Few dishes are as comforting and universally loved as chicken noodle soup. It’s the kind of meal that soothes the soul.
With its rich broth, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles, chicken noodle soup feels like a hug in a bowl.
This recipe delivers that classic homemade flavor, combining simple ingredients with slow-simmered goodness for a soup that’s both nourishing and deeply satisfying.
Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
This chicken noodle soup recipe captures everything you love about the classic comfort dish — rich broth, tender shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and soft egg noodles.
The key lies in building layers of flavor: first by sautéing aromatic vegetables, then simmering chicken until it’s perfectly tender, and finally adding noodles for that satisfying bite.
The result is a wholesome, flavorful soup that’s easy to prepare and even easier to love.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 cups wide egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
For Garnish:
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Cracked black pepper
Instructions
1. Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery.
Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
This combination forms the aromatic base of the soup, adding depth and natural sweetness to the broth.
2. Add the Broth and Chicken
Pour in the chicken broth, then add the raw chicken breasts or thighs to the pot.
Stir in salt, pepper, thyme, parsley, and the bay leaf. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 20–25 minutes. During this time, the chicken will cook slowly, infusing the broth with rich flavor.
3. Shred the Chicken
When the chicken is fully cooked and tender, remove it from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
Discard any excess fat or tough pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring it into the soup so it can soak up the seasoned broth.
4. Cook the Noodles
Bring the soup back to a gentle boil and add the egg noodles. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 7–8 minutes, until tender but not mushy.
The noodles should absorb some of the broth’s flavor while still holding their texture.
If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes; for a lighter version, add a bit more broth or water.
5. Adjust the Flavor
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed — a little extra salt, a dash of pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors beautifully.
Remove the bay leaf before serving.
The balance of savory broth, hearty chicken, and tender noodles should create a warm, comforting aroma that fills your kitchen.
6. Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and cracked black pepper. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or buttery crackers for a complete, cozy meal.
It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for both quiet nights at home and family gatherings alike.
Different Variations
1. Classic Chicken Soup (No Noodles):
Skip the noodles for a lighter, broth-based version. Add a few extra vegetables or rice for a wholesome twist that’s gentle on the stomach.
2. Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup:
For a richer variation, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or a splash of milk after the noodles are cooked. It gives the soup a velvety texture while keeping the classic flavor intact.
3. Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut:
Use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time. Add it to the broth after the vegetables have softened and simmer for 10–15 minutes for quick, flavorful results.
4. Lemon Herb Chicken Soup:
Add extra lemon juice and a sprinkle of dill for a bright, zesty version that feels light and refreshing.
5. Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup:
Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of hot sauce to add a gentle heat that complements the rich broth.
Conclusion
Chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food — wholesome, heartwarming, and timeless. This recipe brings together tender chicken, savory broth, and soft noodles in perfect harmony.
Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, you can easily tailor it with your favorite herbs, spices, or add-ins to make it your own.
Every spoonful is a reminder that simple ingredients can create something truly special.