Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
If there’s one dish that brings instant comfort and warmth to any table, it’s this Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. Brimming with fresh vegetables, tender shredded chicken, and perfectly cooked egg noodles, the rich and aromatic broth comes together effortlessly, yet tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Whether you need a cozy pick-me-up or a family-friendly dinner in less than an hour, this soup feels like a bowl of homemade care you’ll want to make over and over.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe shine is its blend of simple, wholesome ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor. Each item brings its own character, from texture and color to that classic, savory aroma we all crave in homemade soup.
- Olive oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps the veggies sauté beautifully.
- Yellow onion: The flavorful backbone—diced onion mellows as it cooks, making the soup aromatic and sweet.
- Carrots: Their natural sweetness and bright color add both depth and visual appeal.
- Celery stalks: Classic for chicken noodle soup, celery offers crunch, flavor, and fragrance.
- Garlic: A little minced garlic goes a long way, adding warmth and a savory undertone.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The soul of the soup, it delivers savory depth without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Tender, juicy pieces (rotisserie or leftovers both work!) make this extra filling.
- Dried thyme: Brings herby notes that complete that classic chicken noodle flavor.
- Bay leaf: Lends a subtle complexity while the soup simmers—just remember to fish it out before serving!
- Salt and black pepper: These essentials let you adjust the soup perfectly to your own taste.
- Egg noodles: Their soft curliness soaks up just enough broth for the ideal spoonful.
- Fresh parsley: Finishes the dish with freshness and a burst of color.
How to Make Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Let these veggies cook together for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring often, until they soften and the onions turn translucent. This first step builds a flavorful foundation for your Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Next, stir in the minced garlic, letting it cook for just 30 seconds. You’ll notice the kitchen start to fill with that unmistakable savory aroma. Garlic burns quickly, so just a short sauté is perfect to release its oils without letting it become bitter.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Seasonings
Carefully pour in all the chicken broth, then add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything together, and bring the soup to a gentle boil. This is where the flavors start melding beautifully.
Step 4: Simmer and Let Flavors Develop
Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, and let the soup bubble away for 10 minutes. This time allows the bay leaf and dried thyme to infuse the broth, drawing out every bit of flavor from the chicken and veggies.
Step 5: Add the Egg Noodles
Once the soup smells irresistible, stir in the egg noodles. Let them cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or until they’re tender but still have a little bite. Be sure to taste a noodle before moving on—they should be soft and slurpable, but not mushy.
Step 6: Finish with Parsley and Adjust Seasonings
Remove the bay leaf and toss in the chopped fresh parsley. Give everything a final stir, taste, and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. The parsley livens up the soup, adding a subtle earthy tone and beautiful color. That’s it—your Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
While this soup is satisfying on its own, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a crack of black pepper just before serving takes it to the next level. For extra richness, consider finishing with a squeeze of lemon juice or a pat of butter right in the bowl—the brightness and creaminess make each bite even more comforting.
Side Dishes
This Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe pairs flawlessly with a thick slice of crusty baguette or a warm buttered roll, perfect for soaking up every last drop of broth. If you want to round out the meal, a crisp side salad or some roasted veggies make lovely, light companions.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests, ladle the soup into wide bowls and top with extra parsley, or add a lemon wedge on the side for a splash of brightness. Mason jars with tight lids also make a cute, portable way to deliver a dose of comfort to a friend who needs a little TLC.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep leftovers tasting fresh, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The noodles will absorb some of the broth as it sits, so you may want to add a splash of extra broth when reheating to maintain that perfect consistency.
Freezing
For longer storage, this Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe freezes beautifully—just skip the noodles before freezing, as they can get mushy. Portion the soup base into freezer-safe containers, leave a little space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and add freshly cooked noodles for best results.
Reheating
Gentle reheating is key so the chicken stays tender and the veggies don’t get too soft. Warm the soup over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If you froze the soup, bring it to a gentle simmer and add the noodles just before serving for that fresh-made vibe.
FAQs
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free noodles or even use rice instead of traditional egg noodles. The rest of the Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap.
What’s the best type Main Course, Soup
Rotisserie chicken is my top recommendation for convenience and flavor, but any leftover cooked chicken will work. Breast or thigh meat, or even a mix, will all taste great in this recipe.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in peas, corn, or even spinach near the end of cooking. These additions add color, variety, and extra nutrition to the Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe.
How can I make the soup richer?
For a richer, more indulgent soup, try stirring in a pat of butter or a splash of heavy cream right before serving. A tiny dash of lemon juice also brightens everything up without adding extra fat.
Do the noodles get mushy if the soup sits?
Noodles will continue to absorb broth as the soup cools and sits in the fridge, so they can get softer over time. If you prefer firmer noodles, consider adding them fresh when reheating each serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason this Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is a timeless favorite—it’s hearty, healthful, and truly soul-soothing with minimal effort. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it your own; the comfort and joy of homemade soup are just a pot away!
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Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make chicken noodle soup recipe that is perfect for warming up on a cold day. This classic soup is packed with vegetables, shredded chicken, and flavorful broth, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 6 ounces egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil.
- Sauté vegetables: Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic: Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add broth and seasonings: Pour in chicken broth, then add shredded chicken, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to let flavors develop.
- Cook noodles: Add egg noodles and cook for 6–8 minutes or until tender.
- Finish and serve: Remove bay leaf, stir in fresh parsley, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a pat of butter before serving.
- This soup freezes well without the noodles; just add fresh noodles when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
