Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

The Coziest Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for Heartwarming Comfort

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of hearty chicken noodle soup that promises warmth and healing.

Grandmothers worldwide have perfected this classic dish through generations of loving preparation.

Fragrant herbs and tender chicken create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Simple ingredients blend seamlessly to craft a meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Broth simmered with care brings depth and richness to every spoonful you’ll savor.

Nourishing and straightforward, this recipe transforms basic components into a soul-soothing experience.

Ladle up a bowl and let each bite remind you of home’s loving embrace.

Ingredients for Chicken Noodle Soup

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken: Protein-rich main ingredient that provides hearty flavor and substance to the soup.
  • Egg Noodles: Soft, tender pasta that adds comfort and texture to the classic soup.
  • Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid base that creates the foundation of the soup.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic aromatic vegetables that build a deep, rich flavor profile for the soup.
Seasonings:
  • Thyme, Salt, Pepper: Herbs and spices that enhance and balance the overall taste of the chicken noodle soup.
Cooking Liquid:
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and adds a subtle, smooth background flavor.

Instructions for Chicken Noodle Soup Preparation

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Grab your trusty large pot and drizzle olive oil across the bottom. Crank the heat to medium and let the oil get shimmery and loose.

Step 2: Sauté Veggie Trio

Toss in diced onions, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Stir these colorful friends around the pot until they soften and become slightly translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Pour and Boil the Liquid Gold

Splash in the chicken broth and watch it come to a rolling boil. The kitchen will start smelling amazing right about now.

Step 4: Build Your Soup’s Flavor Profile

Drop in these ingredients:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Egg noodles
  • Fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything together so the ingredients get to know each other.

Step 5: Simmer and Develop Depth

Turn down the heat to low and let the soup gently bubble. This slow cooking allows all the flavors to mingle and create a comforting, delicious broth. The noodles will become perfectly tender in about 20 minutes.

Step 6: Ladle and Serve

Scoop the steaming soup into bowls and get ready to enjoy a classic comfort meal that warms you from the inside out.

Expert Tips for Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version that still packs protein and flavor.
  • Use gluten-free egg noodles to make this recipe celiac-friendly and safe for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Enhance the soup's nutrition by adding extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach for more vitamins and minerals.
  • Prepare the soup ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, letting flavors develop and intensify.
  • Adjust seasoning with fresh herbs like parsley or dill at the end for a bright, fresh taste that elevates the classic comfort dish.

Variations to Enhance Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Spicy Southwest Chicken Soup: Replace thyme with cumin and chili powder, add diced green chilies and top with fresh cilantro for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken Soup: Incorporate oregano, rosemary, and a splash of lemon juice, garnish with crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley for a Mediterranean flair.
  • Asian-Inspired Ginger Chicken Soup: Swap thyme for fresh ginger, add sliced mushrooms, green onions, and a dash of soy sauce to create an aromatic Asian-style soup.
  • Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half during the last few minutes of cooking for a rich, velvety texture that adds extra comfort.

Perfect Pairings for Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Pair Rustic Bread with Crispy Edges: Slice a freshly baked sourdough or crusty French bread to dip into the warm, comforting soup, soaking up the rich broth and adding delightful texture.
  • Complement with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the soup's richness and enhances the delicate chicken and vegetable flavors.
  • Match with Herbal Green Salad: Create a side salad with mixed greens, fresh herbs like parsley and dill, topped with a light lemon vinaigrette to provide a bright, zesty contrast to the hearty soup.

Best Storage Tips for Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Store soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Let it cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for 2-3 months, leaving some space for expansion. Label with the date.
  • Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of broth if needed to restore moisture.
  • Pour soup into a pot, add a little extra broth to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through and noodles remain tender.

FAQs About Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Can I use different types of noodles?

Yes, you can swap egg noodles for other pasta like rotini, shells, or wide egg noodles. Just adjust cooking time to prevent overcooking.

  • Is homemade chicken broth better than store-bought?

Homemade broth offers richer flavor and more nutrients, but good quality store-bought broth works perfectly fine if you’re short on time.

  • How can I make this soup healthier?

Add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach, use low-sodium broth, and choose whole wheat noodles for extra nutrition.

  • Can I freeze chicken noodle soup?

Yes, freeze without noodles for best texture. When reheating, cook fresh noodles separately and add them to the thawed soup to prevent mushy pasta.

What Makes Chicken Noodle Soup So Comforting

  • Craft Comfort in Minutes: This chicken noodle soup delivers pure warmth with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy home cooks seeking a quick, satisfying meal.
  • Nourish Your Wellness: Packed with protein-rich chicken, nutrient-dense vegetables, and healing broth, this recipe supports immune health and provides wholesome nutrition.
  • Customize Your Bowl: Easily adaptable with optional herbs, spices, or additional vegetables, making it a versatile recipe that welcomes personal culinary creativity.
  • Family-Friendly Favorite: A universally loved dish that appeals to all ages, from kids to grandparents, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a delicious, comforting meal.
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Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 25-27 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty chicken noodle soup delivers comfort and warmth in a single bowl, blending tender chicken, silky noodles, and aromatic herbs. Nutritious ingredients and simple preparation make this classic dish a go-to remedy for chilly days and weary souls you’ll savor to the last spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 2 cups egg noodles

Vegetables:

  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • 1 cup chopped celery

Seasonings and Oil:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium temperature, creating a fragrant base for the soup.
  2. Gently sauté chopped onions, diced carrots, and sliced celery until vegetables soften and release their aromatic essence, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stream chicken broth into the pot, allowing the liquid to reach a rolling boil and blend the vegetable flavors.
  4. Introduce shredded chicken, slender egg noodles, delicate thyme leaves, and a balanced seasoning of salt and pepper into the bubbling mixture.
  5. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, allowing the ingredients to meld and noodles to become perfectly tender, typically 15-20 minutes.
  6. Ladle the steaming, comforting soup into deep bowls, ensuring each serving captures the rich, hearty combination of proteins and vegetables.
  7. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve immediately to preserve the soup’s optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

  • Swap egg noodles with gluten-free alternatives like rice noodles or zucchini noodles for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Boost protein content by adding extra shredded rotisserie chicken or white beans for vegetarian protein options.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt intake and customize seasoning according to personal preference.
  • Enhance immune-boosting properties by adding minced garlic or a sprinkle of fresh ginger during vegetable sautéing stage.
  • Prep Time: 5-7 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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