If you are looking for a heartwarming, nourishing bowl of goodness that feels like a gentle hug from the inside, this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Filled with tender shredded chicken, tender-crisp vegetables, perfectly cooked egg noodles, and a fragrant broth seasoned just right, this soup is simple to make yet incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re chasing away a cold or craving comfort food on a cozy evening, this recipe delivers on warmth, flavor, and that unmistakable taste of home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this soup is a breeze, but each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the aromatic vegetables to the savory broth and the perfect protein, these essentials transform a simple soup into a soul-soothing meal.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and a lovely base for sautéing the veggies.
- 1 medium onion, peeled and diced: Brings sweetness and depth once softened.
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced: Offer vibrant color and a natural subtle sweetness.
- 3 celery stalks, sliced: Provide a bright, slightly herbaceous crunch that balances the flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuse the broth with warm, aromatic notes that awaken your senses.
- 8 cups chicken broth: The heart of the soup, delivering savory liquid that ties everything together.
- 1 bay leaf: Adds a subtle earthy undertone that enriches the flavor complexity.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A fragrant herb that complements the chicken wonderfully.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight every ingredient.
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds), cooked, skin removed, meat shredded: Tender, juicy protein that makes the dish hearty and nourishing.
- 6 ounces egg noodles: Soft, comforting noodles that soak up all the delicious broth.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds fresh, vibrant green notes and an herbal lift at the end.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional): Gives a bright, refreshing zing that wakes up the soup beautifully.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes until these vegetables soften and their aromas fill your kitchen. This step builds the flavorful foundation of your soup and brings out the natural sweetness of the veggies.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook it for just about a minute. Be careful not to let it brown—the goal is to release its fragrant essence that will complement the broth’s base without overpowering it.
Step 3: Pour in Broth and Seasonings
Pour the chicken broth into the pot along with the bay leaf and dried thyme. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This step ensures your broth has a beautifully balanced flavor that will carry the entire soup.
Step 4: Simmer the Broth
Bring everything to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for around 10 minutes so that all those flavors meld beautifully. The bay leaf and thyme will infuse the liquid while softening the vegetables even more.
Step 5: Add Chicken and Noodles
Once the broth is ready, add your shredded chicken and egg noodles. Allow the soup to continue simmering for another 10 minutes or until the noodles are tender but still slightly firm. This step stitches together the hearty and comforting elements of your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe.
Step 6: Final Touches
Remove the bay leaf from your pot and stir in the freshly chopped parsley along with the optional lemon juice. These ingredients add brightness and a fresh finish to your soup that will make each spoonful pop with flavor.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
Before you serve, always taste your soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Maybe a bit more salt or pepper, depending on your preference. This little step guarantees your soup hits all the right notes, making it irresistibly delicious.
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few twists of black pepper on top of your served bowl can elevate both appearance and flavor. A small drizzle of good olive oil or a few lemon wedges on the side can also brighten the experience beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread or warm dinner rolls that you can dip and soak in the flavorful broth. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables also complement the meal nicely, balancing the warmth of the soup with fresh textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy gathering, serve the soup in charming rustic bowls with a sprinkled ramen of fresh herbs on top. For an elegant touch, offer customized toppings like grated Parmesan or chili flakes so guests can personalize their bowls. You could even turn it into a comforting, family-style feast by serving soup in a large, steaming pot at the center of the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to preserve both flavor and texture. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making the next-day meal a true delight.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the soup before adding noodles, as they can become mushy when thawed. Store the broth and chicken mixture in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw, cook fresh noodles, and heat through.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. If you froze the broth separately, add freshly cooked noodles at this stage to retain the best noodle texture. Add fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to revive all the layers of bright, fresh flavor.
FAQs
Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly in this soup and can even save you some prep time. Just shred it and stir it in when the noodles go in for a quick and delicious meal.
What can I substitute for egg noodles?
You can use any pasta of your choice such as small shells, rotini, or even rice noodles if you prefer gluten-free options. Just adjust cooking times since not all noodles cook at the same rate.
Is it better to make this soup with homemade broth?
While homemade broth elevates the soup’s flavor to another level, a good-quality store-bought chicken broth also works well and saves time. The soup will still be flavorful and comforting either way.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?
Add noodles at the end of cooking and avoid overcooking them. If you plan to store leftovers, keep noodles separate and add fresh ones when reheating for the best texture.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and swap out the chicken for hearty mushrooms or tofu. Add some extra herbs and spices to maintain that cozy, rich flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is a timeless classic that never fails to comfort and delight. Its simple ingredients and straightforward steps come together to create a bowl full of warmth and love, perfect for any day you need a little extra coziness. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—once you do, it might just become your go-to soup for years to come.
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Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 50m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and classic homemade chicken noodle soup featuring tender shredded chicken, hearty egg noodles, and a flavorful broth simmered with fresh vegetables and herbs. Perfect for warming up on a chilly day or when seeking a nourishing, hearty meal.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, peeled and diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Broth and Seasoning
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Main Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 pounds), cooked, skin removed, meat shredded
- 6 ounces egg noodles
Finishing Touches
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes until they are tender and fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release the aroma without burning.
- Add Broth and Herbs: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the bay leaf and dried thyme. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preference.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes to develop flavor.
- Add Chicken and Noodles: Incorporate the shredded cooked chicken and egg noodles into the pot. Continue simmering for about 10 minutes or until the noodles are tender and cooked through.
- Finish and Season: Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and lemon juice, if using, to brighten the flavors.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt or pepper as needed. Serve the soup hot, perfect for a nourishing meal.
Notes
- Using a whole cooked chicken provides tender meat and rich flavor, but you can also use pre-cooked chicken breasts or thighs.
- Adjust the noodle cooking time depending on your preferred noodle texture to avoid overcooking.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice noodles.
- Add fresh lemon juice at the end for a subtle tang that enhances the broth’s flavor.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
