If you’ve ever craved a bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a timeless classic, bringing together tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked egg noodles all swimming in a flavorful broth that you make from scratch. Every spoonful bursts with freshness and soul-warming goodness, showing that sometimes the simplest dishes become the most memorable. Whether you’re nursing a cold or just want a satisfying meal, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for homemade comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to achieving that perfect blend of flavors and textures. Each component in this recipe plays a vital role, from the crisp celery adding a subtle crunch to the fragrant herbs elevating the soup’s aroma.
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless skinless for tender, lean protein that shreds easily.
- Chicken broth: The foundation of your soup, best with a rich, homemade or high-quality store-bought broth.
- Celery stalks: Adds a fresh, slightly peppery note and some crunch.
- Carrots: Provide sweetness and vibrant color, peeled and chopped for easy eating.
- Onion: Diced to bring a mellow sweetness and depth to the broth.
- Egg noodles: Classic choice for texture and heartiness; cook until tender but not mushy.
- Fresh herbs (thyme and parsley): Enhance the flavor with aromatic freshness just before serving.
- Bay leaves and seasoning: Bay leaves infuse a subtle earthiness; salt and pepper balance the broth perfectly.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Combine and Cook the Basics
Start by placing the chicken breasts, chicken broth, chopped celery, carrots, and diced onion into a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently until the chicken is fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F, which usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. This slow cook extracts wonderful flavors from the veggies and chicken.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. This shredding step ensures that every bite is tender and easy to enjoy. Return the shredded chicken to the pot so it can absorb the rich flavors of the broth.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Noodles
Next, stir in fresh thyme leaves, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and bay leaves to deepen the broth’s complexity. Then add the egg noodles along with a splash of water to keep the broth balanced. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook for about 10 minutes or until the noodles become tender and satisfyingly soft without overcooking. Remember to remove the bay leaves before serving to avoid any unwanted bitterness.
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving adds a lovely burst of color and freshness that brightens the whole dish. For an extra touch, a few twists of freshly cracked black pepper or a dash of lemon juice can provide subtle layers of flavor that make the soup feel even more special.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or buttery crackers to soak up every last drop of broth. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables also make great companions, rounding out the meal without stealing the spotlight from the star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe in rustic bowls to emphasize the homestyle vibe, or go elegant with a swirl of cream or a drizzle of herb-infused olive oil on top. For a fun twist, you can even portion the soup into small cups for a cozy appetizer at gatherings, showcasing the comforting richness in every sip.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3–4 days. As the noodles absorb more broth over time, you might want to add a little extra chicken broth when reheating to loosen it up.
Freezing
Freezing this soup is a great idea if you want to have quick comfort food ready anytime. However, consider freezing the broth and shredded chicken separately from the noodles to avoid sogginess. Then, combine and heat everything together when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. Avoid using a microwave if possible to preserve the delicate texture of the noodles and chicken.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles instead of egg noodles?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional, you can swap in linguine, fettuccine, or even small pasta shapes like ditalini. Just adjust cooking times as different noodles vary in how quickly they become tender.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, for a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can still add herbs and noodles for that comforting texture and flavor.
How long does it take to make this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe?
The entire process takes about 40 minutes, making it a relatively quick and easy meal that still feels homemade and satisfying.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Definitely! If you have leftover cooked chicken, simply shred it and add it in during the last few minutes of noodle cooking just to warm through.
What herbs work best with this soup?
Thyme and parsley are classic choices for a reason, giving a fresh, earthy aroma and flavor. You can also experiment with rosemary or dill for a different but complementary twist.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a bowl of homemade soup that warms both your body and soul. This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is one you’ll return to time and again, whether when you want comfort, nourishment, or simply a delicious meal made with love. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy this timeless classic.
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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
This comforting homemade chicken noodle soup features tender shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and classic egg noodles simmered in a flavorful chicken broth. Perfect for cozy meals, it’s a hearty and nourishing dish packed with wholesome ingredients and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Chicken & Broth
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 cups chicken broth
Vegetables
- 4 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 whole carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 onion, diced
Pasta & Herbs
- 2 cups egg noodles
- Fresh herbs (thyme, parsley) for garnish
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 2 bay leaves
Seasonings
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large stock pot or dutch oven, place the chicken breasts, chicken broth, chopped celery, carrots, and diced onion. This base will build the rich flavor of your soup.
- Simmer the Chicken: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the chicken cook gently until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot to infuse more flavor.
- Add Herbs and Seasonings: Stir in the dried thyme leaves, minced garlic, salt, pepper, bay leaves, egg noodles, and water into the soup. This will add depth and heartiness to the broth.
- Cook the Noodles: Increase the heat to medium-high and cook the soup for about 10 minutes more, or until the egg noodles are tender and cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaves before serving. Garnish the soup with fresh thyme and parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade classic chicken noodle soup.
Notes
- You can use homemade chicken broth for enhanced flavor.
- Feel free to add other veggies like peas or corn based on preference.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste after noodles are cooked.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute egg noodles with gluten-free pasta.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
