Homemade Comfort: Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Whipping up a comforting chicken noodle soup can become your new favorite midweek meal.

My grandmother’s secret approach always involved simple, fresh ingredients that create magic in one pot.

Tender chicken pieces mingle with soft noodles, creating a warm embrace for hungry souls.

Nutritious vegetables add vibrant colors and essential nutrients to this classic dish.

Hearty and satisfying, each spoonful brings back memories of cozy kitchen moments.

Quick preparation means you can have steaming bowls ready in under thirty minutes.

Nothing beats a homemade soup that warms you from the inside out and makes everyone at the table smile.

Why Chicken Noodle Soup Comforts

• Warm, hearty chicken noodle soup that wraps you in deliciousness.
• Super simple recipe requiring minimal cooking skills, perfect for beginners or busy home cooks.
• Packed with vegetables, protein, and wholesome ingredients for a balanced, satisfying meal.
• Adaptable recipe that works for family dinners, sick days, or cozy gatherings with minimal fuss.

Chicken Noodle Soup Ingredients

• Chicken: Tender, shredded protein for the soup's hearty base.
• Egg Noodles: Soft and comforting pasta that adds substance to the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid foundation for the entire soup.

• Onions, Carrots, Celery, Garlic: Classic soup vegetable blend that provides depth and aromatic flavor.

• Bay Leaf, Dried Thyme, Dried Oregano: Herbs that enhance the soup's overall taste profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and brightening the soup's flavors.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds a fresh touch.
• Lemon Juice, Hot Sauce: Optional ingredients for personalized flavor boost.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and adding a subtle richness.

How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Sizzle and Soften Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium warmth.

• Diced onions
• Sliced carrots
• Chopped celery
• Minced garlic

Cook and stir until vegetables become tender and fragrant, around 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Build Flavorful Broth

Pour chicken broth into the pot.

• Bay leaf
• Dried thyme
• Dried oregano

Bring liquid to a rolling boil, then lower heat to a gentle simmer.

Let the broth bubble softly for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to dance together.

Step 3: Prepare Protein

Shred or chop cooked chicken.

You can use leftover roasted chicken or quickly cook fresh chicken for the soup.

Step 4: Combine Noodles and Chicken

Drop shredded chicken into the simmering broth.

Stir in egg noodles and continue cooking until noodles reach perfect tenderness, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 5: Season and Enhance

Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper.

Remove bay leaf.

Adjust flavors until the soup sings with deliciousness.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Ladle steaming soup into bowls.

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a bright finish.

Step 7: Optional Flavor Boosters

For extra zing, squeeze fresh lemon juice or add a dash of hot sauce just before serving.

Step 8: Savor the Comfort

Enjoy your soul-warming chicken noodle soup.

Perfect for chilly days or when you need a hug in a bowl.

Easy Tips for Chicken Soup

• Select crisp, vibrant vegetables and high-quality chicken for the most flavorful soup base that enhances overall taste and nutrition.
• Add egg noodles toward the end of cooking to maintain their perfect texture and prevent them from becoming soggy or overcooked.
• Let the soup simmer slowly to allow herbs and seasonings to fully release their aromatic qualities, creating a more complex and rich taste profile.
• Consider adding extra vegetables like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking to increase the soup's vitamin and mineral content.
• Cool soup completely before refrigerating, and when reheating, add a splash of fresh broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness.

Save and Reheat Chicken Soup

• Store soup in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain freshness.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months. Avoid freezing noodles separately, as they might become mushy when thawed.
• Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and reaching 165°F internal temperature.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Pour into pot and reheat slowly over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent scorching and ensure even heating. Add fresh herbs or extra seasonings to refresh flavor.

Pairing Suggestions for Chicken Soup

• Pair with Crusty Artisan Bread: Grab a warm, rustic sourdough or whole grain bread to dip into the rich, savory broth, creating a perfect textural contrast and soaking up all the delicious flavors.
• Complement with Crisp White Wine: Select a light Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the soup's richness, offering a refreshing palate cleanser with its bright, citrusy notes.
• Match with Herbal Tea: Brew a soothing chamomile or ginger tea to enhance the soup's healing qualities, providing additional warmth and subtle complementary herbal undertones.
• Serve Alongside Tangy Side Salad: Toss a light green salad with lemon vinaigrette to add a zesty, fresh element that balances the soup's comforting and hearty character.

Ways to Vary Chicken Noodle Soup

• Gluten-Free Chicken Noodle Soup: Replace egg noodles with gluten-free rice noodles or zucchini spirals for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the classic soup's comforting essence.
• Vegetarian Herb Soup: Swap chicken with firm tofu or white beans, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and add extra herbs like rosemary for a protein-packed plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Chicken Soup: Eliminate noodles completely and substitute with cauliflower rice or chopped cabbage to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the soup's rich, savory profile.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Chicken Soup: Incorporate additional Mediterranean herbs like oregano and basil, add a splash of lemon juice, and sprinkle feta cheese on top for a zesty, regional variation that transforms the traditional recipe.

FAQs

• Is chicken noodle soup healthy?

This soup provides a balanced meal with protein from chicken, vitamins from vegetables, and carbohydrates from noodles. It’s nutrient-dense, supports immune health, and offers hydration, making it a nutritious comfort food.

• Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular egg noodles with gluten-free noodles made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Ensure your chicken broth is also certified gluten-free to maintain the recipe’s integrity.

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

Add more shredded chicken, or incorporate cooked white beans, diced rotisserie chicken, or even mix in some cooked quinoa for additional protein boost. These additions can enhance the soup’s nutritional profile.

• What are some tips for making the soup more flavorful?

Use homemade chicken broth, roast vegetables before adding them to the pot, add a splash of white wine during cooking, or include fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to deepen the flavor profile.

Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting chicken noodle soup delivers classic warmth straight from grandma’s kitchen. Hearty broth, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles invite you to savor each spoonful of home-style deliciousness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded)

Vegetables:

• 1 onion (diced)
• 2 carrots (sliced)
• 2 celery stalks (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Broth and Seasonings:

• 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Noodles and Garnish:

• 2 cups egg noodles
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature. Gently sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until vegetables become translucent and tender, approximately 5-6 minutes.
2. Pour chicken broth into the pot and introduce bay leaf, thyme, and oregano. Elevate to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce heat to create a gentle simmer. Allow flavors to meld and develop for 12-15 minutes.
3. While liquid simmers, prepare cooked chicken by shredding or chopping into bite-sized pieces. Ensure chicken is fully cooked and warm.
4. Introduce shredded chicken into the fragrant broth. Carefully fold in egg noodles and continue simmering until noodles reach perfect al dente texture, roughly 8-9 minutes.
5. Taste and calibrate seasoning with salt and pepper. Carefully remove bay leaf to prevent bitter undertones. Ensure soup has balanced and robust flavor profile.
6. Transfer steaming soup into serving bowls. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the top for vibrant color and herbaceous aroma.
7. Optional enhancement includes a bright squeeze of lemon juice or dash of hot sauce for personalized flavor complexity. Serve immediately for optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Customize chicken choice by using rotisserie, leftover, or freshly poached chicken for varied flavor profiles.
• Prevent noodles from becoming mushy by cooking them separately and adding to individual bowls when serving to maintain perfect texture.
• Boost nutritional value by incorporating additional vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or kale for extra vitamins and minerals.
• Enhance immune-boosting properties by adding a small piece of fresh ginger during simmering to provide anti-inflammatory benefits and deeper complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg