If you’re craving pure comfort in a bowl, look no further than Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup—an absolute staple in my kitchen, especially when chilly weather settles in or loved ones need a little extra TLC. This soup is everything you want in a classic: a deeply savory, golden broth, tender bites of chicken, herb-kissed vegetables, and satisfying egg noodles. Simple enough for a weeknight yet nostalgic as any childhood favorite, Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup brings the kind of warmth and contentment that never goes out of style.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup is its reliance on basic, tried-and-true ingredients. Each one serves a special role, from building broth flavor to adding color and texture. Let’s give every component its moment to shine.
- Olive oil: This healthy fat gives your veggies a perfect start, adding a subtle richness to the soup base.
- Onion (chopped): Gives the broth foundational sweetness and depth; sauté until translucent for the best results.
- Carrots (peeled and sliced): Classic for color and gentle natural sweetness—slice them evenly for even cooking.
- Celery (sliced): Balances sweetness with subtle bitterness and adds that essential “soup” aroma.
- Garlic (minced): A little garlic goes a long way in boosting the overall savoriness and richness.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The soul of the soup—opt for quality broth or go homemade if you can.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver, but any leftover roasted or poached chicken works perfectly.
- Dried parsley: Brings a mild herby note and ties all the flavors together.
- Dried thyme: Just a touch gives the soup its signature, comforting aroma.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning—taste and adjust as you go for the most flavorful result.
- Egg noodles: Tender and slightly chewy, these noodles make the soup memorable; cook them just until done.
- Lemon juice (optional): A splash at the end wakes up all the flavors and brightens the entire bowl.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of green and a fresh finish—totally worth it.
How to Make Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and their flavors meld together. Stir frequently so nothing sticks or browns too much—you want that gentle, sweet aroma from the onion and a tender bite from the carrots and celery.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just about a minute. Keep a close eye on it! Garlic cooks quickly and you’re looking for a gentle fragrant lift here, not browning. This step is what gives Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup that irresistible aroma when you lean over the pot.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth
With the veggies softened and aromatic, it’s time to pour in the chicken broth. Turn up the heat to bring everything to a gentle boil. This forms the flavorful, golden base of the soup and makes your kitchen smell heavenly.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Herbs
Reduce the heat to a steady simmer, then stir in the shredded chicken along with dried parsley, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Let the soup bubble gently for about 10 minutes—this allows the herbs to release their flavors and the chicken to soak up all that brothy goodness. Feel free to taste and adjust seasoning as you go!
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
Add the egg noodles right into the simmering soup. Cook for 8-10 minutes, just until the noodles are tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally and keep an eye on the texture—the noodles soak up flavor quickly and are absolute comfort in every bite.
Step 6: Finish With Lemon and Parsley
For a bright, fresh finish, stir in the lemon juice if you’re using it. It makes a subtle difference that lifts up all the flavors, especially if your broth is very rich. Taste the Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup one last time and make any final seasoning tweaks. Ladle into bowls and top with fresh chopped parsley for that inviting, homestyle look.
How to Serve Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
Garnishes
Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup shines with just a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, giving that classic look and a pop of freshness. If you want to take things up a notch, a swirl of freshly cracked pepper, a squeeze of lemon, or even a pinch of flaky salt right before serving can really bring everything together.
Side Dishes
This soup makes a perfect meal on its own, but pairing it with a few simple sides always makes dinnertime extra special. Think of a crusty artisan bread, some warm biscuits, or a green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Each addition is an excuse to soak up that last drop of broth and add some variety to your table.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to give your Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup a fun spin, try serving it in large mugs or rustic soup bowls. For gatherings, set up a “soup bar” with toppings like extra herbs, shredded cheese, or even a bit of sriracha for spice-lovers. Mini bread bowls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for special occasions or cozy weekends at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Store it in a sealed container, and if you notice the noodles soaking up extra broth, just add a splash of chicken broth or water before reheating to bring it back to the perfect consistency.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the soup before adding noodles—noodles can get a bit mushy after thawing. Freeze the base in airtight containers for up to 3 months, then add freshly cooked noodles when you’re ready to heat and eat. This keeps your soup as lively and satisfying as it was on day one.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If it’s thickened up in storage, add a little extra broth until you have the consistency you love. Taste for seasoning—sometimes a touch more salt or a squeeze of lemon after reheating brings everything right back to life.
FAQs
Can I make Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup with raw chicken instead of cooked?
Absolutely! If you use raw, boneless chicken, simply add it to the broth after sautéing the veggies, simmer until fully cooked, and then shred it before adding back to the pot. It might take a few extra minutes, but you’ll get lovely, tender chicken in your soup.
What can I use instead of egg noodles?
If you don’t have egg noodles, try using pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or even broken spaghetti. Just cook according to package directions and keep that al dente bite.
How do I make this soup gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, swap the egg noodles for your favorite gluten-free pasta or even cooked rice. Just watch the cook time, as gluten-free noodles can soften a bit faster.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup is very adaptable—throw in a handful of spinach, kale, peas, or corn for extra color and nutrients. Add leafy greens at the end so they stay bright and vibrant.
Is it okay to use only water instead of broth?
You can use water in a pinch, but the flavor will be much milder. To boost richness, consider adding a bouillon cube, a splash of soy sauce, or extra aromatics to amp up the base.
Final Thoughts
Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup is the kind of recipe you’ll want to return to again and again, whether for weeknight dinners, casual family gatherings, or whenever the mood for comfort strikes. I hope you give it a try and let it bring a little extra warmth and joy to your table!
Print
Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This homestyle chicken noodle soup recipe is a comforting classic that’s perfect for any day of the week. Loaded with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and flavorful broth, it’s a bowl of warmth and goodness.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 6 ounces egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
For the Soup:
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and stir in shredded chicken, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors combine.
- Add the egg noodles and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender.
- Stir in lemon juice if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, simmer the soup longer before adding noodles.
- Use homemade broth if available.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and add a splash of broth when reheating to loosen it up.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
