If you have ever longed for the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. With tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked egg noodles, and a medley of fresh vegetables swimming in a savory, aromatic broth, this soup is both nourishing and incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that not only fills your belly but also soothes your soul, making it a timeless favorite in kitchens everywhere. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving some homemade goodness, this recipe delivers a bowl full of love every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe truly shine is its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—the olive oil brings a subtle richness, fresh vegetables add layers of flavor and texture, and the herbs beautifully brighten the broth. Let’s break down these essentials that come together to create pure magic.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This forms the flavorful base for sautéing the vegetables, adding a fruity, smooth richness.
- 1 medium onion (diced): Offers a sweet and savory foundation to the soup that enhances every spoonful.
- 3 carrots (peeled and sliced): Adds natural sweetness and a lovely pop of color to the broth.
- 2 celery stalks (sliced): Provides a subtle, refreshing crunch and depth to the flavor profile.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the broth with a warm, aromatic punch that wakes up your taste buds.
- 8 cups chicken broth: Acts as the heart of the soup, making it hearty and deeply satisfying.
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken: Use rotisserie or boiled chicken for tender, protein-rich bites throughout.
- 2 cups egg noodles: Soft and tender, these noodles soak up the broth perfectly without getting mushy.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an earthy, herbal note that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley: Offers a mildly bitter but fresh flavor that brightens the soup.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for balancing the flavors and seasoning the broth just right.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional): Adds a fresh, zesty brightness that lifts the entire bowl.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: A vibrant finishing touch that adds color and a fresh herby aroma.
How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery, and cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes. Stir occasionally until they soften and their natural sweetness starts to shine through. Adding the minced garlic in the last minute of this step lets its aroma bloom without burning, introducing that signature savory depth to your soup.
Step 2: Build the Flavorful Broth
Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring it all to a gentle boil. This is where everything begins to meld together and the scent of comfort fills your kitchen. Once boiling, add the shredded chicken and egg noodles, then sprinkle in the dried thyme and parsley. Reduce the heat so the soup simmers gently. Let the noodles cook for about 10 to 12 minutes until they’re tender and have soaked up just the right amount of broth—this slow simmer really lets those flavors deepen beautifully.
Step 3: Season and Brighten
After the noodles are perfectly cooked, taste your soup and adjust with salt and black pepper to your liking. If you’re in the mood for a touch of tang, squeeze in the juice from half a lemon. This simple step brightens the entire bowl with a fresh zing, balancing the rich, savory broth and adding a layer of complexity.
Step 4: Final Touch and Serve
Once perfectly seasoned, ladle your soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous aroma. Serve it piping hot to enjoy every comforting spoonful. This soup doesn’t just fill you up—it feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
How to Serve Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic and best choice here. It adds a bright green hue and a subtle herbal fragrance that wakes up your palate. You might also consider a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper on top or a dusting of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, savory lift.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal, pair this Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe with warm, crusty bread or buttery crackers to dunk into that savory broth. A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables also complement the warmth and heartiness of the soup, balancing textures and flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in individual bread bowls to impress your guests or family. You can also drizzle a small amount of herb-infused olive oil or a swirl of cream on the top to add an elegant touch that elevates simple homemade soup into something special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe stores wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Simply transfer your leftovers to an airtight container and keep it chilled. Because noodles tend to absorb broth over time, you might want to add a splash of extra chicken broth or water when reheating to restore that perfect noodle-to-broth balance.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but for best results, freeze the broth and chicken separately from the noodles. Noodles can get mushy after thawing, so adding them fresh when reheating keeps the texture just right. Be sure to cool the soup completely before freezing and use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop. This slow warming helps preserve the flavors and prevents overcooking the noodles. If the soup looks too thick, stir in a bit more chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time while still delivering tender, flavorful chicken. Just shred it into bite-sized pieces and add it in step two.
What noodles work best in chicken noodle soup?
Egg noodles are traditional and soak up the broth nicely without falling apart. If you want, you can also try other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even gluten-free noodles depending on your preferences.
Is it okay to add lemon juice to the soup?
Yes, lemon juice is optional but highly recommended as it adds a wonderful bright note that cuts through the richness of the broth, making each spoonful taste fresher and lighter.
How can I make this soup more filling?
To make this soup heartier, consider adding diced potatoes, white beans, or extra shredded chicken. You can also toss in some chopped kale or spinach near the end of cooking for added nutrition and texture.
Can I prepare the soup in advance and still keep the noodles from getting mushy?
Yes! The best way is to cook and store the noodles separately from the soup. Add them freshly cooked when reheating the soup to maintain their perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is a true classic that brings warmth and comfort with every spoonful. It’s so easy to make but feels special enough to serve any day of the week. Whether you’re cozying up on a rainy afternoon or need a nourishing meal to lift your spirits, this soup fits the bill perfectly. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to recipe that you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting and hearty dish made with tender chicken, egg noodles, and a medley of fresh vegetables simmered in a flavorful chicken broth. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a soothing meal, this easy-to-make recipe uses simple ingredients and cooks quickly on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 cups chicken broth
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
- 2 cups egg noodles
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
- Add Broth and Bring to Boil: Pour the chicken broth into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Increase the heat and bring the broth to a rolling boil to start the cooking process for the noodles and chicken.
- Simmer with Chicken and Noodles: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, egg noodles, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the egg noodles are tender and the flavors meld together.
- Season and Add Lemon Juice: Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. If desired, stir in the juice of half a lemon to add a fresh, bright note to the soup.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately for the best taste and warmth.
Notes
- Use leftover or rotisserie chicken to save time and add flavor.
- The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat gently before serving.
- Add extra broth or water when reheating if the noodles have absorbed too much liquid to maintain a good consistency.
