The scent hits firstwarm broth, soft noodles, steamy air fogging the windows. This chicken noodle soup recipe is the comfort we all crave when sniffles hit or the weather turns. It’s blowing up on Pinterest and Reddit for all the right reasons. Just 15 minutes of prep, and no fancy tricksjust classic, wholesome feel-good soup.
This is a big pot of cozy. Tender shredded chicken, slurpy egg noodles, and simple veggies, all simmered together on the stovetop. No weird shortcuts. It’s perfect for sick day food recipes or as a comfort chicken noodle soup that tastes like home. Full details in the blog!
I learned this one at my grandma’s stove, apron tied too tight and flour in the air. I’ve tested it every which waythis is the one that sticks. Spoonfuls of calm, loaded with real, nourishing flavor. I tossed in one small twist and ohit makes it pop.
Cozy and comforting: Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a big bowl of something soothing. Truly feels like a hug in a pot!
Beginner-friendly: You don’t need fancy skillsjust simple chopping, stirring, and simmering.
Great for leftovers: Reheats like a dream. You can freeze or store it, making it ideal for meal prep.
Wholesome and nostalgic: Just the goodness of tender chicken, soft noodles, and flavorful broththe way grandma made it.
Key Ingredients (And Simple Swaps!)
This recipe uses just a few pantry staples you probably already have:
Cooked chicken: Use leftover roast chicken or a rotisserie chicken to save time. It’s so versatile!
Egg noodles: They add that perfect chew. Can’t find egg noodles? Swap them for any short pasta or even rice.
Veggies: Onion, carrots, and celery create that classic soup base. You can add leeks or parsnips for extra flavor.
Low-sodium chicken broth: This keeps the soup light and lets you adjust the seasoning perfectly.
Fresh parsley: That sprinkle of green at the end brightens the dish beautifullya small but impactful finishing touch.
Ingredient
Swap Options
Cooked chicken
Rotisserie chicken, leftover turkey, or shredded poached chicken
Egg noodles
Short pasta (elbow, rotini) or cooked rice
Chicken broth
Vegetable broth for a lighter flavor
Step-by-Step: How to Make This Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
This chicken noodle soup recipe comes together on the stove top in under an hour. Here’s how:
Sauté the veggies: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add your diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Aromatic boost: Stir in minced garlic and dried thyme. Let it cook just until fragrantabout 1 minute. You’ll smell the magic happening!
Create the base: Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes to bring out all the flavors.
The stars arrive: Add your shredded cooked chicken and egg noodles. Simmer for another 8–10 minutes until the noodles are gloriously tender.
Season and finish: Taste-test before adding salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Serve hot and let the coziness begin!
Step
Timing
Sauté vegetables
5–6 minutes
Add garlic and thyme
1 minute
Simmer broth
15 minutes
Cook chicken and noodles
8–10 minutes
Serving and Storage Tips
This chicken noodle soup is as versatile as it gets. Here’s how to make the most of it:
Serving: Pair it with crusty bread or crackers for a complete, heartwarming meal. It’s also great with a green salad on the side.
Storing leftovers: Let the soup cool fully before transferring it to airtight containers. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze the soup without the noodlesthey can get mushy when reheated. Just cook fresh noodles and add them in when you’re ready to serve.
Storage Option
Duration
Refrigerator
Up to 4 days
Freezer (without noodles)
Up to 3 months
Troubleshooting & Tweaks
If your soup isn’t quite what you expected, here are some quick fixes:
Bland flavor: Add a splash of lemon juice or more thyme for a bright lift.
Too thick: Stir in a bit more chicken broth to thin it out.
Mushy veggies: Remember to sauté them just until softenednot too long before adding broth.
Fun tweak: Want a twist? Swap egg noodles for star-shaped pasta to make an imaginative “star chicken noodle soup”especially delightful for kids!
Expert Insight: The Heart of a Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Chicken noodle soup is more than just comfort food; its balance of protein, vegetables, and broth provides essential nutrients and hydration. Using homemade stock enhances depth of flavor and helps extract collagen, which supports joint health and adds richness without extra fat. This foundational recipe truly nourishes both body and soul.
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The Journey to My Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
After several attempts adjusting broth richness and noodle timing, I finally nailed a chicken noodle soup recipe that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Each try brought me closer to the right balance of flavor and texture, making this recipe the one I trust to bring comforting, healthy meals to the table.
FAQs ( Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe )
How to store leftovers?
Cool leftovers quickly and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 3-4 days for best flavor and safety. Reheat gently on the stove to preserve texture and avoid overcooking the noodles. This approach keeps the dish fresh and ready for easy meals later.
Can I use cooked chicken instead of raw?
Absolutely, using cooked chicken is a great shortcut. Add it toward the end of cooking to warm it through without drying. This method works well in this recipe, saving time while maintaining rich flavor and tender texture in the soup.
How to make noodles from scratch?
For homemade noodles, mix all-purpose flour with eggs and a pinch of salt until dough forms. Roll it out thinly and cut into strips. Cook fresh noodles quickly in boiling water before adding to the soup to keep texture tender and fresh.
What’s the best way to thicken the broth?
To thicken broth, whisk a small amount of flour or cornstarch with cold water and stir it into simmering soup. Cook for a few minutes to activate thickening and avoid clumps. This simple trick enhances mouthfeel without altering the comforting flavor.
How long can I freeze this soup?
Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing noodles separately to prevent sogginess; add fresh noodles when reheating. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before gently reheating on the stove.
Conclusion
This chicken noodle soup recipe comes together quickly on the stove top with simple, wholesome ingredients, delivering that perfect comforting bowl every time. Tender chicken, cozy egg noodles, and rich broth make it a go-to for sick days or any day you crave something warm and familiar. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how deeply satisfying it tastes.
For a little twist, try swapping in star-shaped pasta for a playful touch or add fresh herbs like dill or thyme to brighten the flavor. Leftovers store beautifully in the fridge, and freezing the broth separately keeps it fresh longer. These simple tips one I picked up testing recipes make it even easier to enjoy your homemade chicken noodle soup whenever you want.
Have you made a cozy chicken noodle soup that reminds you of home? I’d love to see your photos or hear your favorite tweaks in the comments. Share this recipe with someone who could use a warm hug in a bowlyou really can’t go wrong with a classic like this!
This classic homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe offers tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and comforting egg noodles in a flavorful broth. Perfect as Sick Day Food Recipes or whenever you’re seeking Comfort Chicken Noodle Soup, it delivers cozy, satisfying warmth in every bowl.
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic and dried thyme, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Add the shredded chicken and egg noodles. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until noodles are tender.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For best flavor, use homemade chicken broth and fresh parsley. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to prevent the noodles from becoming mushy.
