There’s something about a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup that instantly brings everyone together in the middle of a busy day. I remember the first time my youngest asked for chicken noodle soup after a long school day. They weren’t feeling their best and wanted something cozy and familiar. Making this chicken noodle soup felt like a small act of comfort that wrapped us all in a hug around the dinner table. Moments like that remind me why this classic chicken noodle soup stayed in our meal rotation for good.
Over the years, I learned what makes a homemade chicken noodle soup taste truly special. It’s not just about throwing ingredients in a pot; it’s about layering flavors patiently and choosing the right noodles—not too soft or mushy. Getting the broth right was the biggest challenge for me at first. But once I nailed that rich, savory base, this chicken noodle soup became my go-to comfort food soup.
This classic chicken noodle soup brings out conversations, laughter, and even a few moments of quiet as everyone enjoys a simple meal that feels homemade and nourishing. It’s that kind of soup that invites second helpings and sneaky ladle refills. If you’re looking for a chicken broth noodle soup that’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough to feel like a small celebration, this recipe is for you.
I’m excited to share this recipe so you can invite your family around the table and make your own cozy memories with a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. Whether you’re new to soup-making or craving a tried-and-true chicken soup recipe, you’ll find plenty of practical tips to make this your new favorite comfort food soup. And if you’re curious about other comforting soup ideas, check out the turmeric ginger chicken noodle soup recipe I love here.
What You’ll Need
Here’s the ingredient list that keeps this chicken noodle soup simple and delicious:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into pieces
- 10 cups chicken broth (low sodium works best)
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the best chicken noodle soup, I recommend using a whole chicken or bone-in pieces for the deepest flavor in your broth. You’ll find everything you need for this recipe at your regular grocery store, including fresh vegetables and good-quality noodles. If fresh egg noodles aren’t available, dried egg noodles or even small pasta like ditalini work well here.
This chicken noodle soup is forgiving if you need to swap chicken broth for homemade broth you might have frozen, or use parsley instead of thyme. For chopping ease, I like to prep all the vegetables in advance and gather ingredients before starting. My family prefers when I include a bit more garlic for that comforting aroma in our chicken soup recipe. Trust me, this ingredient list keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor.
How to Make It
Here’s how to bring all these ingredients to life for one of the best chicken noodle soups you’ll make:
- Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften (about 6-8 minutes). Your kitchen will smell amazing already.
- Add the minced garlic and dried thyme and parsley to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant. This layer of flavor is what sets this chicken broth noodle soup apart.
- Next, place the chicken pieces in the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes. While your chicken noodle soup is cooking, you can prepare your noodles.
- Carefully remove the chicken pieces from the pot. Set aside to cool before shredding the meat with forks, discarding the bones and skin.
- Bring the broth back to a simmer, then add your egg noodles. Cook according to package instructions until tender but still firm—about 6 to 8 minutes. Don’t worry if your chicken noodle soup looks a little brothy at this stage; the noodles will soak up the flavors.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Heat through for a few minutes until everything is piping hot.
This chicken noodle soup typically takes me about an hour from start to finish—perfect for planning a cozy evening meal. You’ll know your soup is ready when the noodles are tender, the broth is flavorful, and the chicken is juicy and well-seasoned. If you want to skip a step, some nights I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and add it to the broth just before adding noodles. It’s a handy shortcut when time is tight.
How about other chicken soup recipe takes you might enjoy? MomsGate has a flavorful Chicken Alfredo Soup that’s creamy and rich, or for a bit of spice, check out Chili’s Chicken Enchilada Soup recipe. Both are great for mixing up your soup night routine while keeping family favorites front and center.
Serving Ideas
When it comes to serving this homemade chicken noodle soup, my family loves it with a simple side of crusty bread or warm biscuits. The soft noodles and tender chicken in the broth pair perfectly with something you can dip and soak in. It’s the perfect comfort food soup for chilly evenings, rainy days, or whenever you want a no-fuss family meal.
For special occasions or when guests come over, I like to ladle the soup into pretty bowls and sprinkle a bit of fresh parsley on top. It adds just enough brightness to lift the rich chicken broth noodle soup. Leftovers? No problem! This soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have blended. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stove to keep noodles from getting mushy.
We’ve also tried swapping in gluten-free noodles or adding a squeeze of lemon just before serving to brighten things up. Feedback from my family always comes back to how warm and satisfying this chicken noodle soup feels, perfect for any meal when comfort is the goal.
If your family loves this, they’ll also enjoy the turmeric ginger chicken noodle soup, which adds a lovely twist with warming spices. You can find that recipe here for your next soup night.
Your Questions Answered
I get plenty of questions about making chicken noodle soup, so here are some answers to help you make your own comfort food soup confidently:
Q: Can I make this chicken noodle soup ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This soup tastes great made ahead. Just cook it entirely, let it cool, and refrigerate. When reheating, add a splash of broth if the noodles soak up too much liquid.Q: What if I don’t have egg noodles for my chicken soup recipe?
A: You can substitute with other pasta shapes like rotini, shells, or even broken spaghetti. Just watch cooking times to avoid mushiness.Q: How do I store leftover chicken noodle soup?
A: Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Noodles may soak up broth, so store soup and noodles separately if possible.Q: Can I freeze homemade chicken noodle soup?
A: It’s better to freeze the broth and chicken separately from the noodles. Freeze the soup without noodles for up to 3 months, then cook noodles fresh when ready to eat.Q: Is there a way to make this chicken broth noodle soup low sodium?
A: Using low sodium broth is a great start. Season with salt gradually and taste as you go. Fresh herbs help boost flavor without extra salt.Q: Can I use leftover chicken instead of a whole chicken?
A: Yes! Use any cooked chicken you have and add it toward the end of cooking so it doesn’t dry out.Q: How do I keep noodles from getting mushy in the soup?
A: Cook noodles separately or add them last just before serving. This helps keep their texture in your chicken noodle soup.
If you’re curious, here’s a homemade chicken noodle soup recipe from The Kitchn that gives nice pointers too.
The Final Word
This chicken noodle soup has earned its place in my recipe collection because it brings comfort, warmth, and togetherness in a bowl. It’s simple enough for weeknights but feels special enough to share on family evenings or when someone needs a little extra care. The aroma alone invites everyone to the table.
My Chicken Noodle Soup Tips:
– Use a whole chicken or bone-in pieces for the best broth flavor.
– Cook noodles separately if you want to avoid sogginess in leftovers.
– Don’t rush the simmering step—it’s key for developing rich taste.
I’ve experimented with variations like adding fresh ginger for a subtle zing, swapping noodles for rice noodles, and making a heartier chicken Alfredo soup version. My husband loves the classic, my kids prefer the turmeric ginger chicken noodle soup twist from this perfect recipe collection.
If you try this chicken noodle soup for your family, I hope it brings you the same joy and meal wins that it’s brought us. There’s nothing quite like sharing a homemade chicken soup recipe that feels like a warm hug. For more comforting ideas, feel free to check out the chili’s chicken enchilada soup recipe too and these additional references for chicken noodle soup from Tastes Better From Scratch and Budget Bytes chicken noodle soup.
Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting, classic dish featuring tender chicken, flavorful broth, and hearty noodles perfect for any season.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 6 ounces egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add egg noodles, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Cook according to noodle package instructions, usually 7-8 minutes.
- Stir in cooked shredded chicken and heat through for 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy your comforting chicken noodle soup.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill before serving.