Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
If you’re searching for the pure definition of cozy, look no further than a pot of Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup simmering on your stove. With its tender chicken, bright veggies, and slippery egg noodles, it’s the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings, sick days, or anytime you crave a little nostalgic warmth. This easy recipe brings together simple ingredients to create magic in under an hour—just what you want when a homemade hug in a bowl is calling your name.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup is proof that a handful of humble ingredients can create pure kitchen joy. Each component works in harmony, playing its part for flavor, color, and satisfying texture. Don’t skip any—each one truly shines!
- Olive oil: Gives a gentle, fragrant start to the soup and helps the veggies soften while adding subtle richness.
- Onion: Diced onion forms the savory base, lending sweetness as it sautés.
- Garlic: Just a small amount deepens the flavor and makes the kitchen smell amazing.
- Carrots: Their natural sweetness and bright color make every spoonful shine; slice them evenly for the perfect bite.
- Celery: Offers crunch and a classic soup flavor—don’t forget those leafy tops if you have them!
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The backbone of the soup, letting you control the saltiness and extract every bit of homemade flavor.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Use rotisserie chicken or leftovers for convenience; juicy, shredded pieces soak up the broth perfectly.
- Dried thyme: Adds classic herbiness that instantly transports you to comfort food heaven.
- Dried parsley: Gives another layer of earthy, fresh flavor—don’t underestimate it.
- Bay leaf: A single leaf turns the broth from good to unforgettable, so don’t skip it (just remember to remove it before serving).
- Salt and pepper: A must for any great soup—season well and taste as you go.
- Egg noodles: They plump up beautifully in the broth and are the star of every slurp.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Stir in at the end for bursts of fresh, grassy flavor and color.
- Lemon juice (optional): Just a splash brightens everything up, especially if your soup feels a tad too rich.
How to Make Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
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. Let them sizzle gently for about 5 to 6 minutes—you’re looking for softened veggies, not browned ones. As they cook, the vegetables release their natural sweetness and build the flavor foundation that’s all about homey goodness.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Once your big veggie trio has softened, stir in the minced garlic. This needs just about a minute—enough to become fragrant but not so long that it scorches. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen smells irresistibly inviting.
Step 3: Pour in Broth & Add Chicken
Now pour in the chicken broth and bring all those sautéed flavors together. Add the cooked, shredded chicken right into the pot, along with the dried thyme, dried parsley, bay leaf, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Give everything a good gentle stir to blend.
Step 4: Simmer and Infuse Flavors
Increase the heat and bring the pot to a boil, then reduce it right away to a simmer. Let the soup bubble softly for 15 minutes. This is where Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup really starts coming together, as all those herbs and veggies infuse the broth with rich, nostalgic flavor.
Step 5: Add the Noodles
Stir the egg noodles into your bubbling soup and continue to simmer for approximately 6 to 8 minutes, or until they’re perfectly tender. Keep an eye on them—overcooked noodles can quickly go mushy, so test for doneness early if you’re using a thinner style.
Step 6: Finish and Season
Fish out the bay leaf and discard it. Now’s the time to stir in chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if you like a little zest. Taste, then add more salt and pepper until the flavors absolutely sing. Ladle into bowls and serve piping hot.
How to Serve Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
Garnishes
For that restaurant-worthy finish, try a shower of more chopped fresh parsley over each bowl. A quick grind of black pepper or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan brings out the best in the soup’s flavors. If you’re feeling extra, a wedge of lemon on the side lets eaters adjust their own brightness at the table.
Side Dishes
Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup is filling, but the simplest sides are often the best. Think warm, crusty bread or fluffy dinner rolls to dip and soak up that beautiful golden broth. If you crave a bit more, a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette delivers a welcome, refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in deep, pre-warmed bowls for maximum coziness. For a fun touch, bake homemade croutons or offer soup in small mugs with mini grilled cheese sandwiches for dipping—great for kids or casual get-togethers. You can even style the bowls with a swirl of olive oil or a tiny handful of fresh herbs for a gorgeous, inviting look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Transfer cooled soup to airtight containers and be sure to label them with the date—it’ll make weekday lunches quick and comforting.
Freezing
To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. For best results, consider freezing without noodles and boiling fresh ones when you’re ready to serve—that way, they don’t turn mushy when thawed.
Reheating
Warm the soup gently in a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the noodles have soaked up lots of broth, add a splash more chicken stock or water to bring it back to your desired consistency. The microwave also works well for single servings—just be sure to cover loosely and stir halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
Yes! If you want to use raw chicken, add whole raw breasts or thighs in step 3. Simmer until fully cooked (about 20–25 minutes), then remove, shred, and return the meat to the pot before adding noodles.
What noodles work best for Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup?
Wide egg noodles are a classic and soak up the savory broth gorgeously, but feel free to use your favorite style—spiral, bowtie, or even broken spaghetti all work. Just watch for cooking times, as some varieties soften more quickly than others.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simple swap: use your favorite gluten-free noodles, and double-check that your chicken broth is gluten-free. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a super easy adaptation.
Is it possible to make Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can sauté the aromatics on the stovetop, then transfer everything but the noodles to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours, add the noodles for the last 30 minutes, and finish as usual.
How do I add more veggies or greens?
Feel free to toss in a handful of spinach, peas, or chopped kale during the final few minutes of simmering. It’s a great way to use up leftovers from your fridge and make the soup even more nourishing.
Final Thoughts
Few things beat the sheer comfort and heartwarming flavor of Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup, especially when it’s so easy to make at home. Whether you’re serving it to family on a busy weeknight or using it to brighten someone’s day, this is a soup worth making over and over. Try it and let the homemade goodness speak for itself—your kitchen will never smell better!
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Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This homestyle chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food. Packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and flavorful broth, it’s perfect for a cozy night in or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 medium carrots (sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in chicken broth, add shredded chicken, thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.
- Cook Noodles: Add egg noodles and cook for 6–8 minutes until tender.
- Finish Soup: Remove bay leaf, stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice if desired. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.
Notes
- For richer flavor, simmer with chicken bones before adding noodles, then remove them.
- You can also add a handful of spinach or peas at the end for extra vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
