The Ultimate Quick & Easy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup to soothe the soul, especially on a chilly evening or when you’re feeling under the weather. This timeless classic is the quintessential comfort food, renowned for its ability to bring a sense of warmth, nostalgia, and well-being. Our easy chicken noodle soup recipe is designed for those moments when you need comfort fast, using readily available ingredients and smart shortcuts to get a delicious meal on the table in no time.
Often, when craving comfort food or battling a cold, the last thing you want is a complicated cooking project. That’s why this recipe shines! It strategically uses already cooked chicken, like a rotisserie chicken or leftover shredded chicken, dramatically cutting down on prep and cook time. If you prefer to start with fresh, raw chicken, we’ve included simple instructions to guide you through that process as well. This versatility ensures that everyone can enjoy a bowl of wholesome, flavorful homemade chicken noodle soup without the hassle.
Forget the canned stuff – seriously. While convenient, nothing compares to the rich, nuanced flavors of a soup made from scratch. With just a tiny bit more effort, you’ll achieve a depth of flavor that canned varieties simply can’t replicate. Plus, a big batch means delicious leftovers, perfect for quick lunches or another comforting dinner. This recipe isn’t just about feeding your body; it’s about nourishing your spirit with every spoonful of tender chicken, soft noodles, and savory broth.
Why This Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Will Become Your Go-To Recipe
This isn’t just another chicken noodle soup recipe; it’s designed to be a culinary hug in a bowl, offering multiple reasons to love it:
- Effortlessly Easy – Don’t let the idea of homemade soup intimidate you. This recipe simplifies the process, making it accessible even for beginner cooks. The most involved step is sautéing a few vegetables, after which everything simmers together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s a truly straightforward path to a deeply satisfying meal.
- Unparalleled Comfort – For many, chicken noodle soup is synonymous with childhood, warmth, and feeling cared for. This recipe taps into that nostalgic comfort, bringing back fond memories and helping you feel rejuvenated. It’s more than just food; it’s a therapeutic experience that genuinely makes you feel better.
- Fantastic for Meal Prep – This soup is perfect for making ahead. Prepare a large batch to enjoy throughout the week, or portion it into individual containers for easy, healthy lunches you can take to work. Its flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
- Nutritious & Wholesome – Packed with tender chicken for protein, fresh vegetables for essential vitamins, and a flavorful broth for hydration, this soup is a powerhouse of goodness. It’s light yet filling, making it an ideal choice for a balanced meal, especially during cold and flu season.
- Highly Customizable – While delicious as is, this recipe is a fantastic canvas for personalization. Adjust the seasonings, add extra vegetables, or even change the type of noodles to suit your family’s preferences. It’s easy to make it “just like mom used to make” or to create your own signature version.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup
For precise measurements and detailed instructions, be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.
- Oil – A good quality oil is key to sautéing your aromatics. Olive oil, avocado oil, or even vegetable oil work wonderfully. For an extra layer of richness and flavor, feel free to use butter.
- Carrots – These add natural sweetness, a vibrant color, and essential nutrients to your soup.
- Celery – A core component of the “mirepoix,” celery provides a subtle earthy flavor and a satisfying texture.
- Onion – The aromatic foundation of many great soups, onion adds depth and savory notes.
- Chicken Stock – The backbone of your soup! Opt for a high-quality chicken stock or broth. Using a low-sodium version gives you better control over the final salt content. For a richer flavor, consider using homemade stock if available.
- Bay Leaf – This humble herb imparts a subtle, almost floral note that enhances the overall savory profile. Remember to remove it before serving!
- Dried Thyme – A classic herb pairing with chicken, thyme adds warmth and a slightly peppery, minty flavor.
- Dried Basil – Sweet and aromatic, basil complements the chicken and vegetables beautifully.
- Dried Parsley – While often used as a garnish, dried parsley adds a mild, fresh, and slightly peppery flavor to the simmering broth.
- Shredded Chicken – The star of the show! This recipe is perfect for utilizing leftover cooked chicken, such as shredded rotisserie chicken or chicken you’ve prepared in advance. If you prefer to cook fresh, raw chicken, detailed instructions are provided below to seamlessly incorporate it into the recipe.
- Egg Noodles – Wide egg noodles are a traditional choice for chicken noodle soup, offering a comforting chewiness. However, feel free to use your favorite noodle shape or type.
- Salt & Pepper – These are crucial for seasoning. Always taste your soup before adding salt, as the sodium content in chicken stocks can vary significantly. Season gradually until it reaches your desired flavor balance.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup
Making homemade chicken noodle soup is a surprisingly simple process. Follow these steps for a delicious and comforting meal:
- Step 1: Sauté the Veggies. Begin by heating your chosen oil (olive oil, avocado oil, or butter) in a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté these aromatic vegetables for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent. This step is crucial for building a strong flavor base for your soup.
- Step 2: Simmer the Broth. Once the vegetables are tender and fragrant, pour in the chicken stock. Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, dried basil, and dried parsley. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 20-40 minutes. The simmering time is flexible: a quick 20-minute simmer will develop good flavor, but allowing it to simmer for the longer duration will truly deepen and marry the flavors, resulting in a more complex and satisfying broth.
- Step 3: Add Noodles & Chicken. After the broth has simmered to perfection, it’s time to add the uncooked egg noodles and the already cooked and shredded chicken. Stir everything together gently. Continue to simmer for approximately 10 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente (cooked through but still firm to the bite) and the chicken is thoroughly heated.
- Step 4: Serve & Enjoy. Carefully remove the pot from the heat. Before serving, remember to remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste the soup and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference, as chicken stock saltiness can vary. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and, if desired, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately and savor every comforting spoonful!
Pro Tips & Expert Suggestions for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup
Elevate your homemade chicken noodle soup with these helpful hints:
- Broth Matters for Color and Flavor: The visual appeal and flavor depth of your soup will largely depend on the chicken stock or broth you choose. Some brands, like Trader Joe’s, offer a darker, richer stock, while others, like Swanson’s, might be lighter. Experiment with different brands to find your favorite, or even better, use homemade chicken stock for an unparalleled depth of flavor.
- Cooking with Fresh Chicken: If you prefer to use raw chicken instead of pre-cooked, it’s incredibly simple. After adding the chicken broth and herbs, place 1-1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs directly into the simmering liquid. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken, shred it using two forks, and then return it to the pot when you add the noodles.
- Seasoning to Perfection: Always remember to taste and adjust seasonings at the end. Different brands of chicken stock and broth contain varying amounts of sodium, so adding salt too early can make your soup overly salty. Start with less and add more salt and pepper to taste just before serving. A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder can also enhance the savory notes.
- Stock vs. Bouillon: For the richest, most authentic flavor, I typically prefer using boxed chicken stock or broth over “better than bouillon” paste. While bouillon is convenient, boxed stock often provides a more complex and natural base. However, if you want an extra intense flavor boost, you can absolutely add a teaspoon of bouillon paste to your boxed chicken broth.
- Enhance with Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs are convenient, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, dill, or even a few sprigs of thyme at the end can brighten the flavor considerably.
- A Touch of Acidity: For a vibrant finish, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can cut through the richness and add a delightful zest, reminiscent of Greek Avgolemono soup.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Instructions
This easy chicken noodle soup is excellent for planning ahead, making it even more convenient for busy days.
Make Ahead: If you plan to prepare this soup a day or two in advance, I highly recommend cooking the noodles separately. This prevents them from becoming overly soft and mushy (a common issue known as “noodle bloat”) as they soak up the broth. Store the cooked noodles and the soup broth (with chicken and veggies) in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the desired portions of soup and noodles in a pot, heat gently until warmed through, and enjoy.
Storage: Leftovers are a treat! Store any remaining chicken noodle soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Be aware that the noodles will continue to absorb liquid as the soup sits, becoming softer and swelling. If you prefer your noodles firmer, consider storing them separately from the broth as mentioned above, even for short-term refrigeration.
Freezing: Chicken noodle soup freezes beautifully, making it an excellent candidate for long-term meal prep. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe airtight containers or individual portion-sized containers. It can be stored in the freezer for 3-4 months. To serve, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop until simmering. If you’re specifically making a batch to freeze, you might want to slightly undercook the noodles by a couple of minutes. This ensures they don’t turn mushy once thawed and reheated, retaining a better texture.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With Your Chicken Noodle Soup
This ultimate comfort food deserves equally delicious accompaniments, especially on a cold night. While any fresh bread or crackers are a natural fit, here are some of my favorite ways to complete the meal:
- Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks: Warm, soft breadsticks are ideal for soaking up every last drop of flavorful broth.
- Homemade Crispy Crackers: Elevate your soup experience with gourmet crackers, perfect for a satisfying crunch.
- A Light Green Salad: A fresh, crisp tossed salad with a simple vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
- Hearty Cheddar Beer Bread: For something more substantial, this savory bread adds a wonderful texture and flavor dimension.
- Flavorful Ranch Oyster Crackers: A seasoned, crunchy topping that adds an extra layer of savory goodness to each spoonful.
Exciting Recipe Variations to Customize Your Soup
One of the best things about homemade chicken noodle soup is its adaptability. Feel free to get creative with these delicious variations:
- Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: For a richer, more indulgent soup, stir in about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half at the very end of cooking, just before serving. This adds a lovely velvety texture and depth without being overly heavy.
- A Zesty Citrus Kick: Brighten your soup with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Adding 1-2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice at the end can elevate all the other flavors, giving the soup a wonderfully vibrant and slightly tangy profile, similar to traditional Greek Avgolemono soup.
- Tender Chicken Thighs: While chicken breast is commonly used, opting for boneless, skinless chicken thighs can result in even more tender and juicy chicken. If using fresh thighs, simply trim them and add them to the simmering broth (as detailed in the “Tips & Suggestions” section); they typically cook through in about 20 minutes.
- Explore Different Noodles: Don’t limit yourself to wide egg noodles! This soup is versatile enough to accommodate various pasta shapes. Consider using smaller pasta like ditalini, alphabet pasta, orzo, or even a heartier option like cheese tortellini for a more substantial meal (like in a Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup). You could even use rice for a gluten-free alternative.
- Boost Your Veggies: Transform this into an even heartier and more nutrient-dense soup by adding extra vegetables. Stir in fresh spinach at the very end to wilt, or incorporate diced zucchini, sliced mushrooms, green beans, peas, or corn during the last 10-15 minutes of simmering.
- Make it Spicy: For those who love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with your herbs, or a dash of hot sauce to individual bowls before serving.
More Comforting Soup Recipes to Warm Your Soul
If you loved this chicken noodle soup, you’ll definitely want to explore these other incredibly comforting and flavorful soup recipes:
- Zuppa Toscana – A hearty and creamy Italian classic with sausage, potatoes, and kale.
- Chicken Taco Soup – All the vibrant flavors of tacos in a cozy, easy-to-make soup.
- Instant Pot Potato Soup – Velvety smooth and incredibly satisfying, made quickly in your Instant Pot.
- Cheeseburger Soup – A fun, family-friendly soup that tastes just like a cheeseburger in a bowl.
- Instant Pot Pozole – A traditional Mexican stew, made easy in the Instant Pot, brimming with hominy and tender pork or chicken.
- Tomato Tortellini Soup – A comforting tomato-based soup with cheesy tortellini for a delightful texture.
- Beer Cheese Soup – Rich, creamy, and wonderfully savory, perfect with crusty bread.
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 ribs of celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 10 cups chicken stock
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 Tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken, such as rotisserie chicken or leftovers (see notes for using fresh chicken)
- 8 oz egg noodles
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, celery, and onion. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.1 Tablespoon olive oil, 2 large carrots, 2 ribs of celery, 1/2 cup onion
- Pour in the chicken stock and add the bay leaf, dried thyme, and dried basil. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover and cook for 20-40 minutes. A longer simmer will allow the flavors to develop more fully.10 cups chicken stock, 1 bay leaf, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Stir in the uncooked egg noodles and the cooked, shredded chicken. Continue to simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the chicken is heated through.8 oz egg noodles, 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- Remove the pot from the heat and carefully remove the bay leaf. Season the soup generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!2 Tablespoon fresh parsley, Salt & Pepper to taste
Notes
Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving)
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Recipe Information
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