If you have ever craved a bowl of comfort and warmth on a chilly day, the Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. This beloved classic blends tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked egg noodles in a savory chicken broth that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. The aromatic herbs add that extra touch of flavor you didn’t even know your soul was asking for, making each spoonful a timeless favorite that never disappoints. Whether you’re nursing a cold or simply want to cozy up with a hearty meal, this soup is an irresistible go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe lies in its simplicity, with every ingredient playing a vital role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the crisp celery to the tender chicken breasts, these essentials combine effortlessly to deliver that perfect soul-soothing bowl.
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that stays tender and juicy throughout cooking.
- 8 cups chicken broth: Provides the rich, savory base that holds all the flavors together.
- 4 celery stalks, chopped: Adds a subtle crunch and fresh vegetal notes to balance the richness.
- 4 whole carrots, peeled and chopped: Sweetness and vibrant color make the soup look as good as it tastes.
- ½ onion, diced: Releases natural sweetness when cooked, enhancing the broth’s depth.
- 2 cups egg noodles: Comforting, tender noodles that soak up every bit of broth.
- Fresh herbs (thyme, parsley) for garnish: Bring brightness and a fragrant finish to each bowl.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Basics
Start by placing the chicken breasts, chicken broth, celery, carrots, and diced onion into a large stock pot or Dutch oven. This combination is your flavorful foundation, where the broth begins to develop depth infused by fresh vegetables and lean protein.
Step 2: Simmer to Tenderness
Bring everything to a boil, then carefully reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the chicken to cook gently until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, usually about 20 to 30 minutes. This slow simmer ensures the chicken remains juicy and tender while the veggies soften perfectly.
Step 3: Shred and Return the Chicken
Remove the chicken breasts from the broth and shred them using two forks. This shredding creates those bite-sized, delightful morsels we all love in chicken noodle soup. Return the shredded chicken to the pot to soak up all the delicious broth flavors.
Step 4: Add Herbs, Noodles, and Seasonings
Now it’s time to stir in fresh thyme leaves, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Then add the egg noodles and a splash of water to help cook the noodles evenly. These ingredients come together to elevate the soup from simple to spectacular.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
Bring the soup up to medium-high heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the noodles are tender but still have a slight bite. This timing keeps the noodles perfect, not mushy, and ready to soak up all that savory broth.
Step 6: Final Touches
Before serving, be sure to remove the bay leaves. They have done their job flavoring the soup and should not be eaten. This final step ensures every spoonful is smooth and delicious.
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your bowl with fresh parsley or thyme adds a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note that brightens the broth. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice can also bring extra zest and personality to the dish.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to sop up the flavorful broth. A simple green salad can also add a refreshing contrast, balancing the richness with crisp freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, serve your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe in individual rustic bowls with a sprig of herbs on top. For casual family dinners, ladle soup into mugs for a fun, cozy presentation that feels like a warm invitation to relax.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your soup cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Stored properly in the refrigerator, it will keep its wonderful flavor and texture for up to four days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to three months. It’s best to freeze the broth and shredded chicken separately from the noodles, as noodles tend to get mushy after freezing. Combine everything when reheating to maintain the perfect texture.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Stir occasionally to keep noodles from sticking and enjoy that fresh-out-of-the-pot taste once again.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor. Just shred the chicken and add it to the broth in Step 4 to warm through with the noodles.
What type of noodles work best for this soup?
Egg noodles are classic and hold up well in broth without becoming too soggy. However, you can experiment with other pasta shapes like shells or even spaghetti broken into smaller pieces.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Simply swap out traditional egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables like zucchini noodles for a lighter, gluten-free option that still tastes fantastic.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Combine all ingredients except noodles in the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours. Add noodles during the last 30 minutes to cook until tender.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Definitely. Because it stores so well, the Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is perfect for meal prep. Just remember to add noodles fresh or just before serving for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl and a wonderful reminder that simple, fresh ingredients can create something truly special. I hope you give this recipe a try and find yourself reaching for that cozy warm bowl whenever you want a hug in soup form.
Print
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and hearty Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup made with tender chicken breasts, fresh vegetables, egg noodles, and aromatic herbs simmered to perfection. Perfect for warming up on cold days or when you need a nourishing meal.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 4 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 whole carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 onion, diced
Noodles and Garnishes
- 2 cups egg noodles
- Fresh herbs (thyme, parsley) for garnish
Additional Flavorings
- Fresh thyme leaves (about 1 tsp)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste (about 1 tsp)
- Black pepper, to taste (about 1/2 tsp)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 cup water (optional, for adjusting broth level)
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in pot: In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, add the chicken breasts, chicken broth, chopped celery, carrots, and diced onions to create the soup base.
- Simmer the chicken: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, typically around 20 to 30 minutes.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and shred the meat finely using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot to rejoin the broth and vegetables.
- Add seasonings and noodles: Stir in fresh thyme leaves, minced garlic, salt, pepper, bay leaves, the egg noodles, and water if needed to ensure plenty of broth for the noodles.
- Cook the noodles: Increase the heat to medium-high and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the egg noodles are tender but not mushy, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish and serve: Remove the bay leaves before ladling the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional thyme, serve hot.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth if you want to control the salt content more precisely.
- For added depth, sauté the onions and garlic before adding broth and chicken.
- Feel free to substitute egg noodles with gluten-free noodles if needed.
- Leftover soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freezes nicely.
- Adjust vegetables as per preference, such as adding peas or green beans.
