Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl

Chicken noodle soup is the perfect dish to bring comfort to your day. Packed with tender chicken, flavorful broth, and wholesome vegetables, this classic recipe delivers warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful.

Easy to make and full of nutritious ingredients, it’s an ideal choice for a quick family meal or when you’re craving something light yet hearty.

Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply in the mood for a cozy meal, this chicken noodle soup recipe is sure to become your go-to comfort food.

Recipe Information

• Servings: 6-8 people
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Why This Recipe Works

This chicken noodle soup strikes the perfect balance between hearty and light. The broth is rich with flavor from tender chicken and aromatic vegetables, while the noodles add satisfying substance without weighing you down.

It’s incredibly versatile; you can make it ahead, freeze portions for later, and easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand.

Plus, it’s genuinely good for you, packed with protein, vegetables, and the kind of nourishment that makes you feel better from the inside out.

Equipment Needed

• Large stockpot or Dutch oven (6-8 quart capacity)
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or ladle
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Strainer or slotted spoon

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 cups egg noodles (or pasta of choice)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh lemon juice (optional, about 1 tablespoon)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in your large stockpot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaves, thyme, and parsley. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Once boiling, carefully add the chicken breasts or thighs to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Remove the cooked chicken from the pot using a slotted spoon and place it on a cutting board. Let it cool for a few minutes, then shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces using two forks or a knife.

Step 5: Add the Noodles

While the chicken is cooling, bring the soup back to a gentle boil and add the egg noodles. Cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until the noodles are tender.

Step 6: Combine and Season

Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Remove the bay leaves and discard them. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. If you’d like a little brightness, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle the hot soup into bowls, making sure each serving gets a good mix of chicken, noodles, and vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Chef’s Tips

• Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer-friendly: Freeze the soup without noodles for up to 3 months. Add freshly cooked noodles when reheating to prevent them from getting mushy.
• Rotisserie shortcut: Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken to cut down on cooking time. Just add the shredded meat during the last 10 minutes.
• Vegetable variations: Feel free to add peas, corn, green beans, or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
• Broth boost: For even richer flavor, use half chicken broth and half chicken stock, or add a parmesan rind while simmering.

Check Other Recipes –

• Creamy Potato & Carrot Soup: A Bowl of Comfort
• Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup: A Flavorful Hug in a Bowl
• Potsticker Soup: Your Favorite Dumplings in Soup Form
• French Onion Soup: Savory, Sweet, and Simply Divine
• Creamy Crack Chicken Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food
• Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, It Might Just Make You Propose
• Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup: Cheesy, Hearty, Irresistible
• Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup: Bold Flavor in Every Bite
• Garlic Soup: A Hearty, Soul-Warming Delight

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

This homemade chicken noodle soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a remedy for rough days, and a delicious way to bring everyone to the table. Once you taste the difference that fresh ingredients and a little time make, you’ll never want to go back to the canned stuff. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!