when the kitchen starts to smell absolutely incredible.

Step 2: Build the Veggie Base

Add the sliced carrots and celery right into the pot. Keep things moving with a gentle stir every now and then, letting the veggies soften and meld together for about five minutes. This slow, steady start helps coax out the natural sweetness and texture in the vegetables.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth

Now, pour in all eight cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Raise the heat and bring your pot to a gentle boil. You’ll notice the colors deepening and the aroma getting even more inviting—this is the magic moment when everything comes together.

Step 4: Add Chicken, Noodles, and Herbs

Once your broth is simmering, add the cooked shredded chicken, egg noodles, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Give everything a good mix, then turn down the heat a bit so it simmers, and let it bubble gently for about ten minutes. The noodles will turn perfectly tender, and the flavors will swirl together into classic Chicken Noodle Soup bliss.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Taste your soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the Chicken Noodle Soup into bowls and, if you’re feeling fancy, finish with a scattering of fresh parsley on top. Serve immediately for maximum comfort and warmth!

How to Serve Chicken Noodle Soup

Garnishes

Elevate each bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup with a shower of chopped fresh parsley for extra color and freshness. You can also add a squeeze of lemon, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkling of cracked black pepper to further brighten each spoonful.

Side Dishes

Pair your Chicken Noodle Soup with thick slices of crusty bread, warm rolls, or even a simple green salad for a truly satisfying meal. Saltine crackers are a classic, or try a grilled cheese sandwich for ultimate comfort-food status.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in oversized mugs for a cozy, hand-warming treat, or use soup crocks with a crunchy breadstick balanced on the rim. For a special touch, ladle the Chicken Noodle Soup over a nest of extra noodles or rice, or sprinkle with parmesan for an unexpected twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chicken Noodle Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to four days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick weeknight dinners. The flavors continue to meld, making each bowl the next day even tastier.

Freezing

Chicken Noodle Soup freezes beautifully, especially if you slightly undercook the noodles so they don’t get mushy upon reheating. Cool the soup completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. It will keep well for up to three months.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s hot throughout. If the noodles have absorbed some of the broth, just add a splash of water or extra stock to reach your desired consistency. Stir well and enjoy!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Chicken Noodle Soup?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut, making this meal even quicker to prepare while still delivering plenty of rich, flavorful chicken texture throughout the soup.

What type of noodles work best for Chicken Noodle Soup?

Egg noodles are classic, thanks to their delicate texture and ability to soak up the flavorful broth. However, you can substitute with wide, curly, or even whole wheat noodles based on your preference.

How can I make Chicken Noodle Soup gluten-free?

To enjoy this soup gluten-free, simply use your favorite gluten-free noodles instead of regular egg noodles. Make sure your chicken broth is gluten-free as well to keep the soup safe for all eaters.

Can I add more vegetables to Chicken Noodle Soup?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in frozen peas, corn, diced potatoes, or spinach during the simmering step. This is a flexible recipe, so adding extra veggies is an easy way to boost nutrition and flavor.

Why is my chicken tough in Chicken Noodle Soup?

Overcooking chicken breast can make it dry and tough. If you’re starting with raw chicken, simmer just until cooked through, then shred. If you’re using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, add it near the end to avoid overcooking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for the ultimate bowl of comfort, you can’t go wrong with homemade Chicken Noodle Soup! Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to deliver satisfaction and smiles. I hope you give it a try and share it with your loved ones—the world could always use another bowl of good soup!

Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Warm up with a comforting bowl of homemade Chicken Noodle Soup. This classic soup is easy to make and perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week. Packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and egg noodles in a flavorful broth, it’s a hearty and delicious dish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Noodle Soup:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
2 cups egg noodles
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Heat the olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
Cook aromatics: Add the diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add vegetables: Add carrots and celery, cook for 5 minutes.
Add broth and chicken: Pour in chicken broth, add shredded chicken, egg noodles, thyme, and parsley.
Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until noodles are tender.
Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley.