🍗 Classic Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
🕒 Prep Time
10 minutes
🍲 Cook Time
30–35 minutes
🍽 Servings
4–6
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🧺 Ingredients
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great)
• 2 cups egg noodles
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried parsley (or 1 tbsp fresh)
• Optional: bay leaf, squeeze of lemon, fresh parsley for garnish
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👩🍳 Instructions
1. Sauté veggies
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened.
2. Add garlic & broth
Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth and add seasonings (salt, pepper, thyme, parsley, bay leaf if using).
3. Simmer
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add noodles & chicken
Add egg noodles and cook according to package directions (usually 6–8 minutes). Stir in shredded chicken during the last 3 minutes.
5. Finish & serve
Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add a squeeze of lemon if desired. Serve warm!
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⭐ Tips & Variations
• Creamy version: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream at the end
• Extra cozy: Add a pinch of turmeric for color & warmth
• Kid-friendly: Use smaller noodles or break them in half
• Freezer tip: Freeze soup without noodles; add fresh noodles when reheating
Chicken noodle soup is a timeless comfort food that not only warms you up but also provides nourishing benefits, especially when made with fresh ingredients. I’ve found that using a rotisserie chicken for the shredded meat speeds up preparation without compromising flavor. Incorporating low-sodium chicken broth helps control salt levels, making it a healthier choice. Adding fresh garlic and sautéed vegetables like onion, carrots, and celery infuses the soup with natural sweetness and depth of flavor. The herbs like thyme and parsley bring an aromatic lift that complements the broth. For a bright, fresh twist, I often add a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving, which balances the richness. When cooking the egg noodles, it’s important to add them later in the simmering process so they don’t become mushy. Cooking the noodles separately can be a good option, especially if you plan to freeze the soup base to enjoy later. I usually freeze the soup without the noodles and add fresh noodles when reheating to maintain the perfect texture. For an extra cozy version, a pinch of turmeric not only enhances color but also adds anti-inflammatory properties. If you prefer a creamy soup, stirring in half a cup of heavy cream at the end transforms it into a luscious meal. This recipe is also very kid-friendly by using smaller noodles or breaking them into bite-sized pieces. It’s a versatile dish that suits different tastes and dietary needs. Perfect for busy weeknights or when someone in the family is feeling under the weather, this classic chicken noodle soup is both healing and satisfying. Overall, making homemade chicken noodle soup from scratch is rewarding and customizable. It’s a simple way to provide wholesome nourishment and comfort with ingredients you likely already have on hand.