If you’re craving something cozy, nourishing, and bursting with classic flavors, this Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is exactly what you need on the dinner table. It’s a timeless comfort dish that combines tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a vibrant mix of vegetables all simmered in a flavorful broth. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just want a soul-soothing meal after a busy day, this soup offers that warm, home-cooked hug in a bowl with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role—from the olive oil that gently sautés the vegetables to the fresh herbs that add aromatic depth, every element builds the perfect balance of taste, texture, and warmth.
- Olive oil: Provides a smooth base for sautéing and adds subtle richness.
- Onion: Brings a natural sweetness that mellows as it cooks down.
- Garlic: Infuses the broth with a lovely depth and a touch of warmth.
- Carrots: Add color, sweetness, and a tender bite to the soup.
- Celery: Contributes a fresh, slightly peppery crunch that balances the softness.
- Chicken broth: The hearty base that ties all the flavors together—homemade or store-bought works well.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing and rounding out all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the broth.
- Dried thyme: A classic herb that brings an earthy, aromatic note.
- Bay leaves: Infuse the broth with a delicate complexity during simmering.
- Cooked, shredded chicken: The star protein creating heartiness and comfort in every spoonful.
- Egg noodles: Tender, slurp-worthy noodles that soak up all the delicious broth.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a bright, herby finish and a pop of green for visual appeal.
How to Make Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking them gently until the onions become translucent and fragrant. This step builds a flavorful foundation for your entire soup, so take your time and enjoy the aromas wafting through your kitchen.
Step 2: Add the vegetables
Next, stir in the sliced carrots and celery. Sauté these for about five minutes, allowing them to soften slightly and release their natural sweetness. This combination gives the soup its signature texture and adds vibrant color, making every spoonful feel wholesome.
Step 3: Pour in the broth and season
Pour the chicken broth into your pot and bring it all to a gentle boil. Season the broth with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and tuck in the bay leaves. These seasonings will mingle and infuse the soup with cozy, savory complexity that will make you want seconds.
Step 4: Simmer until vegetables are tender
Reduce the heat and let your soup simmer for 10 minutes. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the vegetables to soften perfectly without turning mushy. Patience here pays off with that ideal balance of texture and flavor.
Step 5: Add chicken and noodles
Stir in the shredded chicken and egg noodles, then cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the noodles are wonderfully tender. The chicken enriches the broth with protein and heartiness, while the noodles soak up all those savory flavors, making the soup truly satisfying.
Step 6: Final touches before serving
Before ladling the soup into bowls, remove the bay leaves to avoid any sharp bites. If you like, stir in freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish that lifts the entire dish and adds a lovely pop of color.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can turn a humble soup into something a little more special. Sprinkle chopped parsley or even a few cracked black pepper flakes on top just before serving to enhance both the presentation and the flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice also works wonders if you want an unexpected bright twist.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, garlic toast, or even a simple green salad to round out the meal without overwhelming the delicate flavors. The sides you choose can add texture contrasts and balance, turning a simple bowl of soup into a full comfort feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls or top each bowl with a dollop of crème fraîche or sour cream. You could also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a luxurious, cheesy touch. Presentation can elevate this familiar favorite into a dish perfect for entertaining or weekday enjoyment alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your soup, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it ideal for quick lunches or comforting dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe freezes beautifully, although it’s best to freeze the broth and chicken mixture separately from the noodles to prevent them from becoming mushy. When ready to enjoy, just thaw and combine for a fresh, tasty meal any time.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s piping hot. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help revive the noodles if they’ve absorbed too much liquid. Avoid microwaving for long stretches to keep flavors bright and textures intact.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie or roasted chicken is a fantastic way to save time and add flavor. Just shred the chicken before adding it to the soup during the final cooking stage.
What type of noodles work best?
Egg noodles are classic and perfect because they cook quickly and hold their shape well, but feel free to use any pasta you like, such as small shells, fusilli, or even gluten-free alternatives.
How can I make this soup healthier?
To lighten it up, use low-sodium chicken broth and add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini. You can also swap out the egg noodles for whole grain or vegetable-based noodles to boost fiber.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or beans for protein. The flavors will still be delicious and comforting.
Why is my soup cloudy and how can I make it clearer?
A cloudy broth usually comes from sautéed flour or stirring vigorously during cooking. To keep it clear, be gentle when stirring and consider straining the broth before adding noodles and chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is a wonderful go-to for any time you want a meal that feels like a warm embrace. It’s straightforward to make, endlessly comforting, and customizable to your tastes. I encourage you to give it a try and enjoy the simple joy of homemade comfort that this soup delivers in every bite.
Print
Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly days or when you need a nourishing meal. Made with tender shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and egg noodles simmered in a flavorful broth, this soup is simple to prepare and deeply satisfying. Its wholesome ingredients and rich aroma make it a family favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
Protein and Noodles
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or cooked chicken breast)
- 2 cups egg noodles (or any preferred pasta)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until the onions become translucent and fragrant, which helps build the flavor base for the soup.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the sliced carrots and celery, sautéing for about 5 minutes until they start to soften but still retain some crunch, ensuring a balanced texture.
- Pour Broth and Boil: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil to fully combine the flavors and prepare for simmering.
- Season the Soup: Add salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and bay leaves. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the broth.
- Simmer Vegetables: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for about 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and infused with the broth’s flavor.
- Add Chicken and Noodles: Incorporate the shredded cooked chicken and egg noodles into the pot. Continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the noodles are fully cooked and tender.
- Remove Bay Leaves: Carefully remove the bay leaves from the soup to avoid any sharp or bitter bits in the final dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top as an optional garnish and serve the soup hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can use leftover cooked chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Feel free to substitute egg noodles with any pasta shape you prefer or have on hand.
- Adjust salt and seasoning according to taste, especially if your broth is already salted.
- For a richer flavor, simmer the soup longer and allow flavors to meld even more.
- This soup freezes well; store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
