Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food that everyone craves on a cold day or when feeling under the weather. This classic homemade version is not only nutritious but also incredibly satisfying, offering a delightful combination of tender chicken, flavorful broth, hearty vegetables, and comforting noodles. Whether you’re looking for a family dinner or a soothing meal for when you’re feeling ill, this chicken noodle soup recipe is your go-to solution for a warm and nourishing dish.

Why Chicken Noodle Soup Is the Perfect Comfort Food

There’s something inherently comforting about a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. From its rich, savory broth to the tender chicken and soft noodles, every spoonful is a taste of home. Here are just a few reasons why chicken noodle soup has earned its place as the quintessential comfort food:

• Nourishing and Hearty: Packed with protein from the chicken, fiber from vegetables, and carbs from the noodles, this soup is a complete meal that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of basic ingredients like chicken, vegetables, broth, and noodles, chicken noodle soup is easy to make with pantry staples.
• Soothing and Healing: The warm broth and wholesome ingredients make this soup a go-to remedy for colds or flu, as it helps hydrate and soothe the throat while providing essential nutrients.
• Customizable: Whether you prefer extra vegetables, a spicy kick, or a richer broth, this soup can be easily adjusted to suit your taste.

Ingredients for Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

This recipe uses simple and nutritious ingredients to create a heartwarming bowl of chicken noodle soup. Here’s what you need:

For the Soup Base:

• 1 lb bone-in, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Bone-in chicken provides extra flavor, but boneless chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option.
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or homemade stock): Chicken broth is the foundation of the soup, giving it a rich, savory flavor.
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped): Adds a sweet and savory base flavor to the soup.
• 2 medium carrots (peeled and sliced): Carrots contribute a natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• 2 celery stalks (sliced): Celery adds a refreshing crunch and mild, aromatic flavor to the soup.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic imparts a savory richness to the broth.
• 2 bay leaves: Bay leaves infuse the soup with an herbal aroma.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A classic herb that adds depth and earthiness to the broth.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley: Parsley brings a fresh and slightly grassy flavor to the soup.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds mild spice and seasoning to the soup.
• Salt to taste: You can adjust the salt to your preference to balance the flavors.
• 6 oz egg noodles (or your preferred pasta): Egg noodles are traditional for chicken noodle soup, but you can use any pasta you prefer.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing): Olive oil helps sauté the vegetables and adds richness to the soup.
• Optional: Fresh parsley (for garnish): Garnish the soup with fresh parsley for added color and freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chicken Noodle Soup

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the simple steps to make your homemade chicken noodle soup.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts or thighs and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, until they are lightly browned. This helps develop flavor and adds a nice color to the chicken.

Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. It will be shredded later.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the finely chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Step 3: Make the Broth

Once the vegetables are softened, return the cooked chicken to the pot. Add the chicken broth, bay leaves, dried thyme, dried parsley, black pepper, and salt (to taste). Stir everything to combine and bring the soup to a simmer.

Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer gently for about 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once the soup has finished simmering, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Once it’s cool enough to handle, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir everything together. This step ensures that the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the soup.

Step 5: Add the Noodles

Now, add the egg noodles (or your preferred pasta) to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir the soup occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking.

If you prefer to keep the noodles separate, you can cook them in a separate pot and add them to the soup when serving. This prevents them from becoming too soft or mushy as they continue to absorb the broth.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs like thyme or parsley to balance the flavors to your liking.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the noodles are cooked and the soup is well-seasoned, remove the bay leaves from the pot and discard them. Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and added freshness.

Serve hot and enjoy a comforting bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup!

Notes and Tips for the Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup

• For a richer broth: Use bone-in chicken thighs or a whole chicken to enhance the flavor of the broth. You can simmer the bones for a longer period before adding vegetables to create a deeper, more robust stock.
• For extra flavor: A splash of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce can add a bright, zesty flavor to the soup. These additions are especially useful for balancing the richness of the broth.
• Noodles: If you want to prepare the soup ahead of time, cook the noodles separately and add them just before serving. This prevents the noodles from becoming too soft and mushy in the broth.
• Freezing tip: Chicken noodle soup freezes well but it’s best to freeze the soup without the noodles. The noodles can become soggy when thawed. Simply freeze the soup and add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.
• Vegetarian option: For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu or additional vegetables like zucchini, peas, or green beans. You can also use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.

Why Chicken Noodle Soup is a Staple in Every Kitchen

Chicken noodle soup has stood the test of time as a comforting and versatile dish. Whether it’s a family favorite or a remedy for when you’re feeling unwell, this recipe provides warmth and nourishment in every bite. With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, you can make a batch of chicken noodle soup that rivals any restaurant’s version.

It’s the perfect dish for any season—whether you’re warming up after a winter chill or enjoying a light, comforting meal on a fall evening. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and make this classic chicken noodle soup that will fill your home with comforting aromas and provide you with the nourishment you need.

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

This homemade chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food—perfect for a cold day or when you’re feeling under the weather. Packed with tender chicken, flavorful broth, hearty vegetables, and comforting noodles, it’s a nourishing and satisfying dish for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American

Equipment

• Large stockpot or Dutch oven
• Knife and Cutting Board
• Ladle
• Soup spoons
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Skimmer or slotted spoon (optional)

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb 450g bone-in, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 8 cups 2 liters low-sodium chicken broth (or homemade stock)
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks sliced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper or to taste
• Salt to taste
• 6 oz 170g egg noodles or your preferred pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
• Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Chicken:
• In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the chicken breasts or thighs and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, until lightly browned.
• Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly.
• Sauté Vegetables:
• In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Make the Broth:
• Return the chicken to the pot. Add the chicken broth, bay leaves, thyme, parsley, pepper, and salt (to taste).
• Bring the soup to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat. Let it simmer gently for about 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
• Shred the Chicken:
• Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool. Once it’s cool enough to handle, shred it using two forks.
• Add the Noodles:
• Add the egg noodles (or your preferred pasta) to the soup and cook according to the package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes.
• Return the Chicken:
• Once the noodles are cooked, return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir everything together and let the soup simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
• Final Seasoning:
• Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or herbs, if desired.
• Serve:
• Remove the bay leaves and discard them. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Video

Notes

For a richer broth: Use bone-in chicken thighs or a whole chicken for added flavor. You can even simmer the bones for longer before adding the vegetables to make a deeper, more robust stock.
For extra flavor: A splash of lemon juice or a small dash of hot sauce can brighten the flavors of the soup.
Noodles: If you want to prepare the soup ahead of time, cook the noodles separately and add them when serving. This prevents them from becoming too soft and mushy in the broth.
Freezing tip: Chicken noodle soup can be frozen without the noodles, as they can become soggy when thawed. Freeze the soup and add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.
Vegetarian option: Substitute the chicken with tofu or add extra vegetables like zucchini, peas, or green beans. You can use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
Enjoy your comforting bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup!

Keyword Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe