There’s nothing quite like a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup to warm you from the inside out. It’s comforting, nourishing, and so satisfying—like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re under the weather or simply in need of a cozy meal, this Chicken Noodle Soup will instantly make you feel better. The tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and flavorful broth come together in perfect harmony. Trust me, this recipe is one you’ll return to time and time again.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Noodle Soup

This soup isn’t just about feeding your body—it’s about feeding your soul. It’s that kind of dish that brings a little extra warmth to your day. Here’s why this Chicken Noodle Soup will quickly become a family favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for a cozy night in or as a light meal to serve at a casual gathering. Imagine coming home on a chilly evening, and the smell of this soup bubbling on the stove instantly makes everything feel better.

Budget-Friendly: With everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, this soup is inexpensive to make. It’s comforting without costing a lot—perfect for when you’re sticking to a budget.

Quick and Easy: The best part? You don’t need any fancy skills or complicated steps. This recipe is simple and comes together in no time, so you can enjoy a delicious homemade soup without the stress.

Customizable: Add in more veggies or swap the noodles for rice if that’s your thing. This soup is flexible, so you can tweak it however you like.

Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a winner with everyone, from kids to adults. Everyone loves a classic bowl of chicken noodle soup, making it a great choice for families or get-togethers.

Ingredients

This Chicken Noodle Soup is made with simple, wholesome ingredients that bring out the best in each other. Let’s break it down:

Chicken Breasts: The heart of this soup. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts become tender and juicy as they cook, adding that wonderful, comforting chicken flavor.

Carrots: Sweet, vibrant, and full of flavor. Carrots bring a lovely touch of color and a little natural sweetness to the soup.

Celery: A must-have for soup. It adds a crisp, fresh element and balances the flavors in the broth.

Onion: The aromatic base that sets the tone for the entire soup. Sautéed onions add a rich, savory depth to the broth.

Garlic: A little garlic goes a long way in boosting the flavor. It adds a savory punch that pairs perfectly with the chicken and veggies.

Chicken Broth: The broth is the backbone of any good soup. It’s rich and flavorful, and it gives this soup that hearty, soul-satisfying taste we all crave.

Egg Noodles: Classic comfort food in noodle form. These noodles soak up the broth and cook perfectly in the soup, giving you that quintessential chicken noodle soup experience.

Herbs (Thyme, Bay Leaves, Parsley): Fresh herbs take the flavor of this soup to the next level. Thyme and bay leaves bring earthiness, while parsley adds a fresh, bright finish.

Salt & Pepper: To taste. These simple seasonings will help enhance all the flavors and bring the whole dish together.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make some soup? Let’s get started:

Sauté the Vegetables: Heat a little oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the veggies are softened and fragrant. The smell at this stage will have you craving that first spoonful already!

Add the Garlic: Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute. You want the garlic to become aromatic without burning, so keep an eye on it!

Pour in the Broth: Add the chicken broth to the pot and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the pot. Let them simmer gently in the broth for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and tender.

Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

Add the Noodles: Stir in the egg noodles and let them cook in the broth for 8-10 minutes, or until they are tender and the soup is nice and hot.

Season and Serve: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaves, and then stir in some fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, serve it with a warm slice of bread, and enjoy the comforting warmth of a homemade chicken noodle soup.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 220

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Chicken Noodle Soup

This Chicken Noodle Soup is great on its own, but if you want to take it to the next level, here are a few ideas for sides and accompaniments:

Fresh Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of bread is the perfect thing to dip in that flavorful broth. You can even make some garlic bread for an extra punch of flavor.

Salads: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great contrast to the richness of the soup. The crunch and freshness will balance out the warmth.

Cheese: Top the soup with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added richness. A slice of cheddar on the side is always a winning combo, too.

Crackers: Serve the soup with some buttery crackers to add a little crunch. Plus, they’re perfect for dipping!

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to help you get the most out of this Chicken Noodle Soup recipe:

Make It Ahead: Chicken noodle soup actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together, so feel free to make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Swap the Noodles: If you’re not a fan of egg noodles, try rice, or even quinoa, for a different texture and flavor.

Use Rotisserie Chicken: In a pinch, rotisserie chicken works great! Just shred it and add it to the broth once you’ve simmered the veggies.

Freezer-Friendly: This soup freezes beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently on the stove when you’re ready to enjoy.

Add More Veggies: Want to boost the veggie content? Add peas, corn, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A1: Yes, you can! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor and tenderness to the soup. Just be sure to remove the bones before shredding.

Q2: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! This soup actually gets better after sitting for a day or two, so feel free to make it ahead and store it in the fridge.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q4: Can I freeze this soup?
A4: Yes! Just make sure to freeze the soup before adding the noodles. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw and then cook the noodles in the soup.

Q5: What if I don’t have egg noodles?
A5: You can use any type of pasta you prefer—just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose. Or, rice or quinoa are great alternatives!

Q6: How do I reheat leftover soup?
A6: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat until warmed through. You can add a splash of broth or water if it thickens up too much while stored.

Q7: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A7: Yes! Add all the ingredients (except the noodles) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours. Add the noodles in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Q8: How can I make this soup spicier?
A8: If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a chopped jalapeño to the broth.

Q9: Can I make this soup gluten-free?
A9: Yes, just swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta. You’ll still get that comforting feel without the gluten!

Q10: Can I use homemade chicken broth?
A10: Absolutely! Homemade broth will add even more depth and flavor to the soup. Just make sure to taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Conclusion

When it comes to comfort food, Chicken Noodle Soup is in a league of its own. Whether you’re craving something warm after a long day or just need a bowl of nostalgia, this recipe has you covered. It’s simple, heartwarming, and perfect for any occasion. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and get ready for a delicious, cozy meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. You won’t regret it!