Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Nothing comforts quite like a steaming bowl of Easy Chicken Noodle Soup. This cozy classic is packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and perfectly slurpy noodles, all in a soul-warming, aromatic broth. Whether you’re fighting off a chilly evening or just seeking a familiar favorite, this soup brings both flavor and nostalgia to the table—plus, it comes together in a flash with a short list of ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Easy Chicken Noodle Soup is refreshingly straightforward, and each one plays a crucial role. The fresh veggies add depth and crunch, the chicken lends savory heartiness, and fragrant herbs round things out with a burst of brightness. Simple never tasted so good!
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables to sweet, golden perfection.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped): The essential aromatic base for that classic soup flavor.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Infuses the broth with a gentle, savory bite.
- Carrots (3, sliced): Bring sweetness and eye-catching color to the bowl.
- Celery stalks (2, sliced): Offer unmistakable crunch and classic soup flavor.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (8 cups): The backbone of the soup—rich, savory, not too salty.
- Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups, rotisserie or leftover): Makes the recipe extra quick, moist, and flavorful.
- Egg noodles (2 cups): Soft and slurpable, these are the ultimate comfort food noodles.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle woodsy, herby layer to the broth.
- Bay leaf (1): A classic for infusing soups with gentle, earthy aroma.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning everything to perfection.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Brings a burst of color and fresh flavor at the end.
How to Make Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté this beautiful medley for 5 to 6 minutes until everything softens slightly and the kitchen is filled with an irresistible aroma—it’s the foundation of real homemade flavor.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Pour in your chicken broth, then stir in dried thyme and the bay leaf. Give everything a good mix! Crank up the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once you see those happy bubbles, lower the heat to a simmer and let things mingle for about 10 minutes. This is when the flavors really start to dance together.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Noodles
Now add the cooked shredded chicken and egg noodles right into the pot. Continue simmering for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the egg noodles reach tender, slurpy perfection. If you’re using rotisserie or leftover chicken, it’ll soak up all those wonderful flavors in no time.
Step 4: Season and Finish
Taste your soup and season with salt and pepper as needed—everyone’s perfect bowl is just a little bit different! Once you’re happy, fish out the bay leaf and stir in freshly chopped parsley for color and an herby pop. That final sprinkle makes all the difference.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
Garnishes
A generous handful of chopped parsley or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper always looks inviting, but don’t stop there—try adding a splash of lemon juice, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or even a little grated Parmesan for an unexpected twist. The fresh aroma and vibrant green of the parsley enhance both the flavor and presentation of your Easy Chicken Noodle Soup.
Side Dishes
Classic soup calls for classic company! Serve your Easy Chicken Noodle Soup alongside warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to make the meal heartier. A simple green salad or a batch of crackers can round out lunch or dinner, while a grilled cheese sandwich takes the comfort factor to new heights.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your Easy Chicken Noodle Soup by ladling it into wide, shallow bowls topped with a swirl of good olive oil, a few fresh herb leaves, or even homemade garlic croutons. For gatherings, serve in oversized mugs for easy sipping, or create a DIY soup bar where everyone can add their favorite toppings like chopped herbs, grated cheese, or crunchy seeds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Chicken Noodle Soup stores beautifully. Just let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and the flavors only get better as everything melds together. If you know you’ll be storing leftovers, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them fresh when reheating to prevent them from getting too soft.
Freezing
This soup is a dream for batch-cooking and freezing! For best results, freeze the Easy Chicken Noodle Soup without the noodles—they can become a bit mushy when thawed and reheated. Simply ladle the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before gently reheating and adding freshly cooked noodles.
Reheating
To reheat, pour your Easy Chicken Noodle Soup into a pot and warm gently over medium heat until hot. If the soup looks too thick, add a splash of extra broth or water. If reheating from the freezer, let it thaw fully first for best texture, then reheat as usual. Always give it a taste and freshen it up with extra parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
FAQs
Can I use uncooked chicken in this Easy Chicken Noodle Soup?
Absolutely! Just add uncooked chicken breasts to the simmering broth and cook for about 20 minutes before removing, shredding, and returning to the pot. This way, you get super-tender chicken that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
What are the best noodles for Easy Chicken Noodle Soup?
Egg noodles are the classic choice and work beautifully, but you can also use pasta shapes like rotini or small shells if that’s what you have on hand. Adjust the cooking time to keep the noodles pleasantly firm.
How do I make this soup gluten-free?
Swap out the egg noodles for your favorite gluten-free noodle or rice pasta. Just check the cooking time on the package and add them towards the end to avoid mushiness.
Can I add more vegetables?
Of course! This Easy Chicken Noodle Soup is the perfect blank canvas. Stir in peas, corn, spinach, or even chopped kale during the last few minutes of cooking for more flavor, color, and nutritional goodness.
How can I give this soup extra depth of flavor?
Try adding a splash of lemon juice just before serving, or cook with a parmesan rind in the broth (remove it before serving) for a rich, umami boost. Roasted or smoked chicken also adds a bold twist to this comforting recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Easy Chicken Noodle Soup to brighten your day and fill your kitchen with the most inviting aromas. Share it with loved ones or savor a steaming bowl solo—you’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients come together to create something truly wonderful. Give this recipe a try, and let it become a cherished staple in your home!
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Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This easy chicken noodle soup recipe is perfect for a comforting meal. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious homemade soup in no time.
Ingredients
Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat.
- Add ingredients: Onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened.
- Pour broth: Add chicken broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then simmer.
- Add chicken and noodles: Cook until noodles are tender.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper, remove bay leaf, stir in parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use uncooked chicken breasts—just simmer them in the broth for 20 minutes before shredding.
- For added depth, squeeze in a bit of lemon juice before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
