If you are searching for the ultimate comfort food that warms the soul and delights the taste buds, this Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. With its tender shredded chicken, wholesome egg noodles, and a broth that sings with herbal goodness, every spoonful feels like a cozy hug. It’s classic, it’s satisfying, and perfectly balances fresh vegetables with savory flavors to create a timeless dish that’s easy to prepare yet deeply nourishing. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving a bowl of homemade goodness, this recipe brings all the heartwarming vibes right to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to creating a Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe that tastes as homemade as it gets. Each ingredient plays a key role—whether adding aroma, texture, or richness—to build that perfect bowl of soul-soothing soup.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness while sautéing the veggies and helps build flavor from the start.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Offers a sweet and savory base that softens beautifully for a mellow backdrop.
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced: Bring natural sweetness and bright color to the soup.
- 2 celery stalks, sliced: Add a slight crunch and aromatic depth that complements the other vegetables.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the broth with a warm, inviting fragrance that stays with every bite.
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The heart of the soup, providing a rich yet subtle canvas for all the flavors.
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken: Ready-to-go protein that makes the soup hearty and satisfying, perfect for using leftovers or rotisserie chicken.
- 2 cups egg noodles: Classic comfort noodles that become tender and soak up the savory broth.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A fragrant herb that adds gentle earthiness, balancing the flavors perfectly.
- 1 bay leaf: Enhances the broth’s complexity with its understated herbal note, removed before serving.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To brighten and season the soup according to your preference.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Adds a pop of fresh color and a subtle herbal finish.
How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, letting them cook gently for about 5 to 6 minutes until they soften and release their natural sweetness. This step builds the foundational flavors that make this soup so irresistible.
Step 2: Garlic Magic
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook it just for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to brown it too much, as garlic cooks quickly and you want it to add aroma without bitterness.
Step 3: Add Broth and Chicken
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, then add your shredded cooked chicken. This brings both warmth and heartiness to your soup. Stir everything together and prepare for the delicious simmering process.
Step 4: Noodles and Herbs
Add in the egg noodles, dried thyme, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Hearing the noodles softening in the broth is one of the most comforting sounds when making a chicken noodle soup.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes until the noodles are tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully. Remove the bay leaf at the end to avoid any bitterness.
Step 6: Bright Finish
Finally, stir in the fresh parsley for that vibrant, fresh lift. Taste your soup and adjust seasoning if needed—this finishing touch takes your Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe from good to unforgettable.
How to Serve Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dash of black pepper can instantly brighten your serving bowl. For an extra indulgent twist, a few shavings of Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can bring more depth and zest to each bite.
Side Dishes
Pairing this soup with crusty bread or freshly baked rolls can make meal times feel extra special. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the warmth of the soup perfectly. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a light sandwich.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, ladle the soup into individual bowls and garnish with a sprig of parsley. You can also serve it in a rustic bread bowl for a cozy, Insta-worthy meal. If you’re hosting, keep the soup warm in a slow cooker allowing guests to help themselves as they please.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken noodle soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making your next bowl even more delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze your soup for up to 2 months, but consider cooking the noodles fresh when reheating to avoid sogginess. Freeze the broth and chicken mixture separately if possible, then add noodles just before serving.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the soup gently over medium heat until heated through. If your noodles were cooked ahead and frozen, add fresh cooked noodles or pasta at this point to keep the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of noodles in this Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are classic, feel free to swap them for gluten-free noodles, pasta shapes like shells or rotini, or even ramen noodles for a fun twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it better to use homemade or store-bought chicken broth?
Homemade broth offers richer, more nuanced flavors, but good quality low-sodium store-bought broth works beautifully and keeps the soup quick to make. You can even enhance store-bought broth by simmering it with fresh herbs and veggies.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
This particular Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe centers on chicken and broth, but you can create a vegetarian version by substituting chicken broth with vegetable broth and replacing chicken with hearty mushrooms or tofu for protein.
What’s the best way to shred cooked chicken?
Shredding warm chicken is easiest with two forks pulling apart the meat along the grain. Rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe because it’s already tender and flavorful.
How can I make the soup more flavorful?
To boost the depth of flavor, use homemade broth, add a dash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce, or toss in fresh herbs like rosemary or sage along with the thyme. Roasting the vegetables before sautéing also adds complexity.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is a timeless classic that never fails to bring comfort, warmth, and joy to the table. It’s straightforward to prepare, uses everyday ingredients, and fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of homemade love. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for cozy nights, chilly days, or whenever you want to feel nurtured in a bowl. Give it a try and savor the simple magic of a truly great chicken noodle soup!
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Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This classic Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for any day. Made with tender shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and egg noodles simmered in a flavorful low-sodium chicken broth, it’s a nourishing dish that comes together easily on the stovetop. Ideal for colder days or when you need a boost of warmth and home-cooked goodness.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
- 2 cups egg noodles
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for about 5–6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until it releases its aroma but does not brown.
- Add Broth and Main Ingredients: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, then add the shredded cooked chicken, egg noodles, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 10–12 minutes until the egg noodles are tender and cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf and stir in fresh chopped parsley if using. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed before serving hot.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth or simmer a raw chicken breast in the soup and shred it once cooked.
- Feel free to swap egg noodles for other pasta shapes, or use gluten-free noodles if needed.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon or a dash of hot sauce can brighten the flavor when serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
