When the weather turns chilly or you’re feeling under the weather, nothing soothes quite like a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup. This classic recipe is more than just comfort food—it’s hearty, nutritious, and surprisingly easy to make at home. Packed with tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and slurp-worthy noodles, it’s the ultimate one-pot meal that brings families together around the table. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy weeknight dinner or as a healing remedy for a cold, this homemade chicken noodle soup will quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients
(Serves 6–8)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced into rounds
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh)
- 1 tsp dried parsley (or 2 tbsp fresh)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
- 6 oz egg noodles (or pasta of choice)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
1. Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Build the Broth
Pour in chicken broth and add bay leaves, thyme, and parsley. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
3. Add Chicken & Noodles
Stir in shredded chicken and noodles. Continue simmering for 8–10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but not mushy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Serve & Enjoy
Remove bay leaves before serving. Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness (optional but highly recommended). Serve with warm crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
Tips & Variations
- Quick Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken and pre-chopped veggies to cut prep time in half.
- Make It Ahead: Prepare the soup without noodles, then add fresh noodles when reheating to prevent them from getting soggy.
- Gluten-Free: Swap egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice noodles.
- Extra Veggies: Add peas, corn, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Slow Cooker Option: Combine all ingredients except noodles in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Add noodles 30 minutes before serving.
Storage & Freezing
Chicken noodle soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it without noodles in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, cook fresh noodles separately and add them to the hot soup before serving.
Conclusion
This homemade chicken noodle soup is simple, hearty, and guaranteed to warm both body and soul. It’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or when someone in the family needs a comforting bowl of nourishment. With its rich broth, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles, this soup proves that sometimes the simplest recipes are also the most satisfying.
