Okay friend, let me tell you about this Chicken Noodle Soup I made that seriously knocked my socks off. The first spoonful hit me like a warm hug, with that perfect mix of savory and slightly sweet chicken broth noodles swimming in a homemade chicken broth that was rich, cozy, and packed with flavor. I’m talking about that kind of comfort food soup that just wraps you up in big feelings of home and happiness.
I was so obsessed it instantly became my go-to easy chicken soup recipe whenever I needed a soul boost. The aroma alone filled my kitchen with this irresistible vibe, like a hug in liquid form. What made it unforgettable was the depth of flavor—from tender shredded chicken to the herbs melding perfectly, it was pure comfort food magic. If you grew up loving classic chicken soup recipe vibes, this one’s going to speak directly to your heart and tummy.
Honestly, making this homemade chicken noodle soup felt like a proud flex. Even though sometimes I’m tempted to grab those store-bought broths and noodles, going homemade here made all the difference. I even found some cool swaps that boosted the umami and brought the whole bowl to that next-level crave-worthy stage. For anyone who needs a little kitchen win, this is it.
And hey, if you love this kind of classic chicken soup recipe, you absolutely need to try the Truly Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup from Tastes Better From Scratch. It’s like seeing your new obsession written out so clearly.
So buckle up, fellow foodies, because I’m about to walk you through making your own soul-soothing, flavor-packed Chicken Noodle Soup that’ll have you coming back for seconds (and thirds). You’ll want this recipe saved and ready for any day that calls for big comforting vibes. Ready to dive in? Let’s do this.
What You Need
Here’s your down-to-earth, drool-worthy ingredient list that makes this Chicken Noodle Soup a total winner:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or butter – Splurge on quality olive oil here; it gives your chicken broth noodles that smooth richness.
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped – Grab this fresh from the produce aisle for the best sweetness.
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced – These add that natural sweetness which balances the savory broth perfectly.
- 3 celery stalks, diced – Pick fresh, crisp celery for a nice crunch in your comfort food soup.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic amps up the savory, head-turning aroma.
- 8 cups homemade or high-quality chicken broth – This is THE base, so choose broth that tastes like it was slow-simmered all day for true depth.
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken – Use leftover roast chicken or poach your own.
- 2 cups egg noodles – Bonus points if you find fresh egg noodles at your local market or international aisle.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Adds that herby touch that elevates this chicken noodle soup big time.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley – Gives your soup a fresh pop of color and flavor.
- Salt & fresh cracked black pepper, to taste – I go heavy on freshly cracked pepper for a nice bite.
- Optional: 1 bay leaf – Adds a subtle, savory complexity if you have it on hand.
For shortcuts, grab pre-chopped veggies if you’re in a rush but never skip on fresh garlic. This Chicken Noodle Soup craft gets even better when you use homemade chicken broth — here’s a homemade chicken noodle soup recipe from The Kitchn for that next-level flavor kick.
Store your fresh chicken tight in an airtight container, and keep veggies crisp in the fridge for no more than a couple of days before soup day. Trust me, fresh ingredients make ALL the difference here.
How to Make It
This step is where the magic happens with your Chicken Noodle Soup! You’ll be amazed how each step builds layers of flavor, making this quick and easy chicken soup feel like a cozy, slow-cooked masterpiece.
- Heat your olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering and fragrant.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for about 6-8 minutes until softened and beautifully golden. The smell now is pure comfort food soup heaven.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes. The garlic scent should fill your kitchen—once you smell this, you know you’re winning!
- Pour in the chicken broth (8 cups) along with the thyme, parsley, and bay leaf if using. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, lower the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes. This is when your soup broth develops that deep, soul-soothing flavor.
- Add the cooked shredded chicken and the noodles right after your broth has simmered—if you add noodles too early, they get soggy and sad.
- Cook for another 6-8 minutes or until noodles are tender but not mushy. Keep an eye here for that perfect bite with your chicken broth noodles.
- Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Don’t be shy—this is what ties the whole dish together.
Pro tip: For restaurant-quality Chicken Noodle Soup, always cook noodles separately and add just before serving. It keeps noodles al dente and your broth crystal clear.
Bonus shortcut: Use the quick chicken broth version by heating store-bought broth but add extra garlic and herbs. Or swap in leftover melt-in-your-mouth chicken delight shredded chicken for extra love.
Your kitchen should now smell incredible, inviting everyone within smell range to gather ’round. Trust me, your patience here pays off big in flavor!
Serving This Up
This Chicken Noodle Soup pairs like a dream with crusty bread slathered in butter or a crisp, refreshing salad like this chicken salad chick grape salad refreshing recipe for balance.
Perfect for days that need some serious self-care or feeding a crowd because it’s an absolute comfort food soup crowd-pleaser. Serve bowls with extra cracked pepper and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that Instagram-ready glow.
Leftovers? No problem. This Chicken Noodle Soup is even better the next day! You can reinvent it by turning it into a cozy casserole or freeze single portions for a quick meal win. Hot tip: Adding a squeeze of lemon just before serving freshens up a big batch if it’s been stored.
Seasonal twist idea: Swap egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or spiralized veggies and toss in fresh garden herbs in spring for a bright fresh punch. Honestly, this soup is as flexible as it is crave-worthy.
Want more drool-worthy soups? You should check out this ramen noodle soup recipe for a flavorful slurp-worthy weeknight alternative!
Your Questions Answered
I get asked a ton about Chicken Noodle Soup, so let me hit some real talk here:
1. How do I make this Chicken Noodle Soup extra flavorful?
Add fresh herbs at the end and boost your broth by simmering veggies longer. A hit of fresh garlic or a splash of lemon juice right before serving brightens it all up.2. Can I meal prep this Chicken Noodle Soup?
Yes! Just keep noodles separate until serving. Noodles soak up broth if stored together, becoming mushy.3. Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Totally. Freeze without noodles and add fresh when you reheat. This saves texture and flavor for your homemade chicken noodle soup.4. What noodles work best?
Egg noodles are classic, but you can use any pasta you love. I stick to chicken broth noodles that hold up well to the simmer.5. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Heck yes. Rotisserie chicken is a perfect shortcut in this easy chicken soup without sacrificing flavor.6. How do I thicken this soup if I want more body?
Add a slurry of flour and water in step 4 or toss in diced potatoes early for natural thickness.7. Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely, just use oil instead of butter, and you’re all set.
For more insight, try this quick and easy chicken noodle soup recipe that’s a great baseline with simple swaps.
No question is too small because I’ve tried it all in my Chicken Noodle Soup kitchen adventures. I love hearing what works for you too!
Final Bites
This Chicken Noodle Soup deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation for obvious reasons: crave-worthy flavor, simple ingredients, and total comfort food vibes every time.
My Foodie Tips for this recipe:
1. Always use homemade or high-quality chicken broth—it’s the base of all the magic here.
2. Keep noodles separate until serving to prevent sogginess.
3. Don’t rush the vegetable sauté; developing those flavors early is key.
For variations, try a spicy twist with cayenne and jalapeños or a lemon-herb version that’s bright and fresh. Another favorite? Switching noodles for rice or low-carb veggies for a lighter take.
The classic chicken soup recipe version gets the most love at our table, but I’m all for mixing up my Chicken Noodle Soup to match the mood.
Ready to make your own drop-everything-and-make-it Chicken Noodle Soup? You’ve got this! Dive into a bowl full of warmth, flavor, and that perfect bite happiness we all crave.
If you want more soul-soothing recipes, the homemade chicken noodle soup recipe over at The Kitchn is worth bookmarking too.
Can’t wait to hear how your Chicken Noodle Soup turns out. Go fill that bowl and savor every single spoonful!
Chicken Noodle Soup
A classic, comforting chicken noodle soup made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and hearty noodles, perfect for any day of the year.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add shredded chicken, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add egg noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually about 7-8 minutes, until noodles are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For deeper flavor, use homemade chicken broth and consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving to brighten the soup.