Cozy Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for Cold Days

Comfort wafts through the kitchen as this classic chicken noodle soup recipe simmers gently on the stove, promising warmth and healing in every spoonful.

Tender chicken pieces dance alongside soft, silky noodles in a rich, golden broth that speaks of home and tradition.

Generations have relied on this timeless dish to soothe souls and nourish bodies during chilly days and moments of need.

Fragrant herbs and vegetables add depth and character to this simple yet profound meal.

Each ingredient whispers stories of love and care, transforming basic components into something truly magical.

The aroma alone can lift spirits and bring smiles to weary faces.

You’ll want to ladle this soul-warming soup into deep bowls and savor every comforting bite.

What You’ll Need for the Noodle Soup

• Chicken Breasts: Protein that provides the hearty base and main flavor of the soup.
• Chicken Broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that carries all the soup's delicious elements.
• Egg Noodles: Comforting pasta that adds texture and substance to the classic soup.

• Onions, Garlic, Celery: Foundational vegetables that create a deep, rich flavor profile for the soup.
• Thyme: Herb that adds a subtle, earthy herbal note to the overall taste.

• Carrots: Sweet root vegetable that provides additional nutrition and natural sweetness to the soup.

• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the soup's flavors.
• Lemon: Optional bright citrus element that can add a fresh, zesty finish to the soup.

• Butter: Rich ingredient that helps sauté the aromatics and adds depth to the soup's flavor.

How to Make Traditional Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Heat butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat.

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Sliced celery

Sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper.

Cook until onions turn translucent and garlic releases its fragrant aroma, about 3-4 minutes.

Watch carefully to prevent garlic from burning.

Step 2: Build Soup Base

Pour chicken broth into the pot.

• Carrots
• Fresh thyme

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Carrots need extra time to soften, so adding them early ensures perfect tenderness.

Step 3: Poach Chicken

Carefully place chicken breasts into the simmering broth.

Reduce heat and let chicken cook for approximately 20 minutes.

During this time, the chicken will absorb the rich flavors from the broth and vegetables.

Step 4: Prepare Chicken

Remove chicken from the broth.

Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Return shredded chicken to the pot and stir in pre-cooked noodles.

Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.

Step 5: Final Seasoning

Taste the soup carefully.

Adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt, pepper, or a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

Ensure the flavors are balanced and delicious.

Tips for a Cozy and Flavorful Noodle Soup

• Stir continuously and lower heat if garlic starts to brown quickly to maintain a golden, fragrant base without bitter notes.
• Poach chicken breasts gently at a low simmer to keep meat moist and prevent tough, rubbery texture that happens with high-heat cooking.
• Add a splash of white wine or a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar during the sautéing stage to enhance the overall taste complexity of the soup.
• Cook noodles separately and add to individual servings to prevent them from becoming mushy and absorbing too much broth during storage.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or dill just before serving to add a bright, fresh layer of flavor and a pop of color to the classic soup.

Storing and Reheating Noodle Soup with Ease

• Store leftover chicken noodle soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the soup is completely cooled before sealing.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 4-6 months. Note that noodles might become slightly mushy upon thawing.
• Transfer soup to a pot and warm over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup has thickened during storage. Heat until steaming and reaching 165°F internal temperature.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Check temperature before serving to guarantee thorough heating.

Great Matches for Chicken Noodle Soup

• Pair Herbal White Wine: Select a crisp, light Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the soup's delicate chicken and herb flavors, cutting through the richness without overpowering the delicate broth.
• Serve Rustic Sourdough Bread: Toast thick slices of artisan sourdough to create a perfect dipping companion, allowing the bread to soak up the savory broth while adding a delightful textural contrast to each spoonful.
• Enhance with Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top to brighten the soup's flavor profile, adding a pop of color and a subtle, fresh note that elevates the entire dish's complexity.
• Create Citrus Side Salad: Prepare a light mixed green salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup's warmth, providing a refreshing counterpoint that cleanses the palate between spoonfuls.

Ways to Reinvent Chicken Noodle Soup

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap traditional wheat noodles with rice noodles or zucchini spirals for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the soup's heartwarming essence.
• Vegetarian Protein Boost: Replace chicken with firm tofu or white beans, using vegetable broth to create a nutrient-dense soup that satisfies plant-based eaters.
• Low-Carb Wellness Option: Eliminate noodles completely and increase vegetable content, using cauliflower rice or extra chopped vegetables to keep the soup light and nutritious.
• Spicy Flavor Kick: Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of sriracha sauce to transform the classic recipe into a warming, slightly spicy meal that clears sinuses and adds excitement.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of chicken for this soup?

You can use chicken thighs, rotisserie chicken, or even leftover roasted chicken instead of chicken breasts. Each option will bring a slightly different flavor profile to the soup.

• Is it okay to use dried herbs if I don't have fresh thyme?

Absolutely! Use about 1 teaspoon of dried thyme instead of fresh. Dried herbs are more concentrated, so you’ll need less than fresh herbs.

• How can I make this soup more filling?

Add some extra protein like cooked white beans or quinoa. You can also increase the amount of noodles or use a heartier pasta shape to make the soup more substantial.

• What's the best way to prevent the noodles from getting mushy?

Cook the noodles separately and add them to the soup just before serving. This keeps them at the perfect texture and prevents them from absorbing too much broth and becoming soft.

What Makes This Chicken Noodle Soup Classic

• Making this classic chicken noodle soup is super easy for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Perfect for comforting family members during cold days or when someone needs a warm, healing meal packed with tender chicken and soft vegetables.
• Incredibly versatile recipe allows simple tweaks like adding different herbs, swapping protein, or adjusting spice levels to match personal taste preferences.
• Minimal kitchen cleanup required since everything cooks in a single Dutch oven, making this dish a hassle-free meal solution for busy households.

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets nostalgia in this classic chicken noodle soup that warms hearts and soothes souls. Packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles, you’ll find pure culinary happiness in each spoonful of this timeless family favorite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts (boneless skinless)

Vegetables:

• 1/2 yellow onion (chopped)
• 2 stalks celery (sliced thinly)
• 2 carrots (sliced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Liquid and Seasoning:

• 4 cups (960 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) coarse ground black pepper

Pasta:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) egg noodles (cooked 1 minute shy of directions)

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Instructions

1. Prepare aromatics by melting butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions, minced garlic, and sliced celery with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cook until onions become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes, being cautious not to burn the garlic.
2. Pour chicken broth into the pot and add carrots. Include fresh thyme for an herbal essence. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing carrots to soften gradually.
3. Carefully lower chicken breasts into the simmering broth. Reduce heat and poach for 20 minutes, enabling the chicken to absorb the rich flavors of the surrounding ingredients.
4. Remove chicken from the broth and shred using two forks. The meat should be tender and easily pulled apart. Return shredded chicken to the pot and incorporate pre-cooked noodles, stirring thoroughly to distribute evenly.
5. Perform a final flavor assessment. Sample the soup and adjust seasonings as needed. Consider adding a touch of lemon juice for brightness or additional salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste profile. Ensure the soup is well-balanced and satisfying before serving.

Notes

• Boost protein by adding quinoa or white beans for a heartier, more nutritious soup.
• For gluten-free version, swap traditional noodles with rice noodles or spiralized zucchini strands.
• Keep chicken extra tender by using bone-in chicken thighs instead of breasts, which retain moisture better during cooking.
• Chop vegetables and shred chicken in advance to cut down total cooking time and simplify weeknight meal preparation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 205
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg