Chicken Noodle Soup is more than just a dish—it’s the hug in a bowl we turn to on chilly nights, lazy weekends, and days when only true comfort food will do. The soulful combination of tender chicken, buttery noodles, aromatic veggies, and a fragrant, herby broth creates a sense of warmth that just can’t be matched. Whether you’re nursing a cold, hosting family, or seeking a little nostalgic solace, this homemade classic delivers every single time—with each spoonful gathering memories, coziness, and pure, golden goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You truly don’t need fancy ingredients to pull together a fantastic Chicken Noodle Soup—all you need are the basics, each playing its own special role. Every element, from the vegetables to the broth, brings depth, color, and irresistible flavor to your bowl.
- Olive Oil: Adds a subtle richness that forms the base of the soup and helps vegetables soften beautifully.
- Onion (diced): Gives sweetness, savoriness, and aroma for a deeper flavored broth.
- Garlic (minced): Delivers a gentle kick and warmth to the soup.
- Carrots (sliced): Provide color, a hint of sweetness, and classic comfort vibes.
- Celery (sliced): Lends freshness and a subtle herbal note—don’t skip it!
- Chicken Broth: Acts as the savory backbone of the entire soup, so use a good-quality one.
- Shredded Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver, but any tender cooked chicken will do.
- Dried Thyme: Adds earthiness and a slight lemony brightness.
- Dried Oregano: Rounds out the herby profile and deepens flavor.
- Bay Leaf: Infuses the soup with subtle, complex undertones—just remember to remove it before serving.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors as you cook and taste.
- Egg Noodles (uncooked): The classic noodle for Chicken Noodle Soup; soft and comforting.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a pop of green and a fresh finish at the end.
- Lemon Juice (optional): Just a squeeze wakes up all the other flavors—try it if you like a zesty lift.
How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Veggies
Start by heating the olive oil in a large, sturdy pot over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and let it cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until it turns translucent and fragrant. Follow with minced garlic, carrots, and celery, stirring everything together. Let the mixture cook for another five minutes, giving your veggies a head start to soften and build a savory foundation.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and take a deep breath—that aroma is already so inviting! Add the shredded chicken, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, plus salt and pepper to taste. Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer away for 15 minutes. This is where flavors meld, deepen, and get cozy together, while the chicken becomes wonderfully tender.
Step 3: Cook the Egg Noodles
Once your kitchen smells like pure home-cooked happiness, stir in the uncooked egg noodles. Let them simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until soft and plump, soaking up that golden broth. Be sure to keep an eye on them—no one likes overcooked noodles in their Chicken Noodle Soup!
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Fish out the bay leaf (it’s done its work!), and if you like, stir in fresh chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper until everything sings. Now all that’s left is to savor the soup warm, spoon after comforting spoon.
How to Serve Chicken Noodle Soup
Garnishes
Nothing elevates Chicken Noodle Soup like a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a crack of black pepper, or a hint of fresh lemon zest. For a rich twist, drop a few croutons on top, or swirl in a bit of grated parmesan—each adds color, crunch, or just an extra punch of flavor. Let your inner chef shine with your favorite finishing touch!
Side Dishes
Pair your soup with a thick, crusty slice of buttered bread or a soft, pull-apart dinner roll to soak up every last drop. Simple green salads with a light vinaigrette work beautifully alongside, as do grilled cheese sandwiches for a nostalgic combo that’s always a hit with kids and grown-ups alike.
Creative Ways to Present
For family meals, ladle Chicken Noodle Soup into big bowls and serve family-style with toppings on the side so everyone can customize their own creation. Hosting guests? Pour the soup into mugs for a cozy, casual starter, or try mini soup shooters at your next gathering. No matter how you serve it, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any remaining Chicken Noodle Soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. It’s perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners, lasting up to four days in the fridge while keeping all those comforting flavors intact.
Freezing
If you plan to freeze the soup, ladle out portions before adding the noodles—this keeps them from turning mushy when thawed. Store the broth and cooked veggies/chicken in freezer-safe containers, and simply add fresh noodles when you reheat for a just-cooked texture every time.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm Chicken Noodle Soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If you’re microwaving, cover the bowl with a lid or plate to avoid splatters, and stir halfway through. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened a bit in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use different types of noodles in Chicken Noodle Soup?
Absolutely! While classic egg noodles are beloved for their tender texture, you can swap in rotini, ditalini, broken spaghetti, or even gluten-free options to suit your needs and taste preferences.
What’s the best chicken to use for this soup?
Rotisserie chicken is quick and full of flavor, but any cooked, shredded chicken works beautifully. Leftover roasted or poached chicken are excellent too—just be sure it’s well seasoned for the tastiest broth.
How do I keep the noodles from getting mushy?
The trick is to add the noodles shortly before serving or cook them separately, adding them to each bowl as you serve. If you’re storing leftovers, try to keep the noodles separate and combine them just before reheating.
Can I make Chicken Noodle Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté the veggies briefly on the stove, then add everything except the noodles to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, stir in the noodles in the last 30 minutes, and finish with fresh parsley and lemon.
Is this recipe easily adaptable to be gluten-free?
Definitely—simply swap the egg noodles for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Be sure to check that your chicken broth is certified gluten-free as well, and you’re good to go!
Final Thoughts
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is pure, classic comfort that deserves a spot in every kitchen. Whether you’re a longtime fan or trying it for the first time, I truly hope this cozy recipe brings some extra warmth and togetherness to your table—one spoonful at a time. Happy cooking!
Print
Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Warm up with a bowl of comforting Chicken Noodle Soup made with tender chicken, vegetables, and egg noodles in a flavorful broth.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 medium carrots (sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups egg noodles (uncooked)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Soup: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent. Stir in garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until slightly softened.
- Cook the Soup: Pour in chicken broth, add shredded chicken, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add Noodles and Serve: Add egg noodles, cook until tender. Remove bay leaf, stir in parsley and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning and serve warm.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, reduce broth by 1 cup or add 1 tablespoon of flour when sautéing the vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Add noodles just before serving to avoid them getting too soft.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
