Is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup? Whether you’re feeling under the weather, craving a cozy meal, or just need a quick and satisfying dinner, this classic soup is always a winner! It’s packed with tender chicken, hearty egg noodles, and a flavorful broth that’s both nourishing and delicious.
The best part? It’s easy to make, super customizable, and ready in under an hour! You can load it up with extra veggies, swap in your favorite pasta, or even make it low-carb with zucchini noodles.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Noodle Soup
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 40 minutes!
✔ One-Pot Meal – Less cleanup, more flavor.
✔ Nutritious & Hearty – Full of protein and fresh veggies.
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers!
Want to make it even cozier? Serve it with a side of warm, crusty bread or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that extra touch of freshness!
Chicken Noodle Soup – Ingredients & Pro Tips
Now that you’re excited about making this warm and comforting chicken noodle soup, let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need!
🛒 Ingredients List
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) | 1 lb |
| Egg noodles | 8 oz |
| Carrots, diced | 2 medium |
| Celery, diced | 2 stalks |
| Onion, chopped | 1 small |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Chicken broth | 8 cups |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
| Fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried) | 1 tsp |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tbsp |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Butter | 1 tbsp |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
| Lemon juice (optional) | 1 tbsp |
For an even richer and more flavorful broth, try making your own homemade chicken bone broth instead of using store-bought!”
🛎 Choosing the Best Ingredients
⭐ Chicken: Chicken thighs add more flavor and tenderness, but chicken breasts work well for a leaner option. You can also use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal!
⭐ Noodles: Egg noodles are the classic choice, but you can swap in gluten-free pasta, orzo, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.
⭐ Broth: Homemade chicken broth will give the best flavor, but a good-quality store-bought broth works perfectly. Try using low-sodium broth so you can control the salt level.
⭐ Herbs & Seasoning: Fresh thyme and parsley add brightness, but dried herbs work too! A splash of lemon juice at the end enhances all the flavors.
💡 Pro Tip: Want a creamier soup? Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream at the end for a richer texture!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Noodle Soup
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s walk through the simple steps to make this cozy, homemade chicken noodle soup from scratch.
🥄 How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup
1️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery, then cook for about 5 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
2️⃣ Add the Chicken & Broth:
- Pour in 8 cups of chicken broth, then add the chicken breasts (or thighs), bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
3️⃣ Shred the Chicken:
- Remove the cooked chicken and shred it with two forks. Set it aside.
- Discard the bay leaf.
4️⃣ Cook the Noodles:
- Add 8 oz egg noodles directly into the broth and cook according to the package instructions (about 6-8 minutes).
5️⃣ Finish & Serve:
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir in 2 tbsp fresh parsley.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.
- Serve warm and enjoy! 🍜✨
Looking for another comforting and easy meal? This chicken and yellow rice recipe is a perfect one-pot dish to try!
🔥 Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup
✔ Extra Flavor Boost: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for even richer broth. Just remove the skin before shredding.
✔ Prevent Soggy Noodles: If making ahead, cook the noodles separately and add them to the soup right before serving.
✔ Want a Creamy Version? Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese for a richer texture.
✔ Slow Cooker or Instant Pot:
- Slow Cooker: Add everything except the noodles. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then shred the chicken and add the noodles at the end.
- Instant Pot: Sauté the veggies first, then add broth and chicken. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, quick-release, shred the chicken, and add noodles.
If you love one-pot soups, check out these easy pasta soup recipes for more warm and comforting meal ideas!
Serving Suggestions, Storage, & FAQs for Chicken Noodle Soup
Now that you’ve mastered this comforting, homemade chicken noodle soup, let’s talk about the best sauces, sides, storage tips, and how to troubleshoot common issues!
🥄 Best Toppings & Sauces for Chicken Noodle Soup
✨ Classic & Fresh:
- Chopped fresh parsley or dill for a pop of color and flavor.
- A squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the broth.
- A drizzle of olive oil for a smooth finish.
✨ Extra Creamy:
- Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream for a richer texture.
- Add a dollop of sour cream for a tangy twist.
✨ Spicy Kick:
- A dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
- A spoonful of chili oil for heat and depth.
🍽️ What to Serve with Chicken Noodle Soup?
This soup is hearty on its own, but pairing it with the right side makes it even better!
🥖 Bread & Crackers:
- Warm, crusty French bread or garlic bread
- Buttery dinner rolls
- Saltine crackers for an old-fashioned touch
🥗 Fresh Salads:
- Simple Caesar salad
- Light cucumber & tomato salad
- Classic garden salad with balsamic dressing
🧀 Cheesy Additions:
- Grilled cheese sandwich (a match made in heaven!)
- Cheese toast for dunking
🥶 How to Store & Reheat Chicken Noodle Soup
📌 In the Fridge:
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- The noodles will absorb liquid, so you may need to add extra broth when reheating.
📌 In the Freezer:
- Freeze the broth and chicken separately from the noodles for best results.
- If freezing the full soup, let it cool completely and store in portions.
- Keeps well for 2-3 months.
🔥 How to Reheat:
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, adding extra broth if needed.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
💡 Pro Tip: If you plan to store leftovers, cook the noodles separately and add them fresh when reheating!
🛠️ Troubleshooting & Common Issues
❌ Soup is Too Salty?
👉 Add a splash of lemon juice or extra broth to balance it out.
❌ Noodles Got Too Soft?
👉 Cook noodles separately and add them just before serving.
❌ Not Enough Flavor?
👉 Use homemade broth, add a little soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce, or simmer longer for deeper flavor.
❌ Soup is Too Thick?
👉 Add more broth or water to loosen it up.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
🔹 Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken or leftover shredded chicken works great. Just add it in the last few minutes.
🔹 Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta or swap in rice or zucchini noodles.
🔹 What if I don’t have egg noodles?
Any pasta works! Try orzo, ditalini, rotini, or even rice for a fun twist.
🔹 Can I make this in advance?
Yes! Just store the soup and noodles separately so they don’t get mushy.
🎉 Final Thoughts – Try This Cozy Soup Today!
There’s nothing like a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup to warm you up and make your day better. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding your family, or just craving something cozy, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable!
What are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, whip up a batch, and enjoy every comforting spoonful! 🍜💛
Want the perfect drink pairing? Try a glass of iced tea or a warm mug of honey lemon tea for the ultimate cozy meal.