Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort in a Bowl

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of chicken noodle soup on a chilly day. The smell of savory broth, tender chicken, and noodles swirling together is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, whether you’re feeling under the weather or just need something cozy after a long day.

I’ve always believed a good homemade chicken noodle soup is more than just food, it’s a feeling. It reminds me of slow afternoons in my mom’s kitchen, where the soup simmered low and filled the house with that familiar, comforting aroma. This chicken noodle soup recipe is simple, satisfying, and made with real, wholesome ingredients, the way it should be.

Let’s Make This Cozy Chicken Noodle Soup Together

Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Recipe by Souhail Jr

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

35

minutes

Calories

310

kcal

This homemade chicken noodle soup is pure comfort in a bowl, hearty, flavorful, and perfect for chilly nights or when you just need something soothing. Made with simple ingredients, it’s a classic you’ll come back to again and again.

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Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced

• 2 celery stalks, sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 8 cups chicken broth

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (or rotisserie chicken)

• 2 cups egg noodles

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 bay leaf

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

• Juice of 0.5 lemon (optional, for brightness)

Directions

• Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once warm, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until they start to soften, about 5 minutes. The aroma at this stage is incredible and sets the base for a flavorful soup.
• Next, add in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Then pour in the chicken broth, and stir in the thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This is where the magic happens, the flavors blend and deepen beautifully.
• Once your veggies are tender, add the egg noodles and let them cook until just soft, usually about 7-8 minutes. Stir in the shredded chicken and let it heat through for another 5 minutes. Remove the bay leaf, then taste and adjust seasoning.
• Finally, stir in the fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten things up. Serve it hot with a slice of crusty bread and maybe a cozy blanket, the best combo ever.

Notes

• For a richer broth, use bone-in chicken and simmer longer before shredding.
• Want it extra hearty? Add diced potatoes or more noodles.
• If you like a creamy version, stir in a splash of cream or milk at the end.
• To make it gluten-free, swap egg noodles for rice noodles or cooked rice.
• A squeeze of lemon or a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice brightness.
• The flavor deepens overnight, so leftovers taste even better the next day.

Nutrition Facts

• Total number of serves: 6
• Calories: 310kcal
• Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 980mg
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 28g

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Why This Chicken Noodle Soup Works Every Time

Let’s be honest, there are a lot of chicken noodle soup recipes out there, but this one has a little magic in it. It’s simple, classic, and downright comforting without being fussy. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just trying to fight off a cold, this soup always hits the spot.

Here’s why this homemade chicken noodle soup works so beautifully every single time:

• It’s easy but full of flavor. A few simple ingredients, chicken, noodles, veggies, and broth, come together in the most comforting way.
• One pot, zero stress. Everything cooks in one pot, which means fewer dishes and more flavor.
• Customizable for everyone. Swap the noodles for rice or gluten-free pasta, use rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time, or load up on extra veggies if you want a lighter version.
• Perfect for leftovers. It actually tastes better the next day once the flavors have had time to blend.
• Pure comfort food. It’s soothing, hearty, and nostalgic, exactly what you want in a bowl of soup.

And if you love this kind of cozy comfort, you’ll definitely want to check out my potato soup recipe next, it’s just as warm and satisfying, perfect for cold nights.

What to Prep Ahead (So You’re Not Rushing Later)

I don’t know about you, but when I’m hungry, I’m not exactly in the mood to spend forever chopping veggies. A little prep before you start cooking this chicken noodle soup makes the whole process a breeze. You’ll be ladling out steaming bowls of comfort in no time!

Here’s what you can do ahead of time:

• Chop your veggies. Dice the carrots, celery, and onions and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
• Cook or shred the chicken. If you’re using leftover or rotisserie chicken, have it prepped and ready to go.
• Measure your noodles. It sounds small, but it saves you time (and prevents adding too many!).
• Make your broth. If you’re making homemade broth, simmer and store it in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to use it.
• Gather your seasonings. Keeping herbs and spices measured out helps the cooking flow easily.

A few small steps like these can turn your soup night into a stress-free, relaxing experience, just the way comfort food should be.

Pro Tips for Chicken Soup Success

You know that moment when your kitchen smells like pure comfort and you realize your soup turned out just right? That’s what we’re aiming for here. These little tips are the secrets behind turning a good chicken noodle soup into an unforgettable one. Think of them as the small tweaks that make a big difference, the kind of advice you’d get from a friend who’s been making soup for years.

Here’s how to make it absolutely perfect:

• Sauté the veggies slowly. Give your onions, carrots, and celery a few extra minutes to soften and release flavor before adding the broth, it deepens the soup beautifully.
• Use good broth. Whether you make it yourself or buy it, go for a flavorful, low-sodium chicken broth so you can season it to your liking.
• Don’t overcook the noodles. They’ll continue softening in the hot broth even after you turn off the heat, so stop cooking when they’re just tender.
• Add fresh herbs at the end. Parsley or dill added right before serving keeps the flavor bright and fresh.
• Taste as you go. A pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon can completely balance the flavors.
• Make it a meal. Pair your soup with something cozy, like cottage cheese pancakes, for the ultimate comfort combo, sounds unexpected, but trust me, it works!

Fun Twists on the Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

I love that chicken noodle soup is one of those recipes you can easily make your own. Once you’ve nailed the classic version, it’s fun to play around with different flavors and ingredients. These variations keep things interesting, perfect when you’re craving something familiar but a little new.

Here are a few delicious ways to switch it up:

• Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: Stir in ½ cup of cream or milk at the end for a luxuriously silky texture. It turns your soup into something rich and indulgent without losing that cozy homemade flavor.
• Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup: Add a touch of heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. For an extra punch, toss in sliced jalapeños or a bit of sriracha while simmering.
• Lemon Herb Chicken Soup: A little extra lemon juice and a handful of fresh dill or parsley brighten the whole bowl. It’s light, fresh, and perfect for spring days.
• Chicken Fideo Soup: Swap egg noodles for thin fideo noodles and season with cumin, paprika, and a touch of tomato paste for a cozy Mexican-style twist. If you’re into this kind of flavor, you’ll love my fideo recipe, it’s like chicken noodle soup’s fun, spicy cousin.
• Vegetable-Packed Chicken Soup: Load it with extra veggies like spinach, zucchini, or corn for a nutrient-packed version. It’s lighter but still completely comforting.
• Seafood Noodle Soup: For something different, replace chicken with shrimp and add a splash of soy sauce or miso for depth. It’s a beautiful fusion of comfort and coastal flavor, a little like my shrimp bowl recipe in soup form.

The Best Ways to Serve Your Chicken Noodle Soup

There’s nothing like sitting down with a steaming bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup, but let’s make it even better. The right sides and toppings can turn a simple bowl of soup into a full, satisfying meal.

Try serving it with:

• Crusty bread or dinner rolls. Perfect for soaking up that flavorful broth.
• A light salad. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances out the warmth of the soup.
• Grilled cheese or garlic toast. Because who doesn’t love a cheesy sidekick?
• A cozy soup spread. Pair it with another warm favorite like this pumpkin soup recipe, perfect for fall dinners or casual get-togethers.

However you serve it, don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon right before digging in. It makes everything taste bright and fresh.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Noodle Soup Like a Pro

Leftovers? You’re in luck, this soup tastes even better the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat it while keeping that perfect flavor and texture:

• Store: Let the soup cool completely, then refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Want to save some for later? Freeze it (without the noodles) for up to 3 months. Add fresh noodles when you reheat for the best texture.
• Reheat: Warm it gently over medium heat on the stove. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

Keeping the noodles separate when storing prevents them from soaking up all the liquid, a little trick that keeps every bowl tasting freshly made.

FAQs: Your Chicken Noodle Soup Questions, Answered

Wrapping It Up: A Bowl Full of Comfort

At the end of the day, a steaming pot of chicken noodle soup is more than just a meal, it’s a little act of love. Whether you’re cooking it for your family, a friend who’s under the weather, or just for yourself after a long day, it has that rare power to bring comfort with every spoonful.

This homemade chicken noodle soup recipe proves that simple ingredients can make something truly special. It’s cozy, hearty, and timeless, the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for any season. So grab your pot, chop those veggies, and let the warmth fill your kitchen. One bowl, and you’ll see why this soup will always have a place at your table.