Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food that warms you from the inside out, loaded with tender chicken, hearty noodles, and fresh vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it brings comfort whether someone’s feeling under the weather or just craving something cozy. The best part? It’s ready in about 50 minutes, making it doable even on busy weeknights.

I still remember the first time I made this soup from scratch instead of opening a can. The aroma of sautéed onions and celery filling my small apartment kitchen convinced me I’d never go back. This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup has become my go-to recipe whenever my family needs something nourishing and delicious. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and vibrant vegetables creates a bowl of pure comfort. What makes this chicken soup recipe special is how easily you can customize it to fit your dietary needs while still getting that classic, soul-soothing flavor everyone loves.

What You’ll Need for This Comforting Soup

I always use fresh vegetables and low-sodium broth so I can control the salt level perfectly. Using rotisserie chicken is a total game-changer for saving time without sacrificing flavor.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 3 celery stalks, sliced into 1/4-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 2 chicken breasts or 1 rotisserie chicken)
• 2 cups uncooked egg noodles
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Note: You’ll need a large pot (6-8 quart capacity) for this recipe.

How to Make This Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot (6-8 quart) over medium heat. Add the diced onions, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly tender and the onions become translucent. You’ll notice a wonderful aroma starting to develop.

Step 2: Add the minced garlic and dried thyme to the pot. Sauté for just 1 minute until fragrant. Don’t let the garlic burn or it will taste bitter.

Step 3: Pour in the 8 cups of chicken broth and add the bay leaf and dried rosemary. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. If using raw chicken breasts, add them to the pot now.

Step 4: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). If using raw chicken, remove it from the pot, place it on a cutting board, and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. If using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, simply add the shredded meat now.

Step 5: Add the uncooked egg noodles to the soup and cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes (or according to package directions), stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender but not mushy. Watch them closely during the last few minutes to prevent overcooking.

Step 6: Remove and discard the bay leaf. Season your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of each and adjust as needed. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

Perfect Pairings for Your Soup

This comforting soup pairs beautifully with sides that complement its warm, savory flavors.

Fresh Crusty Bread: A warm slice of artisan bread is perfect for dipping into the rich broth and soaking up every last drop of this delicious chicken noodle soup.

Homemade Biscuits: Fluffy, buttery biscuits add a comforting Southern touch and provide a satisfying texture contrast to the soup.

Light Garden Salad: A crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette adds freshness and helps balance the richness of the Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup.

Classic Grilled Cheese: The ultimate comfort food combo that works perfectly for lunch or a cozy dinner.

Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables add extra nutrition and a slight caramelized flavor that complements the soup beautifully.

More Classic Chicken Soup Recipes

This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup delivers timeless comfort with tender chicken and hearty noodles. For international variations, try the bright Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, the elegant Avgolemono Soup, or the healing Lemon Ginger Turmeric Chicken Soup. Looking for richer options, the Rotisserie Chicken Mushroom Soup offers earthy depth.

Complete the comfort meal with fresh Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins for dipping.

Storing Your Homemade Soup

Store your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually develop and deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.

For reheating, I recommend warming the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring every few minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each heating.

If you plan to freeze this soup, do it without the noodles. The soup will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, reheat on the stovetop, and add fresh noodles during the last 10 minutes of cooking. This prevents the noodles from becoming mushy and maintains the best texture.

Common Questions About Chicken Noodle Soup

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