Need a cozy, comforting meal that’s both nourishing and nostalgic? This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is your go-to fix. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and perfectly cooked egg noodles all swimming in a deeply savory broth, it’s the ultimate comfort food classic. Perfect for cold days, quick dinners, or when you’re feeling under the weather, this easy recipe hits the spot every time. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas, a healthy lunch, or a homemade food idea that pleases the whole family, this bowl delivers warmth and flavor with every spoonful.
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup brings back childhood memories for many, making it the quintessential meal for all ages. The touch of herbal aroma layered with the savory notes of chicken broth enchants your senses, promising a delicious experience. The soup is not only delightful but also offers an array of nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for those seeking both comfort and nourishment. Each spoonful is filled with love and care, something made easy in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Quick preparation makes it an ideal weeknight meal.
- Rich flavors from fresh ingredients create a depth that’s simply irresistible.
- A heartwarming dish that brings family together during cold nights.
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.
- Perfect for meal prepping or freezing for later use.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into making your delicious Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, gather your ingredients and tools. You’ll want to ensure your workspace is tidy to make the cooking process seamless. A large Dutch oven or sturdy pot will be essential for simmering your soup to perfection. Other helpful tools include a sharp knife for chopping your vegetables, a cutting board, and measuring spoons for accuracy.
Mise en place, or having everything prepped and ready, is wise here. Dice your onions, slice your carrots, and mince your garlic beforehand to streamline the cooking process, ensuring a calming cooking experience. With your ingredients prepped, you’ll find yourself enjoying every moment in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 large carrots, sliced into rounds
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 10 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cups wide egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Juice of ½ lemon (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh dill or extra thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. This allows the oil to become hot enough to sauté the vegetables efficiently. Add in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and diced celery. These fundamental vegetables form the essential flavor base for your soup. Stir occasionally and sauté for about 5–7 minutes until everything becomes tender and fragrant.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Next, stir in the minced garlic, fresh thyme, and bay leaves to the pot. The garlic will add a robust flavor, while the thyme enhances the aromatic profile. Sauté for an additional 1–2 minutes, allowing the aroma to fill your kitchen as the ingredients mingle together.
Step 3: Introduce the Chicken
Now, it’s time to nestle the chicken into the pot. Gently place the boneless chicken breasts or thighs amidst the simmering veggies. After that, pour in your low-sodium chicken broth, which will create a savory and nourishing broth. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Turn up the heat until the soup reaches a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, covered, for about 25–30 minutes. This step ensures the chicken cooks through and infuses its flavor into the broth.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken has been simmering and is cooked through, carefully remove it from the pot using tongs. Allow it to cool slightly before shredding it using two forks. This step adds a lovely texture to your soup. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot, where it will continue to enrich the flavor.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
Now, it’s time to add your egg noodles to the mix. Cook them in the simmering broth for about 6–8 minutes, or until they’re perfectly tender. Egg noodles are a comforting addition to the soup, creating that classic homemade feel. When they’re done, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt and pepper to your preference.
Step 6: Final Touches
Before serving, stir in the chopped fresh parsley and squeeze in the juice of half a lemon if desired. Lemon adds brightness and balances the richness of the broth, elevating the flavor. Finally, don’t forget to remove the bay leaves – they’re not meant to be eaten! Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional herbs if you like.
Variations
- Protein: Swap in shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. You can also use turkey for a healthier variation or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add in green beans, peas, or corn for extra sweetness and crunch.
- Spices: Experiment with your favorite herbs — dill and oregano can also bring wonderful flavors to your soup.
Cooking Notes
- For deeper flavors, consider allowing the broth to simmer longer before adding noodles.
- If the soup gets too thick, add additional broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with crusty bread or homemade rolls for a complete meal.
- Serve with a side salad for added freshness and nutrients.
Tips
- Make a double batch and freeze some for a quick meal later — just leave out the noodles before freezing.
- Adjust the seasoning gradually — it’s easier to add than to take away.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 660mg
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles in this soup?
Yes, while wide egg noodles are traditional, you can use any pasta, such as fettuccine or even gluten-free options, if you prefer.
How long will this soup last in the fridge?
The soup can usually last about 3–4 days in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container.
Can I freeze this chicken noodle soup?
Absolutely! Just make sure to leave out the noodles before freezing, as they can become mushy once thawed.
What can I do to make the soup spicier?
Adding red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the soup can turn up the heat for fans of spicy flavors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is the essence of comfort, simplicity, and flavor. With its delightful aroma filling your kitchen, it invites everyone to gather and enjoy a nourishing meal. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly winter evening or when someone needs a warm hug in a bowl, this soup is a timeless favorite. Don’t hesitate to customize it to your liking and make it your own. I encourage you to try making this soup and share your experiences or any variations you come up with. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
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Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Cozy, comforting, and nostalgic Chicken Noodle Soup packed with love.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 large carrots, sliced into rounds
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 10 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cups wide egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Juice of ½ lemon (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh dill or extra thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. This allows the oil to become hot enough to sauté the vegetables efficiently. Add in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and diced celery. These fundamental vegetables form the essential flavor base for your soup. Stir occasionally and sauté for about 5–7 minutes until everything becomes tender and fragrant.
- Next, stir in the minced garlic, fresh thyme, and bay leaves to the pot. The garlic will add a robust flavor, while the thyme enhances the aromatic profile. Sauté for an additional 1–2 minutes, allowing the aroma to fill your kitchen as the ingredients mingle together.
- Now, it’s time to nestle the chicken into the pot. Gently place the boneless chicken breasts or thighs amidst the simmering veggies. After that, pour in your low-sodium chicken broth, which will create a savory and nourishing broth. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Turn up the heat until the soup reaches a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, covered, for about 25–30 minutes. This step ensures the chicken cooks through and infuses its flavor into the broth.
- Once the chicken has been simmering and is cooked through, carefully remove it from the pot using tongs. Allow it to cool slightly before shredding it using two forks. This step adds a lovely texture to your soup. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot, where it will continue to enrich the flavor.
- Now, it’s time to add your egg noodles to the mix. Cook them in the simmering broth for about 6–8 minutes, or until they’re perfectly tender. Egg noodles are a comforting addition to the soup, creating that classic homemade feel. When they’re done, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt and pepper to your preference.
- Before serving, stir in the chopped fresh parsley and squeeze in the juice of half a lemon if desired. Lemon adds brightness and balances the richness of the broth, elevating the flavor. Finally, don’t forget to remove the bay leaves – they’re not meant to be eaten! Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional herbs if you like.
Notes
For deeper flavors, consider allowing the broth to simmer longer before adding noodles. If the soup gets too thick, add additional broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Sodium: 660 mg
- Protein: 30 g