The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Nothing beats a warm bowl of homemade soup, especially when it is this easy to prepare. This classic chicken noodle soup recipe brings comforting flavors straight to your kitchen with minimal effort. You’ll love its simple ingredients, quick process, and the hearty, satisfying results perfect for any day. It is a true beginner-friendly favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

This easy chicken noodle soup recipe quickly becomes a family favorite for many reasons.

• Quick and easy preparation: It comes together in less than 40 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
• Heartwarming, comforting flavors: Every spoonful offers a taste of home and a hug in a bowl.
• Uses simple, fresh ingredients: You likely have most items in your pantry already.
• Perfect for any occasion: Enjoy it on a chilly evening or whenever you need a boost.
• Versatile for customization: Easily adapt it with your favorite vegetables or seasonings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this comforting chicken noodle soup recipe, you will need a few staple ingredients. This list focuses on fresh, readily available items that deliver maximum flavor. Get ready to gather everything for a delightful cooking experience.

• 1/2 Tablespoon butter
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 3-4 large carrots, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Understanding the distinctions between chicken stock and broth can significantly impact the final taste of your soup. 10 cups chicken stock vs. broth
• 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary (or more, to taste)
• 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• For those looking to truly elevate their chicken noodle soup, crafting homemade egg noodles can add an unmatched depth of flavor and texture. 1 batch homemade egg noodles from scratch (or 4 cups dry egg noodles, farfalle or other bite-size pasta)
• 3 cups rotisserie chicken
• 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon chicken flavor (or more, as needed), or chicken bouillon granules

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adjust this soup to fit your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Chicken options: Use pre-cooked chicken breast or thighs if you do not have a rotisserie chicken. Simply shred or dice it.
• Noodle types: While egg noodles are classic for this comforting chicken soup, feel free to use wider pasta like mafalda, or even smaller shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni.
• Vegetable alternatives: Add peas, corn, diced potatoes, or green beans for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Broth enhancers: “Better Than Bouillon” significantly deepens the chicken flavor, but bouillon cubes or granules work well too.
• Fresh vs. dried herbs: Use 1/2 teaspoon of fresh rosemary and thyme for a brighter flavor. Add fresh herbs at the end.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful chicken soup.

• A large stock pot (6-8 quart capacity) is essential for simmering.
• You will also need a sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board for preparing vegetables.
• Measuring cups and spoons ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
• A ladle helps serve the hot soup easily.

How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Making this chicken noodle soup recipe is straightforward and enjoyable. Follow these simple steps for a warm, delicious meal. Even beginner cooks will find success with this easy method.

1. Prep all ingredients. Dice your celery and carrots, mince the garlic, and shred your rotisserie chicken. Having everything ready streamlines the cooking process.
2. Sauté aromatic vegetables. Add butter, diced celery, and carrots to a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Sauté for 3 minutes until they start to soften. This builds the flavor base for your homemade chicken soup.
3. Add minced garlic. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
4. Pour in chicken stock. Carefully add the 10 cups of chicken stock or broth to the pot.
5. Season the broth. Now, season the broth with rosemary, thyme, crushed red pepper, and salt. Make sure to taste the broth before adding more salt, as stock saltiness varies. Add black pepper. Add a spoonful of “Better Than Bouillon” chicken flavor or chicken bouillon granules as needed to enhance the depth of flavor in this excellent chicken noodle soup recipe.
6. Bring broth to a gentle boil. Increase the heat slightly and bring the seasoned broth to a gentle rolling boil.
7. Add noodles, cook until al dente. Add your chosen noodles, either uncooked homemade egg noodles or dry store-bought pasta. Cook just until the noodles are al dente, which means they are tender but still have a slight bite. If using store-bought noodles, be cautious not to overcook them! Remove the pot from heat as soon as they are just barely tender. The noodles will continue to cook once you remove the pot from the heat, and you do not want them mushy.
8. Stir in cooked shredded chicken. Once the noodles are perfectly cooked, stir in the shredded meat from the rotisserie chicken. The chicken is already cooked, so it just needs to warm through.
9. Taste, adjust seasonings as needed. Take another taste of the broth and adjust any seasonings as needed. You might want a little more salt, pepper, or herbs. This ensures your final chicken noodle soup recipe is perfectly balanced.
10. Serve hot immediately. Ladle generous portions into bowls and serve your comforting soup right away.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve the best results for your homemade chicken noodle soup recipe with these simple tips.

• Don’t overcook the noodles. Mushy noodles are nobody’s favorite; pull them off the heat promptly.
• Use quality chicken broth. A good broth is the foundation of a flavorful soup.
• Always taste and adjust seasoning. Broth saltiness varies; adjust herbs and spices to your preference.
• Shred chicken into bite-sized pieces. This makes each spoonful easy to enjoy.
• Cook vegetables until tender-crisp. Avoid mushy vegetables by not over-sautéing them.
• Why is my soup bland? This often means it needs more salt, a dash of “Better Than Bouillon,” or a bit more herb seasoning.
• Can I make it ahead? Yes, but cook noodles separately and add them just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations

This versatile chicken noodle soup recipe is perfect on its own, but also shines with a few thoughtful additions or modifications.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve your warm soup with a slice of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping.
• Pair it with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
• Garnish each bowl with fresh parsley or dill before serving for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Storage Instructions

• Cool your homemade chicken noodle soup completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate leftovers for 3-4 days, depending on the freshness of the chicken you used.
• If possible, store cooked noodles separately from the broth to prevent them from becoming overly soft. You can then add noodles to reheated broth.
• To freeze, omit the noodles. Cool the broth and chicken completely, then freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw, reheat, and then cook fresh noodles to add.

Recipe Variations

• Add different vegetables: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for extra greens.
• Try gluten-free pasta: Simply substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety.
• Make it dairy-free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free; simply ensure your butter substitute is plant-based if needed.
• Spice it up: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
• Herb variations: Experiment with bay leaf during simmering or fresh dill for a different aromatic profile.

Nutrition Information

This homemade chicken noodle soup recipe offers a comforting and nourishing meal. It provides lean protein from the chicken and essential vitamins from the vegetables. While this recipe is designed for comfort and ease, individual nutritional needs vary. For precise nutritional values, especially if you have dietary restrictions, consider using an online nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients.

Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use raw chicken? You can, but cook it first by simmering it in the broth until fully cooked, then remove, shred, and add back. Using rotisserie chicken simplifies this chicken noodle soup recipe greatly.
• What are the best noodles? Classic egg noodles are traditional for a comforting chicken soup, but any small to medium-sized pasta works well.
• How to make it vegetarian? Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. Add extra vegetables like chickpeas or white beans for protein.
• Can I freeze chicken noodle soup? Yes, you can freeze the broth and chicken mixture for up to 3 months. Cook and add fresh noodles when reheating.
• How long does it last? Stored properly in the refrigerator, this homemade chicken noodle soup lasts for 3-4 days.

Conclusion

This chicken noodle soup recipe offers the ultimate comfort in a bowl, proving that simple can be incredibly satisfying. It is quick, easy to make, and brimming with heartwarming flavors perfect for any occasion. We hope you feel inspired to create this nourishing classic in your own kitchen. Give this delightful recipe a try and share your experience with us in the comments below!

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

This easy homemade chicken noodle soup recipe is warm, hearty, and perfect for busy weeknights. Made with fresh vegetables, rotisserie chicken, and savory broth, it’s a quick and comforting meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 0.5 tbsp butter
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 3–4 large carrots, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 10 cups chicken stock or broth
• 1 tsp salt (to taste)
• 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 0.125 tsp dried rosemary
• 0.125 tsp dried thyme
• 0.125 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 4 cups dry egg noodles (or 1 batch homemade)
• 3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 1 tsp Better Than Bouillon chicken flavor (or bouillon granules)

Equipment

• Large stock pot
• cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Ladle

Method

 

1. Prep all your ingredients: dice celery and carrots, mince garlic, and shred cooked chicken.
2. In a large stock pot over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add diced celery and carrots. Sauté for 3 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, being careful not to burn.
4. Pour in chicken stock or broth. Stir in salt, black pepper, rosemary, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, and bouillon.
5. Bring to a gentle boil. Add noodles and cook until al dente. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
6. Stir in shredded chicken. Warm through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Ladle soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook fresh chicken if you prefer. Store cooked noodles separately to prevent them from becoming soggy. Add extra herbs, spices, or greens to customize the soup to your taste.

Emily Thompson

Emily Thompson is a home cook and food enthusiast who believes that great meals bring families together. She loves exploring creative twists on classic American comfort food, always testing new ideas in her kitchen. Emily is passionate about sharing simple, practical recipes and time-saving tips to help busy people enjoy cooking at home. Her approachable style makes every dish accessible, delicious, and perfect for those seeking inspiration for everyday meals and special occasions. Find Emily’s latest creations and kitchen wisdom on yumeasymeals.com.