Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food on chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather, nothing quite soothes the soul like Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup. This timeless classic brings together tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a vibrant mix of carrots and celery, all simmered in a savory broth that tastes just like home. Whether you’re serving it up to warm a crowd or simply nourishing yourself, this recipe promises a satisfying bowlful every time, brimming with flavor and love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every spoonful of this soup is packed with simple, honest ingredients that showcase just how magical the basics can be. Each component plays a crucial role in building the rich, classic flavor and cozy texture that Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is famous for.
- Olive oil: Adds a lovely richness and helps your vegetables gently sauté without sticking or burning.
- Onion (1 medium, diced): Provides a savory base and subtle sweetness to the broth.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses a warm depth of flavor that elevates the whole soup.
- Carrots (3 medium, peeled and sliced): Offer a slightly sweet crunch and a pop of cheerful color.
- Celery (2 stalks, sliced): Adds freshness and a classic herbal aroma to every bite.
- Chicken broth (8 cups): Acts as the heart of your soup—choose a good-quality broth or go homemade for unbeatable taste.
- Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Rotisserie or boiled chicken breast brings protein and substance to the soup.
- Bay leaf (1): Gives subtle herbal notes that marry all the flavors together.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Contributes an earthy herbal taste that pairs perfectly with chicken.
- Dried parsley (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle color and a hint of garden-fresh flavor.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning; always taste before serving for balance.
- Egg noodles (6 ounces): Classic in chicken noodle soup, they soak up flavor while keeping the dish hearty and satisfying.
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish: A sprinkle of bright green on top finishes everything off beautifully.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté everything for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies begin to soften and the kitchen fills with a mouthwatering aroma. This step is key because it builds the flavorful base for your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup.
Step 2: Simmer with Broth and Seasonings
Pour in your chicken broth and bring it up to a gentle boil. Then add in the shredded chicken, bay leaf, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together, then reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes. This is where all the flavors mingle and develop into the comforting magic that makes this soup so beloved.
Step 3: Add the Egg Noodles
Once the flavors have blended, add the egg noodles directly into the simmering pot. Cook for another 8–10 minutes until the noodles are tender and perfectly cooked through. The egg noodles will absorb some of the broth, thickening the soup slightly and making every bite satisfyingly slurpable.
Step 4: Taste, Adjust, and Finish
Remove the bay leaf and give your soup a taste. This is your moment to adjust seasoning—add a touch more salt or pepper if needed, or a splash of lemon juice for brightness. For a little flourish, scatter some freshly chopped parsley over each bowl just before serving. Your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is now ready to warm hearts and bellies!
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Garnishes
Sometimes the simplest extra makes all the difference. Finish your steaming bowls of soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and freshness, a crack of black pepper for zing, or even a squeeze of lemon if you love a little citrusy lift. Kids might enjoy a handful of oyster crackers, while adults might add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.
Side Dishes
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a warm buttered roll—perfect for dunking! For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a light green salad tossed in a sharp vinaigrette, or some old-fashioned saltine crackers for crunch. If you’re hosting, a plate of cheese and fruit on the side turns lunch into a cozy, leisurely affair.
Creative Ways to Present
To change things up, try serving your soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for an extra comforting twist. Mini mugs make it lovely for appetizers at parties, while a big Dutch oven in the center of the table lets family or guests ladle up their own servings. And for little ones, float alphabet noodles on top for a playful, personalized touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is never a bad thing), let the soup cool completely before storing in airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making lunch or dinner the next day delightfully easy and just as tasty as the first time around.
Freezing
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is fantastic for batch-cooking and freezing. For best results, freeze the soup before adding the noodles, as they can get a bit mushy when thawed and reheated. Simply cool, portion into freezer-safe containers, and label. Soup will keep for up to three months in the freezer. Add freshly cooked noodles when reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheating is fuss-free. Simply warm the soup gently over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until piping hot. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge or use the microwave’s defrost setting. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s thickened up a bit, and don’t forget to add your noodles (if you froze the soup without them) just before serving!
FAQs
Can I use uncooked chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Instead of adding precooked shredded chicken, simply dice raw chicken breast or thighs and add them with the broth. Simmer until the chicken is fully cooked, then continue with the recipe as written for savory, tender results.
What can I substitute for egg noodles?
If you don’t have egg noodles, any short pasta such as rotini, farfalle, or even broken spaghetti works wonderfully. You can also swap in gluten-free noodles to make your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup gluten-friendly.
Do I have to use store-bought broth?
While store-bought broth makes things easy, using homemade chicken broth takes this soup to a whole new level. If you have it on hand, definitely use your own! It’s richer in flavor and lets you control the salt and seasonings.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Certainly! Feel free to stir in corn, peas, green beans, or leafy greens like spinach toward the end of cooking. Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is endlessly adaptable to what you have in your fridge.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Yes! Make a big pot at the start of the week and enjoy nutritious, homemade lunches or quick dinners for days. Just remember that the noodles do continue to soak up broth, so you might want to keep them separate until serving if you plan to store it.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a steaming bowl of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup—it wraps you up in comfort and brings smiles to every table. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just learning, this recipe will quickly become a cherished go-to. Give it a try and share a bowl with someone you love; you might just create a new family tradition!
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Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup recipe that’s perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather. This classic soup is loaded with tender chicken, vegetables, and egg noodles in a flavorful broth.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (from rotisserie or boiled chicken breast)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 6 ounces egg noodles
Optional for Garnish:
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Season and Simmer: Add the shredded chicken, bay leaf, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Cook Noodles: Add the egg noodles and cook for an additional 8–10 minutes, or until tender.
- Final Touches: Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning if needed, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth or add a splash of lemon juice before serving.
- This soup stores well and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
