Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

There are few dishes more comforting, soul-soothing, and universally loved than Chicken Noodle Soup. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just want something nourishing for dinner, this classic recipe will transport you right back to childhood kitchens and warm memories. With tender chicken, hearty noodles, and vibrant veggies simmered in a savory broth, every spoonful of this soup delivers something special: flavor, nourishment, and real kitchen-love that soothes from the inside out.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Noodle Soup comes together with just a handful of familiar ingredients, but each one brings its own magic to the pot. These staples are simple, but they meld into layers of savory flavor and cozy aroma that make this soup a true classic.

• Chicken breasts or thighs: Use boneless, skinless pieces for quick, tender results, or bone-in if you love extra richness in your broth.
• Egg noodles: Their curly shape means each one catches plenty of broth and just the right amount of veggies for a perfect bite.
• Carrots: Sliced rounds add a subtle sweetness and that cheerful pop of orange every good Chicken Noodle Soup needs.
• Celery: Brings a peppery crunch and a hit of green for both flavor and color balance.
• Onion: The savory backbone of your broth, use yellow or sweet onion for a rich, mellow base note.
• Garlic: A couple of minced cloves deepen the overall flavor, making the soup irresistible.
• Chicken broth: Use the best quality you can get, homemade or store-bought, for a rich, well-rounded soup.
• Bay leaf: Just one adds a subtle herbal aroma that elevates the whole pot.
• Fresh parsley: Sprinkle in right at the end for a pop of freshness.
• Salt and black pepper: Season to taste as you go, making sure every spoonful sings.
• Olive oil or butter: For sautéing your veggies and adding another layer of flavor.

How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating olive oil or butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add your diced onion, carrots, and celery, and let them cook until they’re fragrant and just starting to soften, about 4–5 minutes. Sautéing these veggies first helps them release their sweetness and create the flavorful base essential for a memorable Chicken Noodle Soup.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Toss in the minced garlic and stir it around until it’s just fragrant—about 30 seconds. Be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can overpower the other flavors. At this stage, you might catch that signature soup aroma wafting through your kitchen. Don’t be surprised if family members start wandering in!

Step 3: Introduce the Chicken and Broth

Nestle the chicken breasts or thighs directly into the softened veggies. Pour the chicken broth over everything, making sure the meat is fully submerged. Add the bay leaf, sprinkle in a pinch of salt and black pepper, then bring the pot to a gentle simmer. This is where your soup begins to take on its hearty character and the chicken cooks to juicy perfection.

Step 4: Simmer and Shred

Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Pull out the chicken and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, discarding any bones or excess fat if you went with bone-in pieces. This step ensures every bite of Chicken Noodle Soup is loaded with delicious, tender chicken.

Step 5: Add Noodles and Finish

Add the egg noodles right into the simmering broth and cook until just tender, usually about 6–8 minutes. You want the noodles al dente so they hold up in the hot soup. Stir in chopped fresh parsley, check your seasonings, and add more salt and pepper as needed. Then, ladle up a steaming bowl and get ready to enjoy one of the simplest pleasures in life.

How to Serve Chicken Noodle Soup

Garnishes

A flourish of freshly chopped parsley makes the soup feel extra vibrant and fresh. For a little zing, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top. Some folks even love a touch of grated Parmesan cheese, which adds a surprising depth to the classic Chicken Noodle Soup flavor.

Side Dishes

While this soup is a meal in itself, it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. A slice of buttered, rustic sourdough is perfect for soaking up every last drop of broth. You can also serve with saltine crackers or homemade garlic toast for an extra-comforting touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Chicken Noodle Soup in wide, shallow bowls for a rustic feel, or in mugs for easy sipping by the fire. For parties, consider ladling the soup into mini cups for an appetizer everyone will remember. Personalize each bowl with a DIY toppings bar including herbs, lemon wedges, or toasted croutons, and watch it disappear fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftover Chicken Noodle Soup to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for 3–4 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or easy, wholesome lunches throughout the week.

Freezing

To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then ladle it into freezer-safe containers. For best results, freeze the soup before adding the noodles; they tend to get mushy when thawed. When ready to enjoy, just add freshly cooked noodles to your reheated broth and chicken.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the noodles have soaked up too much broth, just add a splash of water or chicken stock to loosen things up and restore that beautiful soupy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken cuts down on time and still delivers delicious results. Just shred the chicken and add it to the pot after your vegetables and broth have simmered, heating it through before serving.

Can I make Chicken Noodle Soup gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta or noodles. Watch the cooking time carefully, as some gluten-free noodles cook more quickly and can become soft if overcooked.

What vegetables can I add for more flavor?

Feel free to add peas, corn, diced potatoes, or even spinach to give the soup extra color and nutrition. This classic Chicken Noodle Soup is delightfully flexible—use what you have on hand!

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Add all the ingredients (except noodles and parsley) to your slow cooker and cook on low for about 6 hours. Shred the chicken, add the noodles for the last 20–30 minutes, and finish with parsley before serving.

How do I keep the noodles from getting mushy?

If you know you’ll be storing leftovers, cook the noodles separately and add them to individual bowls as you serve. This keeps them perfectly springy and prevents them from soaking up too much broth while stored.

Final Thoughts

Bringing together homey ingredients, simple techniques, and irresistible flavor, Chicken Noodle Soup is so much more than the sum of its parts. Give this recipe a try and let it become your own family’s comfort staple—there’s just nothing like a bowlful of warmth made right in your own kitchen!

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