admin1 This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chicken, soft noodles, fresh vegetables, and a rich, flavourful broth. It’s warm, nourishing, and incredibly easy to prepare using simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Whether you’re looking for a cosy family dinner, a comforting lunch on a chilly day, or a delicious homemade soup when you’re feeling under the weather, this classic chicken noodle soup is always a wonderful choice.
The best part? It’s ready in just 40 minutes and tastes even better than canned soup!
Recipe Details
Prep time
10 minutes
Cook time
30 minutes
Total time
40 minutes
Servings
6 bowls
Cuisine
American
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 500 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 8 cups (1.9 litres) chicken broth
- 2 cups (150–180 g) egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the vegetables
Heat the olive oil or butter in a large soup pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery.
Cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the chicken and broth
Place the chicken breasts or thighs into the pot.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the thyme, oregano, bay leaf, black pepper, and a little salt.
Stir gently to combine.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Step 3: Simmer the chicken
Cover the pot partially and simmer for approximately 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a clean cutting board.
Step 4: Shred the chicken
Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes.
Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Return the shredded chicken to the soup pot.
Step 5: Cook the noodles
Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer.
Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually 6–8 minutes, until tender.
Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
Step 6: Season the soup
Remove the bay leaf.
Taste the broth and adjust the salt and black pepper as needed.
Stir in the fresh parsley and optional lemon juice for a bright, fresh flavour.
Step 7: Serve warm
Ladle the chicken noodle soup into bowls.
Garnish with extra parsley and freshly cracked black pepper.
Serve immediately with crusty bread, crackers, or warm homemade rolls.
Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup
- Use chicken thighs for extra flavour: They tend to remain juicy and tender.
- Choose a good-quality broth: The broth provides most of the soup’s flavour.
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Add them toward the end to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Season gradually: Broth can already contain salt, so taste before adding more.
- Add lemon juice: A small amount brightens the flavour without making the soup taste strongly of lemon.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley adds colour and a lovely finishing touch.
Delicious Chicken Noodle Soup Variations
1. Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Add ½ cup heavy cream or evaporated milk during the final few minutes of cooking for a rich, creamy broth.
2. Chicken Vegetable Noodle Soup
Add peas, sweetcorn, green beans, or chopped spinach for extra vegetables and colour.
3. Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup
Add ½ teaspoon chilli flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or freshly chopped green chillies for a warming kick.
4. Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup
Add extra fresh lemon juice and a little lemon zest for a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired flavour.
5. Gluten-Free Chicken Noodle Soup
Replace regular egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice noodles. Check that your chicken broth is also gluten-free.
What to Serve with Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup pairs wonderfully with:
- Crusty homemade bread
- Garlic bread
- Soft dinner rolls
- Saltine crackers
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Fresh green salad
For a comforting family meal, serve it with warm bread and a little butter.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Allow the soup to cool and store it in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze the soup without the noodles for up to 3 months for the best texture.
Reheating: Warm the soup gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat until thoroughly heated.
If the noodles have absorbed too much broth, add a little extra chicken broth or water before reheating.
Make-ahead tip: If preparing the soup in advance, cook and store the noodles separately. Add them to individual bowls when serving to keep them from becoming too soft.
Nutrition Information
Estimated nutrition per serving, based on 6 servings.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 kcal |
| Protein | 27 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated fat | 2 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
Nutrition values are estimates and vary depending on the chicken, broth, noodles, and serving size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut. Add approximately 3 cups of shredded cooked chicken after the vegetables have softened and the broth has simmered for a few minutes.
Can I make chicken noodle soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Add the chicken, vegetables, broth, and seasonings to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. Shred the chicken and add the noodles during the final 20–30 minutes, depending on the noodle type.
Why does my chicken noodle soup taste bland?
The soup may need more salt, herbs, or a little acidity. Try adding fresh parsley, black pepper, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a small amount of chicken bouillon.
Can I use rice instead of noodles?
Yes. Add cooked rice toward the end of cooking. Alternatively, add uncooked rice earlier and simmer until tender, adding extra broth if needed.
Is homemade chicken noodle soup healthy?
Homemade chicken noodle soup can be part of a balanced diet. It provides protein from chicken, nutrients from vegetables, and carbohydrates from noodles. Using low-sodium broth and adding extra vegetables can help tailor it to your dietary needs.
