Cozy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Steaming bowls of comfort await you with this classic chicken noodle soup recipe that warms the soul on chilly days.

Golden broth swirls with tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles, creating a melody of flavors.

Each spoonful carries the nostalgic essence of home-cooked goodness.

Savory herbs and vegetables dance together, infusing depth and richness into every bite.

The simple ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a hearty meal that nourishes both body and spirit.

This recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Prepare to savor a bowl of pure, comforting deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes Chicken Noodle Soup Timeless

• Slow cooker method eliminates complicated cooking steps, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without extensive kitchen work.
• Tender shredded chicken, hearty vegetables, and soft noodles create a classic comfort dish that warms souls and provides ultimate satisfaction during any meal.
• Easy seasoning adjustments with lemon juice, salt, and pepper allow personal touch, letting home chefs experiment and create their unique soup version.
• Packed with protein from chicken and vitamins from vegetables, this soup delivers balanced nutrition in a single, simple preparation that minimizes kitchen cleanup.

What You’ll Need for Chicken Noodle Soup

• Chicken: A protein-packed main ingredient that becomes tender and easily shreds in the slow cooker.
• Egg Noodles: Soft pasta that adds heartiness and texture to the classic soup.
• Chicken Broth: The liquid base that provides rich flavor and moisture to the soup.

• Onions, Carrots, Celery: A classic aromatic blend that creates a robust and flavorful foundation for the soup.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances the overall depth of flavor.

• Bay Leaf, Thyme: Herbs that contribute a subtle, earthy undertone to the soup's taste profile.
• Better Than Bouillon, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that intensify and balance the soup's savory characteristics.
• Lemon Juice: A bright, acidic ingredient that adds a fresh and zesty finish to the soup.

How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker Blend

Combine all core ingredients directly into the slow cooker.

• Chicken pieces
• Chopped onions
• Diced carrots
• Sliced celery
• Minced garlic
• Chicken broth
• Better Than Bouillon seasoning
• Bay leaf
• Dried thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything gently to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Soup

Cook the soup on high temperature for 3-4 hours or low temperature for 7-8 hours.

During cooking, ingredients will release deep flavors and chicken will become incredibly tender.

Step 3: Shred Chicken Meat

Remove chicken pieces and bay leaf from slow cooker.

Using two forks, pull chicken apart into soft, bite-sized shreds.

The meat should separate easily with minimal effort.

Step 4: Add Egg Noodles

Return shredded chicken to slow cooker.

Stir in egg noodles and allow them to cook for 10-20 minutes.

Watch noodles carefully to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect texture.

Step 5: Final Seasoning Touch

Squeeze fresh lemon juice into soup.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Add extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice to enhance overall flavor profile.

Tips for Hearty Chicken Noodle Flavor

• Add a splash of white wine or a dash of dried herbs like rosemary to enhance the soup's complexity and create a more robust taste profile.
• Cook egg noodles separately and add them to individual bowls just before serving to maintain their perfect texture and prevent overcooking.
• This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator for a quick, comforting meal.
• Swap egg noodles for zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to make the recipe low-carb or gluten-free. Use rotisserie chicken for an even faster preparation.
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, dill, or green onions just before serving to add brightness and a pop of color to the final dish.

Storing Chicken Noodle Soup Easily

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the soup stays fresh and safe to eat.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Pour soup into a pot, heat on medium-low. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick. Warm until it reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval. Check temperature to ensure even heating. Add a little water or broth if the soup looks dry.

Pairing Tips for Classic Noodle Soup

• Pair with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Tear off chunks of tangy, slightly chewy sourdough to soak up the rich, comforting broth, adding delightful texture and a subtle sour note to each spoonful.
• Complement with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Grigio to cut through the soup's warmth, offering a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Match with Herb-Roasted Garlic Croutons: Sprinkle homemade croutons on top for a crunchy element that adds depth and a golden, toasty flavor to the already hearty chicken noodle soup.
• Serve with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light, green salad with parsley, dill, and mixed greens dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and provide a fresh, bright counterpoint.

Ways to Switch Up Chicken Noodle Soup

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap traditional egg noodles with rice noodles or gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the classic soup's heartwarming essence.
• Low-Carb Champion: Replace noodles with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice to create a keto-friendly soup that's lighter but still packed with rich, savory flavors.
• Vegetarian Wonder: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free protein-rich meal that delivers robust taste.
• Instant Pot Express: Transform the slow cooker method into a quick Instant Pot recipe, reducing cooking time to 15-20 minutes while preserving the soup's deep, comforting flavors and tender texture.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of noodles?

Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with other pasta like rotini, wide egg noodles, or even gluten-free options. Just adjust cooking time to prevent overcooking.

• Is it possible to make this soup without a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Use a large pot on the stovetop. Sauté vegetables first, add other ingredients, and simmer for about 45 minutes until chicken is tender.

• How can I make the soup more protein-rich?

Consider adding additional protein like white beans, quinoa, or extra shredded chicken. These ingredients will boost nutritional value without changing the soup’s fundamental flavor profile.

• Can I freeze this chicken noodle soup?

Yes, you can freeze it. Just remove noodles before freezing to prevent them from becoming mushy. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months, and add fresh noodles when reheating.

Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting chicken noodle soup delivers classic warmth with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and silky noodles swimming in rich, golden broth. Generations of home cooks have perfected this soul-soothing meal that wraps you in culinary comfort with each delicious spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables:

• 1/2 cup (75 grams) chopped onions
• 2 cups (300 grams) diced carrots
• 1 cup (150 grams) diced celery
• 3 minced garlic cloves

Broth and Seasonings:

• 78 cups (18.5 liters) chicken broth or stock
• 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Chicken Flavor
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
• salt and pepper to taste
• 12 tablespoons (180 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
• 67 ounces (1.9 kilograms) egg noodles

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Instructions

1. Combine all core ingredients in the slow cooker, placing chicken, diced onions, carrots, celery, minced garlic, chicken broth, seasoning agents, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper into the pot. Layer ingredients evenly to ensure balanced flavor distribution.
2. Select cooking mode: High temperature for 3-4 hours or low temperature for 7-8 hours. During this period, ingredients will slowly infuse, creating a rich, harmonious broth while chicken becomes exceptionally tender.
3. Remove chicken and bay leaf from the slow cooker. Using two forks, gently pull apart chicken meat into soft, bite-sized shreds. Discard bay leaf completely.
4. Introduce egg noodles directly into the hot broth. Allow noodles to simmer for approximately 10-20 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent overcooking and maintain ideal pasta texture.
5. Enhance final flavor profile by squeezing fresh lemon juice into the soup. Taste carefully and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Verify that all ingredients are well-integrated and soup reaches desired taste intensity.

Notes

• Customize the soup’s consistency by adding more or less broth for a thicker or thinner texture.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation method that still delivers rich, deep flavor.
• Opt for gluten-free egg noodles to make this recipe celiac-friendly and accessible to more dietary needs.
• Maximize nutritional value by tossing in extra vegetables like spinach or kale during the last 10 minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours (on high) or 8 hours (on low)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg