If there’s any dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day or the comfort you crave when you’re under the weather, it’s Chicken Noodle Soup. This classic bowl of goodness serves up everything we love: tender chicken, slurpable noodles, and a savory, herb-infused broth with colorful chunks of veggies in every spoonful. Whether you’re nourishing a cold, feeding your family, or simply seeking something cozy and nostalgic, this Chicken Noodle Soup is an absolute must-make recipe to keep in your back pocket.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Chicken Noodle Soup at home is refreshingly simple, but each ingredient plays an irreplaceable role in building its deliciously layered flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for the best taste and that classic, heartwarming color and texture:
- Olive oil: Sautées the vegetables and adds a subtle richness to the base of the soup.
- Onion: Brings depth and a touch of sweetness that forms the backbone of the flavor.
- Carrots: Celebrate this soup with vibrant orange color and a gentle earthy sweetness.
- Celery: Adds a fresh, almost peppery note, balancing all the savory flavors.
- Garlic: Infuses the broth with irresistible aroma and subtle zest.
- Chicken broth: The soul of the soup, creating that soothing, golden, sippable base.
- Cooked chicken (shredded): Tender, juicy bites bring satisfying protein and heartiness.
- Egg noodles: Spirals or ribbons, these are the slippery comfort that makes this soup irresistible.
- Dried thyme: Just a teaspoon delivers classic herbal notes that define Chicken Noodle Soup.
- Dried parsley: Adds gentle earthiness and a subtle green color to the pot.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for dialing in the soup’s flavor to just how you like it.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a burst of color and freshness for the perfect finishing touch.
How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté everything together for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are nicely softened and their glorious aroma fills your kitchen.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Once the veggies are softened, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for just about 1 minute—enough for the garlic to release its wonderful fragrance without burning. It’s the tiny detail that packs big flavor in your Chicken Noodle Soup.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried parsley, and a generous pinch each of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir. Turn up the heat and bring the pot to a gentle boil, then lower to a simmer and let it bubble for about 10 minutes. This step brings the flavors together and gives you that irresistible, savory base.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Noodles
Now, stir in your shredded cooked chicken and the uncooked egg noodles. Let the soup simmer for another 8 to 10 minutes or until the noodles are perfectly tender and ready to slurp. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom, and enjoy the soothing aroma filling your home!
Step 5: Finish and Taste
Once the noodles are done, give your Chicken Noodle Soup a taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. If you like things extra herbaceous, sprinkle in a bit more dried or fresh parsley. Ladle into bowls and garnish with a smattering of bright green parsley if you wish. Now, you’re ready to serve!
How to Serve Chicken Noodle Soup
Garnishes
A little fresh parsley goes a long way—not only does it look bright and inviting, but it also offers a refreshing lift to the rich, homespun broth. If you love a little zing, try a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top.
Side Dishes
Chicken Noodle Soup has a way of stealing the show on its own, but it’s even more soul-satisfying paired with warm, crusty bread or a gooey grilled cheese sandwich. If you want something lighter, serve your steaming bowl alongside a crisp salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
For family dinners or lunch gatherings, try ladling Chicken Noodle Soup into wide mugs for cozy sipping. You can also serve it in hollowed-out bread bowls for a wow-factor twist, or scatter a handful of oyster crackers on top for a touch of crunch and nostalgia.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Stash any leftover Chicken Noodle Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. The noodles will soak up some of that tasty broth as it sits, so don’t be surprised if it thickens up by the next day. Just add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to restore that perfect consistency.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze portions of Chicken Noodle Soup in freezer-safe containers. To avoid mushy noodles, consider freezing the soup before adding the noodles, and just cook and add them fresh when you reheat. Either way, this soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pour your soup back into a saucepan and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If the noodles have absorbed a lot of broth, top off with extra chicken broth to bring it back to soup perfection. The microwave works too—just reheat in bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken in Chicken Noodle Soup?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this recipe—it’s tender, flavorful, and saves valuable prep time. Just shred or dice it before adding to your soup.
What kind of noodles work best?
Egg noodles are the classic choice for Chicken Noodle Soup, thanks to their light, silky texture and ability to soak up all that delicious broth. However, you can swap in spaghetti, rotini, or even gluten-free noodles if you prefer.
How can I make the broth richer?
For a deeper, more savory broth, use homemade chicken stock or add a splash of bone broth. Tossing in a bay leaf while simmering also builds an extra layer of flavor—just remember to fish it out before serving.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Certainly! Feel free to add peas, corn, spinach, or diced potatoes to bulk up your Chicken Noodle Soup. Just chop them small so everything cooks evenly and fits on your spoon.
Why did my noodles get mushy?
Noodles will continue to soak up the broth as the soup sits, so if you’re making Chicken Noodle Soup ahead or plan to have leftovers, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them as you serve.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup truly is the ultimate comfort recipe—simple, nourishing, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s your first time making it or your hundredth, there is nothing quite like that first spoonful from your own kitchen. Give this recipe a try, and let the coziness commence!
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Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and satisfying Chicken Noodle Soup recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for chilly days. Loaded with tender chicken, vegetables, and egg noodles in a flavorful broth, this homemade soup is a classic favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups egg noodles, uncooked
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
For the Chicken Noodle Soup:
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the shredded chicken and egg noodles, cooking until the noodles are tender, about 8–10 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken stock and include a bay leaf while simmering (remove before serving).
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days, but the noodles may absorb liquid, so you might need to add extra broth when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
