This 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.
Bring a pot of water to boil. Add egg noodles and cook for 7 - 8 minutes.
2 cups medium egg noodles
Meanwhile, in another pot, add butter, carrots, and celery. Sauté on medium heat for 5 minutes. Add onions and continue to cook for 2 minutes. After the vegetables have softened, add minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds.
2 tablespoons butter, 1 cups baby carrots, 3 celery stalks, ½ small yellow onion, 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Add chicken broth, chicken, peas, rosemary, sage, bouillon cube, salt and pepper.
8 cups chicken broth, 1 cup frozen peas, ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary, ¼ teaspoon dried sage, 1 chicken bouillon cube, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, 3 cups rotisserie chicken
Drain the noodles and add to the pot.
Allow soup to simmer for 5 - 10 minutes.
Serve warm and enjoy!
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.