Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Add Preferred SourceThis homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is all about bringing comfort right to your table. It’s a simple, classic recipe that combines tender chicken, nourishing vegetables, and a blend of herbs to create a soup that’s both warming and delicious. Perfect for a cozy night in or when you’re feeling under the weather, this soup is sure to become a go-to in your recipe collection.
Why You Will Love Making Chicken Noodle Soup
Here’s why you’ll find yourself making this recipe over and over:
- It’s incredibly easy: With straightforward instructions and simple ingredients, this soup comes together with minimal fuss.
- Versatile: Feel free to tweak the recipe by adding your favorite veggies or herbs to personalize the flavor.
- Perfect for all seasons: Whether it’s a chilly winter evening or a rainy summer afternoon, this soup fits every mood and season.
- Great for leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep.
- Healing properties: There’s a reason chicken noodle soup is a go-to for when you’re feeling under the weather. Its warm broth can help soothe a sore throat and clear nasal congestion.
- A crowd-pleaser: From kids to adults, everyone loves a good bowl of chicken noodle soup. It’s a guaranteed hit for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Getting this homemade chicken noodle soup on the table is so simple. Here’s how you can whip up this comforting classic:
Cook the egg noodles
Bring a pot of water to a boil and add your egg noodles. Let them cook for about 7 – 8 minutes until they’re just tender. Once they’re done, drain them and set them aside.
Sauté the veggies
While the noodles are doing their thing, grab another pot and melt some butter over medium heat. Toss in your carrots and celery and sauté them for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. Add the onions next and continue cooking everything for another 2 minutes before stirring in the minced garlic. Let it cook for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant.
Bring it all together
Now it’s time to sprinkle in the dried oregano and thyme for that earthy, aromatic touch. Add the chicken broth, water, and bay leaf to the pot, creating a rich broth base for your soup.
Simmer the Chicken
Gently add the chicken breasts to the pot. Bring the soup to a slow simmer and let it cook for around 25 minutes. The chicken will infuse the broth with savory goodness as it cooks.
Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. This process ensures that every bite of soup is filled with tender chicken.
Cook the Noodles and Simmer
Bring a pot of water to a boil and add your egg noodles. Let them cook for about 7 – 8 minutes until they’re just tender. Once they’re done, drain them and set them aside. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add the egg noodles. Add a squeeze of lemon for an added flavor.
Serve it up
Once your soup has had some time to simmer, it’s ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls while it’s nice and warm. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Here are a few expert tips and notes to make sure your soup is nothing short of spectacular every single time:
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Aim for al dente noodles by cooking them according to the package instructions minus a minute or two. They’ll continue to soften slightly in the hot broth.
- Fresh vs. dried herbs: While dried herbs work great, you can also use fresh herbs if you have them on hand. Fresh rosemary and sage will elevate the flavor even more.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: The chicken bouillon cube adds depth to the broth, but make sure to taste your soup before adding extra salt.
- Add a squeeze of lemon: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the soup before serving. It adds a bright, fresh note.
- Customize: Feel free to throw in other vegetables you love or have on hand, like chopped spinach, kale, or mushrooms. You can also use chicken thighs or chicken breasts instead of a rotisserie chicken.
- Egg noodles substitute: Any pasta will work in a pinch. Try spaghetti broken into smaller pieces, ditalini, or even rice for a gluten-free option.
- How can I thicken my chicken noodle soup? If you prefer a thicker soup, you can make a slurry with a tablespoon of cornstarch and a little water. Stir it into your soup and let it simmer for a few minutes. Alternatively, blending part of the soup and adding it back in can also thicken it without changing the flavor.
- Make it creamy: For a creamier version, stir in a dollop of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking. Just make sure not to boil the soup after adding dairy to prevent curdling.
- Slow cooker: Add all the ingredients except the noodles to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the cooked noodles just before serving.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Noodle Soup
Here’s how you can keep your homemade chicken noodle soup tasting fresh and delicious:
- Cool it down: Let your soup cool to room temperature. However, don’t leave it out too long—two hours is your max to keep things safe.
- Refrigerate: Pour the cooled soup into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat leftovers, just reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freezing is the way to go. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Lay the bags flat in your freezer for space-efficient storage. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to reheat. Frozen chicken noodle soup should be used within 2-3 months for the best quality.
- Keep the noodles separate (if you can): If you plan to freeze the soup or keep it for a few days, try storing the noodles separately from the broth. This prevents them from getting too soft and mushy. Just cook up a fresh batch of noodles when you’re ready to serve the soup again.
Our Top 3 Money Saving Tips for This Recipe
Here are three tips to help you save some green while cooking up this golden broth:
- Use a whole chicken: If you’re up for it, buying a whole chicken is usually cheaper than parts. Plus, you can use the bones to make homemade broth, adding depth to your soup and stretching your dollar further.
- Use leftovers creatively: Leftover roasted vegetables or chicken from another meal? Toss them into your soup to add flavor and avoid waste.
- Make broth from scraps: Save your veggie peels and meat bones to make a homemade broth. It’s practically free and reduces waste.
What to Serve with Chicken Soup
Here are some ideas to complement your cozy bowl of comfort:
Fresh Bread
Is there anything better than dunking a piece of warm, crusty bread into a flavorful broth? Whether it’s a slice of sourdough, a chunk of baguette, or a fluffy dinner roll, fresh bread makes chicken noodle soup feel like a complete meal.
Crisp Salad
For something on the lighter side, a crisp salad with a tangy dressing can balance the rich flavors of the soup. Try fresh greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a sprinkle of your favorite cheese. It’s refreshing and makes for a well-rounded meal.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Take comfort to the next level with a grilled cheese sandwich. The buttery, crispy bread and melted cheese are a match made in heaven for a bowl of chicken noodle soup. Plus, it’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
More Comfort Food Recipes You Will Love
- Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
- Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe
- Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Best Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 6 cups water
- 2 chicken breasts
- 4 cups egg noodles
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1 lemon to serve
Instructions
- Heat a deep pot to medium-high and add the olive oil, once it’s hot, add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 10 minutes, until all veggies start to soften.2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, 2 garlic cloves
- Add the dried oregano and thyme, chicken broth, water and bay leaf. Add the chicken breasts and bring to a slow simmer. Cook for 25 minutes.1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, 2 cups chicken broth, 6 cups water, 2 chicken breasts
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred with two forks.
- Bring back the chicken to the pot and add the egg noodles, cook for 5 minutes (or until al dente). Adjust salt and pepper and add a squeeze of lemon for added flavor.4 cups egg noodles, Salt and pepper
- Serve in bowls with fresh parsley and lemon.2 tablespoons fresh parsley, 1 lemon
Notes
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Aim for al dente noodles by cooking them according to the package instructions minus a minute or two. They’ll continue to soften slightly in the hot broth.
- Fresh vs. dried herbs: While dried herbs work great, you can also use fresh herbs if you have them on hand. Fresh rosemary and sage will elevate the flavor even more.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: The chicken bouillon cube adds depth to the broth, but make sure to taste your soup before adding extra salt.
- Add a squeeze of lemon: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the soup before serving. It adds a bright, fresh note.
- Customize: Feel free to throw in other vegetables you love or have on hand, like chopped spinach, kale, or mushrooms. You can also use chicken thighs or chicken breasts instead of a rotisserie chicken.
- Egg noodles substitute: Any pasta will work in a pinch. Try spaghetti broken into smaller pieces, ditalini, or even rice for a gluten-free option.
- How can I thicken my chicken noodle soup? If you prefer a thicker soup, you can make a slurry with a tablespoon of cornstarch and a little water. Stir it into your soup and let it simmer for a few minutes. Alternatively, blending part of the soup and adding it back in can also thicken it without changing the flavor.
- Make it creamy: For a creamier version, stir in a dollop of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking. Just make sure not to boil the soup after adding dairy to prevent curdling.
- Slow cooker: Add all the ingredients except the noodles to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the cooked noodles just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
- Cool it down: Let your soup cool to room temperature. However, don’t leave it out too long—two hours is your max to keep things safe.
- Refrigerate: Pour the cooled soup into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat leftovers, just reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freezing is the way to go. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Lay the bags flat in your freezer for space-efficient storage. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to reheat. Frozen chicken noodle soup should be used within 2-3 months for the best quality.
- Keep the noodles separate (if you can): If you plan to freeze the soup or keep it for a few days, try storing the noodles separately from the broth. This prevents them from getting too soft and mushy. Just cook up a fresh batch of noodles when you’re ready to serve the soup again.
