There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup to wrap you up in cozy comfort, especially when the weather turns brisk or you’re simply craving a nourishing classic. Generously filled with tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a colorful medley of vegetables, this beloved soup is more than just a meal—it’s a warm hug in a bowl and the ultimate feel-better food. Whether you’re making it for your family on a busy weeknight or whipping up a batch to share with a neighbor, Chicken Noodle Soup is always a joyful, soul-satisfying winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simplicity is the beauty of Chicken Noodle Soup, and every ingredient plays an essential role in making this dish so heartwarming and flavorful. Gather the basics, treat them with care, and you’ll have a pot of soup that tastes homemade in every spoonful.
- Olive oil: A touch of olive oil helps soften the vegetables and creates a wonderful aromatic base for your soup.
- Onion (diced): Adds sweet, mellow depth that forms the backbone of classic soup flavor.
- Carrots (peeled and sliced): Brightens up the soup with color and a subtle earthiness.
- Celery (sliced): Brings that fresh, herbal crunch that every great Chicken Noodle Soup needs.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the broth with just the right amount of punchy aroma.
- Chicken broth: Use a quality broth for that rich, savory foundation which ties everything together.
- Cooked chicken (shredded): Rotisserie chicken is a delicious, time-saving shortcut for tender, flavorful protein.
- Bay leaves: These subtle little leaves lend depth and round out all the flavors beautifully.
- Dried thyme: Just a teaspoon brings irresistible herby warmth that defines classic Chicken Noodle Soup.
- Dried parsley: Adds a gentle pop of color and freshness to the broth.
- Salt: Balances and brightens all the flavors; adjust to taste.
- Black pepper: A dash of pepper brings a gentle kick and rounds out the savory edge.
- Egg noodles (uncooked): Tender, comforting, and quick-cooking, they soak up all the delicious broth.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): A sprinkle before serving adds freshness and a splash of green to each bowl.
How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is soft and smells absolutely heavenly. This step builds the savory foundation for your Chicken Noodle Soup, so don’t rush it—let those veggies work their magic!
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just a minute, until fragrant. This is the moment when your kitchen will start to smell like pure comfort. Garlic elevates the aroma and adds complexity to the broth, making every spoonful more inviting.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, then add the bay leaves, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a big stir, taking a moment to inhale that awesome herby aroma. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Simmering brings all the ingredients together and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Noodles
Now, stir in your shredded chicken and uncooked egg noodles. Let the soup simmer for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the noodles are perfectly tender. The noodles will absorb some broth and all that herby goodness, turning the soup into a truly hearty meal.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove the bay leaves and give the soup a final taste—adjust the seasoning if you’d like. Ladle your Chicken Noodle Soup into bowls and top each with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve it piping hot and watch smiles appear with every spoonful!
How to Serve Chicken Noodle Soup
Garnishes
Sometimes a little flourish makes all the difference. Add a pop of freshness with chopped fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon right before serving. If you want to really level it up, try a dash of cracked black pepper or even a swirl of cream for extra richness.
Side Dishes
This classic soup loves company! Serve alongside warm, crusty bread or homemade biscuits to soak up every drop. If you’re craving something green, a simple side salad with a zippy vinaigrette is a bright, crunchy partner for Chicken Noodle Soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, try setting out a toppings bar so everyone can dress up their soup just the way they like. Grated parmesan, croutons, extra herbs, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes all add fun flair. Or, for a rustic gathering, ladle Chicken Noodle Soup into mugs for a delightfully casual hand-held meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply transfer the cooled soup into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to 4 days, making it a fantastic grab-and-go lunch or an easy midweek dinner.
Freezing
Chicken Noodle Soup is an excellent freezer meal, but here’s the trick: freeze the soup without the noodles, as they can get mushy. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat the soup base and cook a fresh batch of noodles to add just before serving.
Reheating
To reheat, place the soup in a pot over medium heat and warm gently, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the noodles have soaked up extra broth, just add a splash of water or chicken broth to bring it back to your ideal consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! You can use cooked, shredded chicken breast for this recipe. If you have raw chicken, simply simmer it in the broth until cooked through, then shred and return to the soup at the appropriate step.
How can I make this Chicken Noodle Soup gluten-free?
Easy! Just substitute your favorite gluten-free noodles for the egg noodles. There are many delicious options available, from gluten-free egg noodles to rice-based alternatives.
What vegetables can I add to change it up?
Feel free to stir in peas, corn, chopped spinach, or even diced sweet potatoes. This soup is wonderfully flexible, and extra veggies can add nutrition and variety to every bowl.
How do I keep the noodles from getting mushy?
If you plan on storing or freezing leftovers, cook the noodles separately and add them just before serving. This keeps them perfectly springy and prevents them from soaking up all the soup broth.
Can this Chicken Noodle Soup be made in advance?
Yes! It’s a fantastic make-ahead dish. Prepare the soup base in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer, then just add freshly cooked noodles when it’s time to reheat and serve.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a bowl of pure comfort and joy, you can never go wrong with Chicken Noodle Soup. It’s ridiculously easy, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to bring warmth to even the chilliest of days. Gather your favorite ingredients, give it a try, and let this wholesome classic become a regular in your kitchen. Happy soup-making!
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Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A classic and comforting chicken noodle soup recipe that is easy to make and perfect for any time of the year. This homemade soup is packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and egg noodles in a flavorful broth.
Ingredients
Vegetables:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Soup:
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups egg noodles, uncooked
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Saute Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Cook Soup: Pour in chicken broth and add bay leaves, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in the shredded chicken and uncooked egg noodles. Continue cooking for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Remove bay leaves.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of cream just before serving.
- This soup freezes well—just leave out the noodles and add them fresh when reheating.
- Substitute gluten-free noodles if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
