If there’s one dish that can instantly make any dreary day feel a whole lot brighter, it’s Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup. Brimming with tender chicken, slurp-worthy egg noodles, and just the right mix of savory aromatics, this comforting bowl is as restorative as a warm hug. Whether you’re warding off a chill, nursing a cold, or simply craving a taste of classic comfort, you’ll fall in love with how satisfying and straightforward this recipe is. Trust me, after your first spoonful, you’ll want to keep this recipe close for every cozy night at home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is that it relies on simple ingredients that, when brought together, create something deeply flavorful and nourishing. Here’s how each ingredient plays its part in building that classic taste and just-right texture.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps the veggies release their flavors.
- Onion: Diced onion forms the flavor foundation with its gentle sweetness.
- Garlic: Just a few cloves bring a welcomed aromatic lift to the soup.
- Carrots: Sliced carrots add a pop of color and mild natural sweetness.
- Celery: This classic soup vegetable provides crunch and a touch of earthiness.
- Chicken broth: The heart and soul—use a rich, good-quality broth for best flavor.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie or homemade, this is what makes the soup truly hearty.
- Egg noodles: Their soft texture soaks up all the savory broth—choose your favorite style!
- Dried thyme: Just a teaspoon brings comforting, woodsy notes to the pot.
- Dried parsley: This adds brightness and a familiar herbal touch.
- Bay leaf: Infuses the broth with an extra layer of warming flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and highlighting every taste.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Stir in at the end for a hit of garden-fresh green and flavor.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about 5 to 6 minutes until they’re softened and the onion starts to turn translucent. This gentle cooking helps the veggies release their natural sweetness and creates a wholesome base for your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Next, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells absolutely heavenly—just make sure not to let the garlic brown, as it can turn bitter.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme, dried parsley, bay leaf, plus a pinch or two of salt and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir, then bring the soup to a boil. Once it bubbles up, lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing all those aromatic flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Add the egg noodles directly to the simmering soup. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually for 6 to 8 minutes, until they’re perfectly tender. The noodles will soak up all those delicious flavors while thickening the broth ever so slightly.
Step 5: Add the Chicken and Finish
Now, stir in your cooked shredded chicken and let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the chicken is warmed through. Be sure to fish out and discard the bay leaf, then taste and adjust the soup with extra salt and pepper if you want. For a burst of color and garden-fresh flavor, stir in chopped fresh parsley just before serving—your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is now ready to brighten anyone’s day!
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley brings brightness and freshness, but you can also top your bowl with a squeeze of lemon juice or even a few extra grindings of cracked black pepper for a punchy finish. For the ultimate comfort, add saltine crackers or a drizzle of good olive oil—simple touches make this soup sing.
Side Dishes
Pair your bowl with buttered toast, crusty baguette, or a classic grilled cheese sandwich. If you’re feeling ambitious, a crisp green salad or simple Caesar makes a lovely, fresh counterpoint to the warmth of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in big oversized mugs for a cozy, informal vibe—or ladle into vintage soup bowls for family-style comfort. For a fun twist, try topping with homemade croutons or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. No matter the presentation, Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup always shines.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. If you expect to have leftovers, you might want to cook the noodles separately and add them just before serving—the noodles tend to soak up broth as they sit!
Freezing
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup freezes beautifully, but for best results, freeze the broth, chicken, and vegetables without the noodles (they can turn mushy). Add fresh-cooked noodles when you reheat. Store portions in airtight containers or sturdy freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally until piping hot. Add a bit of extra broth if the soup has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer. If using fresh noodles, cook and add them right before serving for that just-made taste.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast meat?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring a slightly richer flavor and stay wonderfully tender in the soup. Use whatever cooked chicken you have on hand—rotisserie, leftover roast, or freshly poached all work beautifully in Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup.
How do I make this soup gluten-free?
Swap regular egg noodles for your favorite gluten-free noodles. Just add them as you would the classic kind, but keep an eye on texture and cooking times to avoid mushiness.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Frozen peas, sweet corn, or even small cubes of potato are all welcome additions. Just toss them in during the simmering stage and adjust your cooking time as needed so everything is tender.
Why does my soup sometimes taste bland?
This usually happens if your chicken broth is a little mild—taste and add more salt, pepper, or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end. A rich, flavorful broth is key to outstanding Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup!
Is it okay to use dried herbs if I don’t have fresh parsley?
Absolutely! Dried parsley and thyme are classic here. If you have other favorite herbs, feel free to experiment, but dried versions work perfectly in Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup for that familiar flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like making a batch of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup and sharing it with loved ones—it’s simple, soul-soothing, and endlessly adaptable. I hope this recipe brings as much comfort and joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. If you haven’t tried making it from scratch, now’s the perfect time to ladle up a bowlful of home!
Print
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Warm up with a comforting bowl of classic Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup. This easy recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or whenever you’re craving a hearty, delicious meal.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (from rotisserie or poached)
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened.
- Cook Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in chicken broth, add thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer.
- Cook Noodles: Add egg noodles and simmer until tender.
- Finish Soup: Stir in shredded chicken, simmer until heated through. Adjust seasoning, remove bay leaf, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Use leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for extra brightness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
