Chicken Noodle Soup

There’s something truly magical about ladling a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup on a chilly evening. This soul-soothing classic brings together tender chunks of chicken, vibrant vegetables, and slurp-worthy egg noodles in a rich, flavorful broth that feels like a warm embrace. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy dinner or a hearty lunch, its simplicity and depth of flavor make it a go-to recipe for cooks of any skill level. With just 15 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of cooking (plus a brief 5-minute rest), you’ll have a wholesome, healthy meal on the table in under an hour. At around 350 calories per serving, it strikes the perfect balance between nourishing and satisfying, making it ideal for busy weeknights or for quiet moments when you need a little culinary comfort.

This beginner-friendly recipe truly earns its subtitle—A hearty hug in a bowl. As the kitchen fills with the gentle simmer of chicken broth, the earthy sweetness of carrots, and the subtle warmth of thyme and basil, you’ll find yourself eagerly anticipating that first, soul-warming spoonful. It’s perfect for chilly evenings curled up on the couch or as a mid-day pick-me-up when you need something nourishing to recharge. And don’t forget those finishing touches: a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color, while a squeeze of lemon brightens every sip. Whether you stick to the basics or dress it up with a splash of white wine or homemade broth, this chicken noodle soup promises to delight every time.

KEY INGREDIENTS IN CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, let’s get to know the star players that make this soup so comforting and flavorful. Each ingredient brings its own unique role, working in harmony to create that classic taste we all crave.

• Chicken breasts: Lean and tender, these boneless, skinless pieces provide the hearty protein that makes the soup feel like a full meal. Once shredded, they soak up the broth’s savory goodness.
• Chicken broth: This rich, savory liquid forms the foundation of the soup. It infuses every spoonful with depth and warmth, especially if you opt for homemade or low-sodium varieties.
• Water: Added to the broth, it balances the intensity and ensures you have just the right volume of liquid for the noodles and veggies to swim in.
• Olive oil: A splash of this heart-healthy oil sauté’s the aromatics, giving the base of your soup a subtle fruitiness and helping to soften onions, carrots, and celery.
• Onion: With its sharp, sweet edge, diced onion adds complexity to the broth and layers of mellow sweetness once it’s cooked down.
• Carrots: These peeled, sliced veggies bring a natural sweetness and vibrant color, plus a satisfying bite that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken.
• Celery: Sliced celery adds a light, herbal note and a bit of crunch, rounding out the vegetable medley with its refreshing taste.
• Garlic: Minced garlic introduces pungent warmth and pungent flavor. Sautéing it lightly releases those oils and elevates the entire pot.
• Dried thyme: This herb adds an earthy, slightly minty aroma. Thyme’s nuances pair perfectly with chicken, enhancing the savory broth.
• Dried basil: With sweet, peppery tones, basil accents the soup’s freshness and balances the thyme’s earthiness.
• Bay leaves: A couple of these aromatic leaves impart a subtle depth and complexity to the simmering liquid, making the broth more rounded.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that you’ll adjust at the end to bring out the best in every ingredient, enhancing sweetness, balancing acidity, and providing that finishing touch.
• Egg noodles: These curly, chewy noodles soak up the broth, providing that classic, comforting texture we love. They’re the chewy contrast to tender chicken and soft veggies.
• Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of chopped parsley offers brightness and a pop of green that makes each bowl look as good as it tastes.
• Lemon wedges (optional): A squeeze of lemon juice adds a lively, citrusy lift, cutting through the richness and adding a refreshing zing.

HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

Let’s roll up our sleeves and transform these simple ingredients into a bubbling pot of comfort. This section guides you through building flavor in layers, from sautéing aromatics to achieving the perfect noodle consistency, all in a single pot.

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions turn translucent.

2. Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried basil, cooking for an additional 1 minute. This brief step releases the herbs’ essential oils and makes the kitchen smell wonderfully fragrant.

3. Pour in the chicken broth and water, then tuck in the bay leaves. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil, ensuring all the flavors combine.

4. Carefully add the chicken breasts to the boiling liquid. Immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the pot. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and registers 165°F at its thickest point.

5. Using tongs, remove the chicken breasts from the pot and transfer them to a plate. Allow them to rest for a few minutes, then use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.

6. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir in the egg noodles. Maintain the gentle simmer and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but still hold their shape.

7. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, stirring well to distribute the seasoning. Then, fish out and discard the bay leaves.

8. Ladle the soup into bowls and, if desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve piping hot with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of brightness.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

Serving your chicken noodle soup is just as fun as making it. Whether you’re aiming for an elegant presentation or a no-fuss family dinner, these suggestions will help you elevate your bowl and make every spoonful even more memorable.

• Bread Basket: Offer a selection of crusty breads—like a warm baguette or garlic-butter-drizzled loaf—to soak up the savory broth. Slice the bread just before serving for that perfect, fresh-from-the-oven crunch.
• Herb Garnish: Place a small pile of fresh parsley or chives in the center of each bowl. The vibrant green flecks not only add freshness but also make your soup look restaurant-worthy.
• Citrus Twist: Arrange a couple of lemon wedges on a side plate so guests can squeeze juice into their bowls as desired. The citrusy zing awakens the flavors and balances the richness.
• Cheese Shards: For a cheesy upgrade, shave some Parmesan over the top just before serving. The salty, nutty notes of the cheese melt slightly on the hot soup, adding a luxurious finish.

HOW TO STORE CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

Proper storage ensures your homemade chicken noodle soup keeps its peak flavor and texture, whether you’re planning to reheat it for lunch or freeze it for a rainy day. Follow these tips to maintain that just-made taste and consistency.

• Fridge Storage: Once the soup cools to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
• Freezer Method: For long-term storage, let the soup cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a bit of headspace for expansion. Label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Noodle Separation: If you anticipate storing the soup for more than a day, consider cooking the egg noodles separately and adding them when you reheat. This prevents them from becoming overly soft or mushy.
• Reheating Tips: Warm the soup on low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick. Avoid boiling, which can break down the noodles and make the chicken tough.

CONCLUSION

What a journey we’ve taken, from chopping fresh veggies to savoring that final, comforting spoonful. This chicken noodle soup recipe brings together simple ingredients—tender chicken, nourishing broth, fragrant herbs, and chewy egg noodles—to create a dish that truly embodies the spirit of home cooking. Whether you’re new to the kitchen or a seasoned cook, you’ll find that preparing this soup is both calming and rewarding. Its beginner-friendly steps, manageable prep time of 15 minutes, and total cooking time of 40 minutes make it a perfect option for any day of the week. Plus, at around 350 calories per serving, you can indulge in its warmth and flavor guilt-free.

Feel free to print this article and tuck it into your personal recipe collection, so it’s always at the ready when you need a little culinary comfort. You can also save it for later reference, ensuring your next batch of chicken noodle soup is just as delicious as the first. Below, you’ll find a helpful FAQ section to answer any lingering questions you might have. If you give this recipe a try or need assistance along the way, please drop a comment or share your feedback. I love hearing personal stories—did you add a secret spice? Did someone ask for seconds? Let me know in the comments if you need more tips or just want to brag about how soul-soothing your homemade soup turned out!

Print Recipe

Chicken Noodle Soup

Author: Anna Dubois Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 40 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 1 hr

Calories: 350

Description

Rich, flavorful broth filled with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and comforting noodles creates a soul-soothing classic that's perfect on any day.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 8 cups chicken broth

• 2 cups water

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced

• 3 celery stalks, sliced

• 3 cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 2 bay leaves

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 8 ounces egg noodles

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

• Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
2. Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, and basil, and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add the bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Once boiling, add the chicken breasts to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the chicken for about 20 minutes, or until fully cooked.
5. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Once cooled, shred the chicken using two forks.
6. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add the egg noodles. Cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the noodles are tender.
7. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
8. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

Note

• For an added depth of flavor, consider browning the chicken before boiling.
• Use homemade chicken broth for enhanced taste.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months, making it a great make-ahead meal.
• Substitute egg noodles with rice noodles or gluten-free pasta for a different twist.
• Add a splash of white wine to the broth for extra richness.

Keywords: chicken noodle soup, homemade soup, comfort food, easy recipes, healthy dinner, warm meals