Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe – Warm, Comforting, and Delicious

chicken noodle soup

There’s nothing better than a big bowl of chicken noodle soup when you’re feeling tired, chilly, or just want something cozy to eat.

It’s warm, full of flavor, and easy to make at home with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

In this recipe, you’ll learn step-by-step how to make soft noodles, tender chicken, and a tasty broth that brings everything together.

Start Making Ingredients

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make a pot of homemade chicken noodle soup that serves about 4 people:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if you have it)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 6 cups chicken broth or stock
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (breast or thigh meat)
  • 2 cups egg noodles or any short pasta
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
  • Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for a fresh flavor)

That’s all you need — simple, wholesome ingredients that turn into something truly heartwarming.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Before you start cooking, wash and cut your vegetables.

Peel the carrots and slice them into thin circles.

Chop the celery into small pieces, and finely dice the onion so it blends well with the broth later.

Mince the garlic — this will give the soup a rich smell and taste.

Having all your vegetables ready before you start cooking makes the whole process smoother and faster.

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Step 2: Cook the Base of the Soup

Heat a large pot over medium heat and add olive oil or butter.

Once it’s warm, toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery.

Stir them with a wooden spoon and let them cook for about 5–6 minutes.

You’ll start to notice the onions turning soft and slightly golden.

That’s when you add the minced garlic.

Stir for another 30 seconds — just until it smells amazing — but don’t let it burn.

This step is important because it builds the base flavor for your soup.

The vegetables release their natural sweetness, which makes your broth taste much better.

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Step 3: Add the Broth and Seasonings

Now it’s time to make the soup come to life!

Pour in the chicken broth or stock.

Give it a gentle stir, then add the salt, black pepper, thyme, and bay leaf.

You can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper if you like a tiny bit of spice.

Let the soup come to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.

Let it simmer for about 15 minutes so the flavors can blend together beautifully.

Tip:

If you’re using store-bought broth, you can add an extra cup of water to reduce the saltiness.

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Step 4: Add the Chicken

Once your soup base has simmered for a while, it’s time to add the cooked chicken.

If you already have leftover chicken from another meal, this is a great way to use it up.

Shred the chicken into small pieces and drop them into the pot.

If not, you can boil or bake chicken breasts beforehand, then shred them with two forks.

Let the chicken cook in the broth for about 10 minutes so it absorbs all the lovely flavors.

Can I Use Raw Chicken?

Yes, you can use raw chicken if you prefer.

Just add it earlier — when you pour in the broth — and let it simmer until the meat is fully cooked.

Once done, take it out, shred it, and put it back in the pot.

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Step 5: Add the Noodles

This is the part everyone loves — adding the noodles!

Pour the egg noodles into the simmering soup.

Cook them for about 7–8 minutes, or until they’re soft but not mushy.

Stir occasionally so they don’t stick to the bottom.

The noodles soak up some of the broth, making the soup thicker and richer.

If you like your soup more liquid, you can add a little extra broth or water while cooking.

Using Different Types of Noodles

You can use any type of pasta you have — spaghetti, fusilli, or even macaroni.

Just remember that smaller pasta shapes work best for soups because they cook faster and blend nicely with the chicken and vegetables.

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Step 6: Taste, Adjust, and Add Fresh Touches

When the noodles are cooked, take out the bay leaf and give your soup a taste.

If it needs more flavor, add a little extra salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Some people also like to sprinkle chopped parsley or a bit of dill on top for a burst of freshness.

Turn off the heat and let the soup rest for about 2 minutes before serving.

This short rest helps all the flavors settle together.

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Serving Ideas

Chicken noodle soup is best served warm, straight from the pot into your favorite bowl.

You can pair it with:

A slice of buttered bread or toast

Crackers on the side

A small salad for a light meal

If you want to make it more filling, add a handful of corn or peas during the cooking process.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Homemade chicken noodle soup keeps really well. Here’s how to store it properly:

In the fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

In the freezer: Let the soup cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers.

It can last up to 2 months.

When reheating, warm it gently on the stove over low heat.

If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or broth to bring it back to the right consistency.

Tip:

If you plan to freeze the soup, cook the noodles separately and add them fresh when reheating.

This keeps them from getting too soft.

Extra Tips for the Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup

Use fresh herbs when possible. They give your soup a brighter taste.

Add a touch of butter before serving. It makes the broth richer and smoother.

Try rotisserie chicken. It’s quick, tasty, and saves time.

Use homemade broth. If you have time, simmer chicken bones with onions and herbs for an hour — it makes the best soup base.

Add a few drops of lemon juice. It lifts the flavor and keeps the soup from tasting too heavy.

    Final Thoughts

    Chicken noodle soup is one of those timeless dishes that everyone loves.

    It’s warm, nourishing, and brings a smile to your face with every spoonful.

    Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a sick day, or a cold evening, it’s the perfect bowl of comfort that never fails to please.

    Once you make it yourself, you’ll see how easy and fun it is — and you might never buy canned soup again!

    So grab your pot, chop your veggies, and start cooking.

    In less than an hour, you’ll have a delicious homemade chicken noodle soup ready to serve — made with love and simple ingredients.