Have you ever craved a warm, comforting bowl of soup that feels like a hug in a bowl? There's nothing quite like chicken noodle soup recipe made from scratch to soothe your soul and nourish your body. Whether you're fighting off a cold, seeking comfort on a chilly evening, or simply wanting to feed your family something wholesome, this homemade chicken noodle soup delivers incredible flavor and nutrition that store-bought versions simply can't match. Making this classic dish at home means you control the ingredients, avoid unnecessary preservatives, and create a meal that's both budget-friendly and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients List

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
    • 1 medium onion, diced
    • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
    • 3 celery stalks, chopped
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 8 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
    • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
    • 2 bay leaves
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    • 8 ounces egg noodles (or pasta of choice)
    • Salt and black pepper to taste
    • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
    • Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice for brightness
    • Optional: Fresh dill for garnish

For the Herb Blend (Optional Enhancement):

    • ½ teaspoon rosemary
    • ½ teaspoon oregano
    • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a subtle kick

Timing / Cooking Schedule

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 35 minutes

Total time: 50 minutes

This soup comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Unlike slow-cooked versions that take hours, this streamlined approach delivers rich flavor fast while still achieving that classic, soul-warming depth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery (the classic mirepoix). Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften and onions become translucent. Add minced garlic in the last minute to prevent burning. Tip: Don't rush this step—properly caramelized vegetables build the flavor foundation.

Step 2: Add Broth and Chicken Pour in the chicken broth, then nestle the chicken breasts or thighs into the liquid. Add bay leaves and thyme. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer. Cook for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Pro tip: Using bone-in chicken adds more flavor, though it requires slightly longer cooking.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken Remove cooked chicken from the pot and place on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Discard bay leaves from the broth. This is the perfect moment to taste and adjust your chicken noodle soup recipe seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles Return shredded chicken to the pot. Add egg noodles directly to the simmering broth. Cook according to package directions (usually 6-8 minutes) until tender but not mushy. Important: If making ahead, cook noodles separately to prevent them from absorbing all the broth.

Step 5: Finish and Serve Stir in fresh parsley and optional lemon juice for brightness. Taste one final time and adjust seasonings. Ladle into bowls and garnish with additional fresh herbs. Your homemade chicken noodle soup is ready to comfort and nourish!

Nutritional Information

Per serving (serves 4):

    • Calories: 340
    • Protein: 28g
    • Carbohydrates: 35g
    • Fat: 9g
    • Fiber: 3g
    • Vitamin C: 15% DV
    • Iron: 12% DV

Tips, Variations, or Cooking Advice

Dietary Swaps: - Gluten-free: Use rice noodles, gluten-free pasta, or substitute with cauliflower rice - Low-carb/Keto: Replace noodles with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles - Dairy-free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free if using oil instead of butter - Vegetarian: Swap chicken for chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable broth

Flavor Variations: Add a tablespoon of miso paste for umami depth, or stir in a handful of fresh spinach for extra nutrients. For an Asian-inspired twist, include ginger, a splash of soy sauce, and top with green onions.

Meal Prep Tip: Double the batch and freeze portions in individual containers for quick grab-and-go lunches. The soup base freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Noodles: Mushy noodles ruin texture. If you plan to store leftovers, cook noodles separately and add them to individual portions when reheating.

Using High Heat: Boiling soup aggressively makes chicken tough and vegetables fall apart. Maintain a gentle simmer for tender, flavorful results.

Skipping the Shredding Step: Large chicken chunks are harder to eat with a spoon. Properly shredded chicken distributes evenly and makes each spoonful perfect.

Not Tasting Before Serving: Broth can be underseasoned. Always taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs accordingly. Remember, you can add seasoning but can't remove it.

Adding All Ingredients at Once: Layering flavors by cooking vegetables first, then adding broth and protein creates depth that dumping everything together won't achieve.

Storage / Leftovers Tips

Store your homemade chicken noodle soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, store noodles separately from the broth to prevent them from becoming soggy and absorbing all the liquid. When ready to enjoy, reheat the broth on the stovetop over medium heat until steaming, then add the noodles for the last 2-3 minutes.

For freezer storage, this chicken noodle soup recipe freezes beautifully for up to 3 months when noodles are excluded. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving about an inch of headspace for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stove. Cook fresh noodles when reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Pro Storage Tip: Label containers with the date and contents. Consider portioning into single-serving sizes for convenient individual meals that reheat quickly in the microwave (2-3 minutes on high, stirring halfway through).