Chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food—warm, soothing, and filled with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles. Whether you’re fighting off a cold, needing a cozy dinner, or just craving something classic and homemade, this soup never disappoints. With its nourishing ingredients and satisfying flavor, chicken noodle soup belongs in every cook’s recipe collection.
Why you will love this recipe
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Easy to make from scratch – Simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions make it beginner-friendly.
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Soothing and nutritious – Packed with protein, veggies, and homemade goodness—ideal when you’re feeling under the weather.
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Family-approved – Both kids and adults love the savory broth and soft noodles.
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Versatile – Use any noodles, fresh or leftover chicken, and add your favorite herbs or vegetables.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you need to make a flavorful, classic chicken noodle soup:
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2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
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2 celery stalks, sliced
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8 cups low-sodium chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
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2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
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1 1/2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
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1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
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1 bay leaf
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2 cups egg noodles (or pasta of choice)
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Optional: juice of 1/2 lemon for brightness
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Optional garnish: fresh parsley or dill
Timing & Servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Noodle Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Broth
Stir in the thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 10–12 minutes, or until carrots and celery are tender.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Noodles
Stir in the cooked chicken and uncooked egg noodles. Continue simmering for another 8–10 minutes until the noodles are tender.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove the bay leaf. Adjust seasoning if needed and stir in a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness (optional). Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired.
Choosing the Right Chicken
Cooked Chicken Options
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Rotisserie chicken: A great shortcut with built-in flavor.
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Leftover roasted or grilled chicken: Shred or dice into bite-size pieces.
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Fresh chicken breasts or thighs: Boil or poach separately, then shred.
Raw Chicken Option
Add raw chicken (thighs or breasts) in Step 2. Simmer with the broth for 20 minutes, then remove, shred, and return to the pot.
Best Noodles for Chicken Soup
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Egg noodles (traditional and tender)
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Ditalini or elbow macaroni (small and kid-friendly)
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Rotini or fusilli (holds broth well)
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Gluten-free pasta for dietary needs
Cook noodles in the soup for one-pot ease, or separately if storing leftovers to avoid mushiness.
Fresh vs. Dried Herbs
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Dried thyme and parsley add classic flavor and are convenient.
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Fresh herbs like dill or rosemary bring brightness and aroma. Add them toward the end of cooking to retain flavor.
How to Make It in a Slow Cooker
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Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, broth, raw chicken, and herbs to the slow cooker.
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Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
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Remove and shred the chicken.
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Add noodles in the last 30 minutes of cooking or cook separately.
Storing and Reheating
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Noodles may absorb some broth, so consider adding extra broth when reheating.
Freezing
Chicken noodle soup freezes well—but freeze it without the noodles for best texture. Cook noodles fresh when reheating.
Reheating
Warm soup on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave individual servings in 1-minute intervals.
Add-In Ideas and Variations
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Spinach or kale: Stir in during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients.
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Corn or peas: Add frozen veggies in the last 5 minutes.
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Creamy twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk for richness.
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Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup
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Don’t overcook the noodles—add them just before serving or cook separately.
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Use a mix of white and dark chicken meat for better flavor.
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Season in layers: add salt early, then adjust at the end.
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Let the soup rest for 10 minutes off heat before serving for deeper flavor.
What to Serve with Chicken Noodle Soup
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Buttered toast or crusty bread
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Garlic bread or grilled cheese sandwiches
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Simple side salad or roasted vegetables
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Crackers or cornbread
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: ~300
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Protein: 25g
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Carbohydrates: 25g
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Fat: 10g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sodium: ~700mg
FAQs
Can I make chicken noodle soup ahead of time?
Yes! Make it up to 2 days in advance. Cook noodles separately and add them when reheating.
What’s the best cut of chicken to use?
Chicken thighs for flavor, chicken breasts for a leaner option.
How do I keep noodles from getting soggy?
Cook them separately and add to each bowl when serving.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free pasta and make sure broth is gluten-free.
Conclusion
Homemade chicken noodle soup is a timeless, feel-good dish that’s easy to prepare and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re making it for a sick day, a quick weeknight dinner, or just to warm up on a cold day, this recipe delivers in flavor, nutrition, and comfort. Keep it simple, or dress it up with your favorite add-ins—either way, it’s sure to become a household favorite.