There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of chicken noodle soup. Whether you’re battling a cold, feeling under the weather, or simply craving a warm, nourishing meal, this classic soup is the perfect solution. With tender, juicy chicken, hearty vegetables, and comforting noodles, it’s a meal that’s bound to bring comfort and warmth to your soul.
This homemade chicken noodle soup recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients and allows for easy customization to suit your taste. What makes this version special is its balance of flavors—the savory chicken, aromatic herbs, and a splash of lemon for brightness all come together to create the ultimate bowl of goodness.
Why This Chicken Noodle Soup is the Best:
- Simple and Accessible Ingredients: Made with basic pantry staples like carrots, celery, garlic, and noodles, this soup can be prepared any time you need comfort food. No need for fancy or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Homemade Goodness: This homemade version trumps any canned soup you’ll find at the store. It’s fresher, healthier, and packed with real flavors, and it doesn’t take long to make.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Chicken noodle soup often tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld together. It’s perfect for meal prepping and storing in the fridge for easy lunches throughout the week.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade or low-sodium for healthier options)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh thyme if you have it)
- 1 bay leaf
- 8 oz egg noodles (or your choice of pasta)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional for a fresh, tangy finish)
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5-6 minutes. The vegetables should start to soften, and the onion should become translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
This initial step builds the flavor base for your soup. The sweetness from the carrots, the slight bitterness from the celery, and the aromatic onion and garlic create a delicious foundation for the broth.
2. Add the Broth and Chicken:
Once the vegetables have softened, pour in the chicken broth. If you have homemade broth, it will make your soup even more flavorful, but store-bought low-sodium broth works perfectly as well. Add in the shredded chicken, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer for about 20-25 minutes. This gives the flavors time to combine and the broth to take on the savory taste of the chicken and vegetables.
3. Cook the Noodles:
While the soup is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions in a separate pot. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside. This is important—if you add the noodles directly to the soup and let them sit too long, they’ll absorb the broth and become mushy. By cooking them separately, you maintain the integrity of the noodles, and they stay perfect for serving.
4. Finish the Soup:
After the soup has simmered for about 20-25 minutes, remove the bay leaf. Add the cooked noodles to the pot and stir to combine. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If you want to brighten the flavors, squeeze in a little lemon juice or add a lemon wedge to each bowl. The lemon gives the soup a fresh, tangy lift that complements the savory flavors beautifully.
5. Serve:
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and added freshness. Serve with a side of crusty bread or a buttery roll for the ultimate comfort meal. You could also pair it with a simple grilled cheese sandwich for an extra dose of coziness!
Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup:
- Homemade Broth for Extra Flavor: If you have time, homemade chicken broth will elevate your soup to another level. Simply simmer chicken bones (or a whole chicken) with vegetables, herbs, and water for several hours to create a rich, full-bodied broth. It’s worth the effort, and the depth of flavor it provides is unmatched.
- Add More Vegetables: While carrots, celery, and onion are the classics, you can customize your soup by adding other veggies. Peas, spinach, green beans, or corn are great additions and will make the soup even heartier. Just be sure to add delicate greens like spinach toward the end of cooking, so they don’t lose their texture.
- Noodles Matter: While egg noodles are the go-to for chicken noodle soup, feel free to switch it up. Rotini, bow-tie pasta, or even orzo work wonderfully. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time for different pasta shapes.
- Store the Noodles Separately: If you’re making a large batch or prepping for later, cook the noodles separately and add them to the soup right before serving. This keeps the noodles from absorbing too much of the broth and becoming soggy. Alternatively, you can cook the noodles in the broth but be mindful that they’ll soak up some liquid, so you may need to add more broth when reheating.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience: If you want to save time, rotisserie chicken works wonders. Simply shred the meat and add it to your soup for an easy shortcut. It saves time and still gives the soup that delicious, tender chicken flavor.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips:
- Storing Leftovers: Chicken noodle soup is an excellent option for leftovers. Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just remember that the noodles will continue to absorb the broth, so when reheating, you may need to add a little extra broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
- Freezing for Later: If you want to freeze the soup, freeze the soup without noodles. Cooked noodles don’t freeze as well and can become mushy when reheated. Allow the soup to cool, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat and cook fresh noodles separately.
Variations to Try:
- Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. You can also stir in a little hot sauce or sriracha to give it a nice warmth.
- Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: For a creamy twist, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half toward the end of cooking. This makes the soup extra rich and comforting.
- Ginger and Lemongrass Twist: Add a few slices of fresh ginger and a stalk of lemongrass to the broth as it simmers for a unique flavor profile. It adds a refreshing, aromatic depth to the soup.
Final Thoughts:
Homemade chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food that’s sure to please everyone. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly day, when you’re sick, or as a cozy family dinner, it’s the kind of meal that always hits the spot. With its fresh ingredients, savory broth, and customizable options, it’s a meal you’ll make over and over again.
This soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl. So, grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy the warmth and joy that only a homemade bowl of chicken noodle soup can bring.
How do you like your chicken noodle soup? Do you have any favorite ingredients or variations?