A warm bowl of chicken noodle soup has a way of soothing both body and soul. The gentle aroma of chicken simmering on the stove, the quiet bubbling of the broth, and the golden noodles swirling with tender vegetables all blend together to create pure comfort. I still remember the first time I made it from scratch the way the fragrance filled my kitchen and how that very first spoonful felt like calm in a bowl. Few dishes can lift your mood and warm your heart quite like chicken noodle soup, especially on a chilly evening, a rainy day, or when you simply need a little comfort.
For me, this recipe is more than a meal; it’s a moment of nostalgia. It reminds me of family kitchens and the kind of love that’s passed down through generations. What makes it truly special is its simplicity humble ingredients that come together to create something rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re craving a quick, wholesome lunch or a cozy dinner after a long day, this soup never fails to bring warmth to the table.
The beauty of this recipe lies in how effortlessly it comes together. It’s hearty yet light, nourishing yet simple, and the homemade broth gives it a depth of flavor that store-bought versions can’t match. From the first simmer to the last comforting spoonful, every step feels like a small act of care the kind that turns an ordinary day into something quietly special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Comfort in a Bowl: The warmth of the broth and the tender chicken make this soup the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any day.
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Quick and Easy: It only takes about 30 minutes to prepare this soup from start to finish, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights.
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Nostalgic and Classic: Chicken noodle soup is a timeless recipe that brings back fond memories and offers a sense of warmth and security.
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Full of Flavor: With the combination of fresh vegetables, savory chicken, and rich broth, this soup is bursting with flavor in every bite.
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Customizable: You can add or swap out vegetables, use different types of noodles, or even add extra seasonings to suit your tastes.
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Hearty but Light: This soup is filling and nourishing without being heavy, making it a satisfying meal that won’t leave you feeling sluggish.
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Perfect for Meal Prep: You can make a big batch, store it, and have ready-to-go meals for the week.
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Family-Friendly: Kids love it, and adults do too! It’s the perfect meal to share with the whole family.
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Healthy: Packed with lean chicken, vegetables, and homemade broth, this soup is both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients
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For the Soup:
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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3 medium carrots, sliced
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
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2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
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1 1/2 cups egg noodles (or any noodles you prefer)
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1 bay leaf
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1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
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Lemon wedges optional, for a touch of brightness
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Preparation or Marination
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Prepare the Chicken: If you’re not using pre-cooked chicken, cook 2 chicken breasts in a pot of boiling water until fully cooked, about 20 minutes. Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks. Set it aside.
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Chop the Vegetables: Dice the onion, slice the carrots, chop the celery, and mince the garlic. These will all go into the soup to add flavor and texture.
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Cook the Noodles: While you prepare the soup, cook the noodles according to package directions, but be sure to slightly undercook them since they’ll cook more in the broth. Drain and set aside.
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Make the Broth: If you want to add more flavor to your broth, you can use homemade chicken broth or store-bought low-sodium broth for a lighter option. This will be the base of your soup, so it’s important to make it as flavorful as possible.
Recipe Time and Details
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 45 minutes
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Servings: 4
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Courses: Main Course, Soup
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Cuisines: American
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Calories: 300 per serving (varies depending on the ingredients used)
Flavor and Texture Tips
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Make the Broth Rich: For a deeper flavor, simmer the broth with the vegetables for a bit longer. If you have time, let it simmer for 45 minutes to an hour to really extract all the flavors from the chicken and vegetables.
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Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Keep an eye on the noodles as they can get mushy if cooked too long. Add them towards the end to preserve their texture.
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Season in Layers: Taste the soup as it simmers and adjust the seasoning as needed. Sometimes a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon can make all the difference.
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Add Vegetables for Extra Texture: You can add peas, corn, or green beans to the soup for added texture and flavor.
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Make It Ahead: This soup stores really well. You can make it ahead and refrigerate for a few days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Serving Ideas
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Crusty Bread: Serve your soup with a slice of toasted bread for dipping. A buttery baguette or garlic bread would work wonderfully.
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Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette is the perfect side to balance the richness of the soup.
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Cheese Toast: A grilled cheese sandwich or cheese toast would pair beautifully with this comforting soup.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add extra broth if needed to loosen the soup. The noodles will absorb some of the liquid, so a splash of water or more broth will help bring it back to its original consistency. Avoid reheating the soup multiple times to preserve the texture of the noodles.
Step-by-Step Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
1. Heat the Olive Oil
Start by warming a little olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. This not only prevents the ingredients from sticking but also adds a subtle richness that sets the tone for the soup’s cozy flavor.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Stir occasionally and let them cook for about 5 to 7 minutes just until the onions turn translucent and the carrots start to soften. The kitchen will already start to smell amazing at this point.
3. Add the Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and gently bring it to a boil. As it heats, the broth picks up all those sweet, earthy notes from the vegetables, creating the base of your comforting soup.
4. Season the Soup
Add a bay leaf, a sprinkle of thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a quick taste and adjust as needed a little extra salt often helps tie all the flavors together perfectly.
5. Add the Chicken
Now, stir in your cooked, shredded chicken. Let it warm through in the broth for a few minutes so it can absorb all that savory goodness.
6. Simmer Gently
Lower the heat and allow the soup to simmer quietly for about 15-20 minutes. This is where the magic happens the flavors deepen, the chicken softens, and the aroma fills your kitchen.
7. Cook the Noodles
Meanwhile, cook your noodles in a separate pot of boiling water. Keep them slightly underdone since they’ll continue to cook once added to the soup. Drain them well and set aside.
8. Combine Noodles and Soup
Add the noodles into the simmering soup and give everything a gentle stir. Let them soak in the broth’s flavor for another 5–10 minutes.
9. Taste and Adjust
Take a moment to taste your soup again. Add more salt, pepper, or thyme if needed remember, balance is key to a great homemade soup.
10. Garnish and Serve
When the soup is done, remove it from the heat. Ladle it into bowls and top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and freshness. If you like a hint of brightness, squeeze in a little lemon juice before serving.
11. Enjoy the Comfort
Serve it warm with crusty bread or a small side salad. Then sit back, take a deep breath, and enjoy that first comforting spoonful the kind that makes you feel instantly at home.
Recipe Notes
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Make it Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free noodles, which are widely available. Ensure the broth is also gluten-free, or make your own homemade broth to be certain.
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Vegan Version: To make a plant-based version, replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
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Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add extra veggies like potatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers for more texture and flavor.
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Leftover Chicken: This recipe is great for using up leftover chicken. Just add it to the broth, and you’re all set!
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred the meat and add it to the soup. It’ll still be just as flavorful.
What type of noodles work best for this soup?
Egg noodles are the traditional choice, but you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as rotini or bowtie pasta.
How do I make the soup gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free noodles and ensure your broth is gluten-free. It’s a simple swap for a gluten-free version.
Conclusion
This Classic Chicken Noodle Soup is more than just a meal it’s a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking for the family or looking for something to nourish yourself on a chilly day, this recipe will warm you from the inside out. So, grab a pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of comfort that will make you feel at home, no matter where you are.
Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Warm Comforting And Homemade
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. The oil helps to soften the vegetables and add richness to the soup.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion turns translucent.
- Add the Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. As the broth heats up, the flavors from the vegetables will begin to infuse the liquid.
- Season the Soup: Add the bay leaf, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little extra salt can really bring the flavors together.
- Add the Chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken, letting it heat through in the hot broth. This will allow the chicken to soak up all the savory goodness of the broth.
- Simmer the Soup: Lower the heat and let the soup simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes. This is when the flavors really come together and deepen.
- Cook the Noodles: While the soup is simmering, cook your noodles (if you haven’t already). They should be slightly undercooked, as they will continue to cook in the soup. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Add the Noodles to the Soup: After the soup has simmered and the chicken is fully heated, add the cooked noodles. Stir to combine.
- Let it Rest: Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, letting the noodles soak up the flavor of the broth. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or thyme as needed.
- Garnish the Soup: Once the soup is ready, remove it from the heat. Ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. A squeeze of lemon is optional but can add a lovely, bright note to the rich broth.
- Serve: Serve the soup warm with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete, comforting meal.
- Enjoy: Sit back and savor your homemade chicken noodle soup—there’s nothing quite like it to warm you up and fill you with comfort.
Notes
- Make it Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free noodles, which are widely available. Ensure the broth is also gluten-free, or make your own homemade broth to be certain.
- Vegan Version: To make a plant-based version, replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add extra veggies like potatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers for more texture and flavor.
- Leftover Chicken: This recipe is great for using up leftover chicken. Just add it to the broth, and you’re all set!
