Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe to Warm Your Soul

Comfort wafts through the kitchen as chicken noodle soup recipe magic simmers on the stove.

Tender chicken, silky noodles, and aromatic herbs dance together in a warm, inviting bowl.

Every spoonful promises healing and nostalgia from a timeless classic.

Generations have cherished this simple yet profound dish that soothes both body and soul.

Carrots, celery, and perfectly seasoned broth create a harmonious blend of flavors.

You’ll savor each comforting bite, knowing this recipe connects you to home-cooked traditions.

Warm up and nourish yourself with this ultimate culinary embrace.

Tips to Perfect Your Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Chop all ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking and reduce stress in the kitchen.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to manage salt content and create a healthier soup version.
  • Add egg noodles last to prevent overcooking and maintain their perfect al dente texture.
  • Sauté vegetables briefly before adding broth to enhance their natural sweetness and depth.
  • Store leftover soup separately from noodles to prevent them from becoming mushy when reheating.

Flavor Twists to Try with Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace egg noodles with rice noodles or spiralized zucchini for a celiac-friendly option that maintains the soup's hearty texture.
  • Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a protein-packed meat-free alternative.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and a dash of cayenne pepper to transform the classic soup into a zesty, warming southwestern-style version with a kick.
  • Low-Carb Keto Option: Use spiralized daikon radish or cauliflower rice instead of noodles, keeping the protein and vegetables while reducing carbohydrate content for those following ketogenic dietary guidelines.

What Goes Well with Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Pair with Crusty Bread: Serve warm, toasted sourdough or rustic whole wheat bread alongside the soup for dipping and soaking up the rich, flavorful broth.
  • Complement with Crisp White Wine: Choose a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the soup's hearty flavors and cleanse the palate between bites.
  • Match with Fresh Green Salad: Create a side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette to add a crisp, fresh contrast to the warm, comforting soup.
  • Enhance with Herbal Tea: Finish the meal with a soothing chamomile or ginger tea to aid digestion and provide a gentle, warming conclusion to the dining experience.

Storing Chicken Noodle Soup the Right Way

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep the soup fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top. Freeze for up to 3 months. Noodles might become softer after thawing.
  • Warm soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water to restore moisture if needed. Heat until steaming hot, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm.

FAQs

  • Is chicken noodle soup healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with nutrients. The combination of protein from chicken, vitamins from vegetables, and hydrating broth makes it a nutritious meal that supports immune health.

  • Can I use different types of noodles?

Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional, you can substitute with whole wheat, rice, or gluten-free noodles based on your dietary preferences.

  • How can I make the soup more flavorful?

Add a bay leaf during simmering, use homemade chicken stock, or include a splash of white wine to enhance the depth of flavor. Fresh herbs also boost the taste profile.

  • What are some ways to boost the soup's nutrition?

Add extra vegetables like kale or spinach, include a handful of quinoa, or stir in some lentils to increase protein and fiber content.

Chicken Noodle Soup That Feels Like a Warm Hug

  • Simplify Meal Prep: Streamline your cooking process with this straightforward pizza recipe that requires minimal chopping and basic ingredients.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Deliver a hearty, meat-loaded pizza that satisfies hunger and delights families with its classic, nostalgic flavors.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap meat types, add extra toppings, or adjust seasoning to match personal preferences and make the recipe your own.
  • School Cafeteria Nostalgia: Recreate the beloved lunch lady pizza that brings back warm memories of childhood and school day meals.

Essential Ingredients for Chicken Noodle Soup

Protein:
  • Chicken: A lean protein that provides the main flavor and substance of the soup.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Carrots, Celery: A classic trio of vegetables that create a flavorful and aromatic base for the soup.
  • Garlic: Adds a deep, rich flavor and provides additional health benefits.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Parsley: Offers a fresh, bright flavor and serves as a garnish.
  • Thyme: Provides an earthy, herbal note to the soup.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Liquid Base:
  • Chicken Broth, Water: Creates the foundation of the soup, adding depth and moisture.
Noodles:
  • Egg Noodles: A classic pasta that adds texture and substance to the chicken noodle soup.

How to Make Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Chop and Prep Ingredients

Grab your cutting board and sharp knife. Dice onions into small pieces, slice carrots and celery into thin strips, and mince garlic cloves.

Cut chicken into bite-sized chunks that will easily fit on a spoon. Having everything prepped will make cooking a breeze.

Step 2: Create Soup Base

Grab a large pot and toss in these ingredients:
  • Chicken broth
  • Water
  • Chopped chicken
  • Diced onions
  • Sliced carrots
  • Chopped celery
  • Minced garlic
  • Fresh parsley
  • Dried thyme

Stir everything together so the flavors start mingling and dancing.

Step 3: Simmer and Cook

Place the pot on the stove over medium-high heat.

Let the mixture bubble and boil, then lower the heat. Allow the soup to simmer gently for 15-20 minutes.

This slow cooking helps vegetables soften and chicken cook completely while building deep, rich flavors.

Step 4: Add Noodle Magic

Drop egg noodles directly into the simmering soup.

Let them cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The noodles will absorb the delicious broth and become perfectly tender.

Step 5: Final Flavor Boost

Taste the soup and sprinkle in salt and pepper as needed. Everyone’s taste buds are different, so adjust until it feels just right.

A pinch here and there can transform the entire dish.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

Sprinkle some extra fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting warmth of your homemade creation.

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Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comfort meets nostalgia in this classic chicken noodle soup, brimming with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and silky noodles. Home cooks will savor each spoonful of warmth, finding solace in this timeless, nourishing dish that hugs your soul like a gentle embrace.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 cups (1.9 liters) chicken broth
  • 2 cups (473 milliliters) water
  • 1 cup (85 grams) uncooked egg noodles

Vegetables:

  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons (8 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Finely chop onions, carrots, and celery into uniform pieces, and slice chicken into bite-sized morsels. Precise preparation ensures consistent cooking and flavor distribution.
  2. Transfer chicken broth, water, chopped vegetables, minced garlic, and raw chicken into a spacious pot. Incorporate parsley and thyme for aromatic depth.
  3. Elevate heat to medium-high, allowing the liquid to reach a vigorous boil. Once bubbling, reduce temperature to low, creating a gentle simmer for 15-20 minutes until chicken is thoroughly cooked and vegetables become tender.
  4. Introduce uncooked egg noodles directly into the simmering liquid. Gently stir every few minutes to prevent noodles from clumping, cooking for approximately 6-7 minutes until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture.
  5. Sample the soup’s flavor profile, carefully adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper. Aim for a balanced, harmonious taste that complements the soup’s natural ingredients.
  6. Carefully ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls. Optional: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a vibrant garnish and enhance the visual appeal of this classic comfort dish.

Notes

  • Optimize ingredient preparation by cutting vegetables and chicken into uniform sizes for even cooking and consistent texture.
  • Select high-quality, low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and enhance natural flavor profile without overwhelming saltiness.
  • Consider gluten-free alternatives like rice noodles or zucchini noodles for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining soup’s comforting essence.
  • Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added vitamins and minerals.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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