If you’ve ever craved a bowl of ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is your new best friend. It combines simple, wholesome ingredients into a melody of flavors and textures that soothe the soul and satisfy your hunger. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, looking for a cozy meal on a chilly day, or just want to treat yourself to something classic and delicious, this recipe delivers on every level. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe starts with straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one brings its own magic—whether it’s the aromatic onion and garlic that build a flavorful base, the tender carrots and celery adding crunch and color, or the savory chicken broth and herbs enriching the broth with depth and warmth.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a gentle richness and helps soften vegetables without overpowering flavors.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and aromatic depth, essential for a hearty foundation.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a subtle punch of savory flavor that brightens the soup.
- 3 medium carrots, sliced: Offers sweetness and vibrant color to lift the dish visually and in taste.
- 2 celery stalks, sliced: Contributes a delicate earthiness and satisfying crunch.
- 8 cups chicken broth: The soul of the soup, infusing it with warmth and a comforting savory punch.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat, rounding out the seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings an herbaceous note that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 2 bay leaves: Infuse subtle complexity and aroma as the soup simmers gently.
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken: Offers tender protein and makes the soup heartier; rotisserie chicken works beautifully here.
- 2 cups egg noodles: They soak up the broth and add a satisfying chew, making it truly comforting.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A bright, fresh finish that adds a lovely pop of color and flavor.
How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Adding chopped onions and minced garlic and cooking them until the onions turn translucent unlocks the flavorful base that will carry your entire soup. This step is crucial because it softens the aromatics just enough to release their natural sweetness and depth.
Step 2: Soften the Vegetables
Next, toss in the sliced carrots and celery. Sauté them together for about five minutes. This gentle cooking softens the veggies slightly, helping them blend seamlessly into the broth later while still keeping enough texture to provide that familiar, comforting bite we all love in chicken noodle soup.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Bring to a Boil
Pour in the chicken broth and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil. This rich, savory liquid is the heart and soul of the Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe and bubbling it up helps to meld all the base ingredients into one delicious, aromatic broth.
Step 4: Season the Soup
Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and add the bay leaves. Stir these seasonings in well, allowing the soup to absorb these simple but essential flavors as it simmers. The bay leaves especially lend a subtle, woodsy depth that makes the soup feel truly homemade.
Step 5: Simmer Until Vegetables Are Tender
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes. This allows the carrots and celery to become tender while the broth deepens in flavor. It’s a critical pause that helps marry all the elements beautifully.
Step 6: Add Chicken and Noodles
Now, fold in the cooked shredded chicken and egg noodles. Let everything cook together for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the noodles are perfectly tender and have soaked up some of the broth’s savory goodness. This is when your soup truly starts to come alive with heartiness and texture.
Step 7: Final Touches
Before serving, remove the bay leaves to avoid any bitterness. Then, sprinkle fresh parsley on top if you like a touch of brightness and color—it’s like adding a little sunshine to your bowl. And just like that, your Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is ready to warm you up from the inside out!
How to Serve Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take your chicken noodle soup to the next level. A pinch of chopped fresh parsley adds vibrancy and a gentle herbal note, while a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors wonderfully. If you’re feeling indulgent, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese offers a savory twist that’s utterly delightful.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs perfectly with simple sides that complement without overshadowing. Crusty bread or buttered toast is ideal for dipping into the flavorful broth, while a light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast. If you want more heartiness, a side of garlic knots or warm dinner rolls warms up your whole meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe in individual bread bowls—impressive and delicious! You can also garnish with a swirl of cream or a dash of chili flakes for some heat. For family-style meals, a large, rustic pot on the table encourages everyone to dive right in and share the cozy goodness together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe stores easily in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the noodles separate if you want to keep them from soaking up too much broth, especially if you want that fresh noodle bite when reheating.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, but keep noodles and broth separate. Freeze the broth and chicken mixture in freezer-safe containers, then add freshly cooked noodles when reheating. This method ensures the noodles don’t become mushy and the soup stays tasty and fresh.
Reheating
When reheating, warm your soup gently over low to medium heat on the stove. Add noodles in the last few minutes to prevent overcooking. Stir occasionally, and if the broth thickens too much, simply add a splash of water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles?
Absolutely! Egg noodles are classic, but feel free to use any shape you like—rotini, macaroni, or even gluten-free options work well. Just adjust cooking time based on the noodle type to avoid overcooking.
Is it necessary to cook the chicken beforehand?
Yes, it’s best to use cooked chicken, such as rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken breasts. Adding raw chicken would require longer cooking and could make the broth cloudy or overly rich.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken, but note the soup won’t have the rich meaty flavor traditional Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is known for. Adding mushrooms or tofu can help provide some protein and texture.
What herbs work best besides thyme?
Rosemary, sage, or a bay leaf blend also complements the flavors well. Fresh herbs added at the end of cooking provide a brighter, more aromatic touch, while dried herbs develop deeper flavor during simmering.
How can I make this soup more filling?
Adding extra chicken, thicker noodles, or even some diced potatoes can boost the heartiness. Lentils or beans also work as protein-packed additions if you want to stretch the soup further.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is a timeless favorite for all the right reasons—easy to make, wonderfully comforting, and endlessly adaptable. Once you try it, you’ll see why it earns a spot in your recipe rotation year-round. So go ahead, cook up a pot, cozy in, and enjoy every spoonful of this classic treat!
Print
Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Chicken Noodle Soup is a classic homemade recipe perfect for chilly days or when you need a soothing meal. Made with tender shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, flavorful herbs, and tender egg noodles, this hearty soup is both nourishing and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or cooked chicken breast)
- 2 cups egg noodles (or any preferred pasta)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the sliced carrots and celery, sautéing for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften but retain some crunch.
- Add Broth and Bring to Boil: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- Season the Soup: Add salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and bay leaves to the boiling broth. Stir well to incorporate all the flavors.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld.
- Cook Chicken and Noodles: Add the shredded chicken and egg noodles to the pot. Continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the chicken is heated through.
- Remove Bay Leaves: Carefully remove and discard the bay leaves from the soup before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Stir in fresh parsley if desired and ladle the hot soup into bowls to serve immediately.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth or stock.
- You can substitute egg noodles with any preferred pasta like fusilli or macaroni.
- Leftover cooked chicken, such as from a rotisserie bird, works great to save time.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free noodles.
- Soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
