Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe – Comforting, Hearty & Easy to Make

Few dishes are as universally loved as a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup. This chicken noodle soup recipe is everything you want in comfort food: tender chicken, hearty vegetables, slurp-worthy noodles, and a flavorful broth that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, craving something wholesome, or simply want a quick, satisfying meal, this soup checks every box.

The beauty of homemade chicken noodle soup lies in its flexibility — you can make it with fresh or leftover chicken, adjust the veggies to your liking, and even prepare it ahead of time for easy meals all week. It’s the kind of recipe that’s been passed down in families for generations, and once you make it, you’ll understand why.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Soup Base:

• 2 tbsp olive oil (30ml) – For sautéing vegetables.
• 1 medium onion, diced (150g) – Adds sweetness and depth.
• 2 medium carrots, sliced (120g) – Brings natural sweetness and color.
• 2 celery stalks, sliced (100g) – Adds fresh, savory flavor.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (9g) – For aroma and richness.

For the Protein & Broth:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast or thighs, shredded (300g / 10.5 oz) – Rotisserie chicken works well.
• 8 cups chicken broth (1.9L) – Use low-sodium for better control over salt.
• 1 bay leaf – Adds subtle herbal flavor.
• 1 tsp dried thyme (5g) – Earthy, warm notes.
• Salt & black pepper – To taste.

For the Noodles:

• 150g (5 oz) egg noodles – Traditional, but you can use pasta or rice noodles.

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges (optional) – For a fresh, tangy finish.

How to Make This Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

1. Sauté the Vegetables
   Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add Broth & Seasoning
   Pour in chicken broth. Add bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring to a gentle boil.
3. Simmer & Add Chicken
   Reduce heat to medium-low and add shredded chicken. Let the soup simmer for 15–20 minutes so flavors meld together.
4. Cook the Noodles
   Add egg noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually 6–8 minutes, until tender.
5. Finish & Serve
   Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup

1. Make It From Scratch: If you have more time, simmer bone-in chicken with veggies for 1 hour to make homemade broth.
2. Add Greens: Stir in spinach, kale, or peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking for extra nutrition.
3. Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or rice noodles instead of egg noodles.
4. Meal Prep Tip: Store the soup and noodles separately to keep noodles from getting soggy.

Why This Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Works

This recipe combines classic flavor with practical simplicity. By sautéing the vegetables first, you build a rich flavor base. Using pre-cooked chicken speeds things up without sacrificing taste. The broth is seasoned with herbs for a deep, comforting aroma, and the noodles give it that hearty, homey feel we all love.

It’s a one-pot recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, or days when you need something nourishing and soul-soothing.

FAQs

1. Can I make chicken noodle soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add all ingredients except noodles to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Add noodles in the last 20–30 minutes.

2. Can I freeze chicken noodle soup?
Yes, but for best results, freeze the broth, chicken, and veggies without the noodles. Add fresh noodles when reheating.

3. How can I make the broth richer?
Simmer with a parmesan rind, a splash of white wine, or extra herbs for more depth of flavor.

Love this recipe? Try our comforting Chicken Salad Recipe for another easy, satisfying chicken dish.

✨ Now it’s your turn!
Make this chicken noodle soup recipe and enjoy a bowl of comfort any time you need it. For more easy, delicious recipes, explore 100+ dishes at greenbeancasserolerecipe.com.