There’s just something magical about a big steaming bowl of the Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe: it’s cozy, soothing, and feels like a homemade hug in a bowl. Imagine tender shreds of chicken, slurpable noodles, and sweet carrots all swimming in a savory broth that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours, even though you can have it ready in just 30 minutes! This recipe is truly foolproof and loaded with flavor, whether you’re feeling under the weather or just want a nourishing meal in a hurry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the things that makes the Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe extra special is how it turns a handful of kitchen staples into something spectacular. Each ingredient brings its own charm—whether it’s for depth of flavor, a pop of color, or that signature cozy aroma.
- Olive oil: Just a splash adds flavor and helps sauté your veggies to tender perfection.
- Onion: Diced onion gives a subtle sweetness and savory backbone to the broth.
- Garlic: A must for warmth—minced garlic makes the soup fragrant and full of depth.
- Carrots: Sliced carrots not only add beautiful color, but also a gentle sweetness as they cook.
- Celery: Sliced celery delivers an unmistakable fresh note that balances everything out.
- Chicken broth: Opt for low-sodium so you can control the seasoning; this is your soup’s soul.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie or leftover chicken makes this soup fast and flavorful.
- Egg noodles: Their springy texture is classic, but any short pasta works in a pinch.
- Dried thyme: Just a pinch brings herbaceous flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken.
- Dried parsley: Adds subtle green color and mild herbiness to enhance the broth.
- Bay leaf: Simmer for a richer, deeper aroma—just remember to pluck it out before serving.
- Salt and black pepper: These are your best friends for seasoning—taste and adjust as you go.
- Lemon juice (optional): A squeeze at the end brightens everything up beautifully.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Chopped and sprinkled on top, it adds vibrant color and freshness.
How to Make Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add in your diced onion and let it sizzle and soften for about 3 to 4 minutes. When the onion is translucent and a little sweet, toss in the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté everything together for another few minutes, letting the vegetables meld and build that incredible base of flavor that makes this Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe so comforting.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the shredded chicken, dried thyme, dried parsley, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir and bring it to a gentle boil. This is where your kitchen will start to smell absolutely amazing, and you’ll see how such basic ingredients combine to create something delicious.
Step 3: Add the Noodles
With the broth bubbling and veggies softening, it’s time to add the egg noodles. Let them cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the noodles are just tender. This step is where the soup comes together—watch the noodles puff up and soak in all that savory broth, becoming slurp-worthy morsels that everyone loves.
Step 4: Finish and Taste
Once the noodles are perfect, fish out the bay leaf and discard it. If you love a hit of freshness, squeeze in the juice of half a lemon for brightness. Give your Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—a pinch of salt or pepper can make all the difference. Stir, serve piping hot, and get ready for a truly nourishing meal.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes can make your bowl look as good as it tastes! A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a hint of green and smells wonderfully fresh, while a little crack of black pepper on top brings gentle heat. If you love citrus, tuck a lemon wedge on the side so everyone can add extra zing as they like.
Side Dishes
This soup shines on its own but gets even better with the right sides. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread (perfect for dunking!), a simple green salad drizzled with vinaigrette, or even homemade grilled cheese for an extra cozy meal. Classic oyster crackers or herbed crostini also make delightful accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make a big impression, ladle your Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe into mugs for an easy-to-carry lunch or serve it in a big vintage tureen at the table, family style. For a fun twist, set up a toppings bar with extra herbs, a little shredded cheese, or thinly sliced scallions so everyone can customize their bowls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place your leftover soup in airtight containers and tuck them into the fridge for up to four days. If you plan to savor it a little at a time, consider storing the noodles separately so they don’t become too soft as the days go by.
Freezing
To freeze, ladle the soup (without the noodles) into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and add freshly cooked noodles before serving. This keeps the texture pleasantly firm and not mushy!
Reheating
Reheat the Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until steaming hot, stirring every now and then. If the broth has thickened up in the fridge, just add a splash more chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Microwave reheating works great too—just cover with a microwave-safe lid to avoid splatters!
FAQs
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Simply dice or shred raw boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs and simmer them right in the broth until cooked through. This will add extra depth, but using rotisserie or leftover chicken keeps things ultra-quick.
Do I have to use egg noodles?
Nope—while egg noodles are traditional and bring a soft, springy bite, you can use any short pasta you like. Try rotini, ditalini, or even broken spaghetti for a fun twist on the Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Just swap the egg noodles for your favorite gluten-free pasta! Be sure to check the ingredient labels on your broth and other seasonings as well to ensure everything is gluten-free.
What veggies can I add to mix things up?
Feel free to stir in chopped spinach, frozen peas, diced potatoes, corn, or even a handful of green beans. The Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is endlessly adaptable to whatever you have in your veggie drawer.
Can I make this soup in advance for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep! If prepping ahead, store the soup and noodles separately (or add the noodles just before eating) for the best texture all week long.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, the Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting bowl during a chilly night. Give it a try and let that cozy, homemade flavor warm you from the inside out!
Print
Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Warm up with a comforting bowl of homemade Easy Chicken Noodle Soup. This quick recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, full of tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and flavorful broth.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Noodle Soup:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
- 2 cups egg noodles (or any short pasta)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook for another 3–5 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the shredded chicken, thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Add the egg noodles and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Remove the bay leaf.
- Stir in lemon juice for brightness, if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- To save time, use pre-chopped veggies and rotisserie chicken.
- This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be frozen (store without noodles to prevent mushiness when reheated).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
