There’s something magical about the sound of simmering broth bubbling on the stove it’s like a warm hug you can hear from the next room. This chicken noodle soup recipe captures that exact feeling, bringing comfort with each spoonful. No wonder it’s become a classic favorite.
Think tender chunks of juicy chicken, silky egg noodles, and vegetables that soften beautifully into a golden broth. This is homemade comfort made simple like the bowls your mom used to prepare, but ready in under an hour. It’s perfect as a cozy sick day meal or for any busy weeknight dinner. Full details are just below!
I’ve refined this recipe over several seasons, inspired by Julia’s old handwritten recipe cards and lots of taste-testing. The key lies in a clever little timing secret for the noodles that completely transforms the texture. Trust me you’ll love the difference it makes.
Why This Comfort Chicken Noodle Soup Will Become Your Go-To
This chicken noodle soup recipe hits all the right comfort notes without complicating things. You get meltingly tender veggies, perfectly cooked egg noodles, and juicy chicken in every bite all in a deeply flavorful broth.
What sets this version apart is how it balances from-scratch flavor with weeknight simplicity. Using pre-cooked chicken helps get dinner on the table in about 50 minutes, yet the taste suggests hours of simmering. It’s ideal for comforting someone under the weather or enjoying a cozy night in.
- Perfect timing: On the table in under an hour with minimal effort
- Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch and store for easy reheating
- Kid-approved: Familiar, welcoming flavors that even picky eaters enjoy
Your Essential Ingredients and Tools
The charm of this stove top chicken noodle soup lies in its simplicity just basic ingredients you likely already have. It’s a tribute to timeless home cooking, emphasizing flavor over flash.
Pro Tip: I always keep egg noodles in my pantry for this exact recipe. When someone’s feeling under the weather or the skies turn gray, you’re already halfway to dinner.
| Ingredient Category | What You Need | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Base Vegetables | Onion, carrots, celery | Creates the aromatic flavor base |
| Protein | 2 cups cooked chicken | Use shredded rotisserie for ease |
| Noodles | 2 cups egg noodles | Wide egg noodles soak up broth nicely |
| Flavor Boosters | Garlic, thyme, fresh parsley | Builds depth without overpowering |
Equipment That Makes It Easy
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife for chopping vegetables
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Ladle for easy, no-spill serving
How This Chicken and Egg Noodle Soup Comes Together
The flavor comes together in stages, just as Julia used to say. Start by sautéing your vegetable base this step is key. That gentle, aromatic release is what gives the soup its nostalgic warmth.
Here’s the secret: cook the egg noodles in the soup. That way, they soak up the broth and infuse every bite with chicken flavor. Just stay close to the stove during this step egg noodles cook quickly and can become mushy if overdone.
| Step | Time | What’s Happening |
|---|---|---|
| Sauté vegetables | 5–6 minutes | Builds your base flavor |
| Add garlic & thyme | 1 minute | Releases aromatics |
| Simmer broth | 15 minutes | Softens vegetables, deepens flavor |
| Cook noodles & chicken | 8–10 minutes | Final cook phase watch closely |
Simple Swaps and Creative Tweaks
The beauty of this recipe is how easily adaptable it is. Whether you have dietary needs or want to use up ingredients in the fridge, there’s plenty of room for personalization.
Some of my favorite variations include tossing in frozen peas during the last few minutes, spinach for a boost of greens, or even leftover roasted veggies from yesterday’s dinner.
| Original Ingredient | Easy Swap | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Egg noodles | Rice, orzo, or gluten-free pasta | Modify cook time to suit |
| Cooked chicken | Turkey, or omit for veggie version | Choose vegetable broth for meatless |
| Fresh parsley | Dill, chives, or dried herbs | Use dried herbs early, fresh at the end |
| Chicken broth | Bone broth or vegetable broth | Bone broth adds richness |
Troubleshooting Your Soup Success
Even a simple soup can trip you up occasionally. Here’s how to sidestep some of the most common issues:
- Noodles too soft: They kept cooking after you turned off the heat next time, slightly undercook them
- Soup too thin: Simmer a few more minutes uncovered until it reduces
- Lacks flavor: Taste and add salt first; a small splash of broth or additional herbs can help
- Crunchy vegetables: Let them cook longer before adding in the broth
Heads up: If you’re prepping this soup ahead of time, cook the noodles separately and add them to the bowls before serving. This stops them from getting soggy when reheated.
Serving and Storage That Actually Works
This homemade chicken noodle soup recipe yields about six hearty servings perfect for family dinners or leftovers the next day. It tastes even better by day two as the flavors continue to develop.
Serve with simple sides like crusty bread, crackers, or a sprinkling of fresh pepper. The soup is the star no need to get fancy.
| Storage Method | Timeline | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3–4 days | Cool completely and store in airtight containers |
| Freezer | 2–3 months | Freeze without noodles; add fresh ones when reheating |
Expert Says: The Science Behind Comfort in a Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Chicken noodle soup isn’t just comforting it’s nourishing. With lean protein, hydrating broth, and vitamin-packed vegetables, it offers immune support and hydration. This traditional recipe turns pantry basics into a meal that delivers warmth, balance, and wellness in every spoonful.
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The Story Behind My Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
This chicken noodle soup recipe is the result of years of testing, tweaking, and tasting. After many kitchen trials, I found the perfect balance of herbs, broth, and tender noodles. It grew from countless nights of experimenting into a soup I proudly serve to family and friends today.
FAQs ( Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe )
How to store leftovers?
Cool leftovers quickly and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 3-4 days for best flavor and safety. Reheat gently on the stove to preserve texture and avoid overcooking the noodles. This approach keeps the dish fresh and ready for easy meals later.
Can I use cooked chicken instead of raw?
Absolutely, using cooked chicken is a great shortcut. Add it toward the end of cooking to warm it through without drying. This method works well in this recipe, saving time while maintaining rich flavor and tender texture in the soup.
How to make noodles from scratch?
For homemade noodles, mix all-purpose flour with eggs and a pinch of salt until dough forms. Roll it out thinly and cut into strips. Cook fresh noodles quickly in boiling water before adding to the soup to keep texture tender and fresh.
What’s the best way to thicken the broth?
To thicken broth, whisk a small amount of flour or cornstarch with cold water and stir it into simmering soup. Cook for a few minutes to activate thickening and avoid clumps. This simple trick enhances mouthfeel without altering the comforting flavor.
How long can I freeze this soup?
Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing noodles separately to prevent sogginess; add fresh noodles when reheating. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before gently reheating on the stove.
Your New Go-To Bowl of Comfort
This chicken noodle soup recipe delivers everything you’re craving – soft vegetables floating in golden broth, perfectly tender chicken, and comforting noodles. It’s ready in under an hour using ingredients from your pantry, and fills your kitchen with a warm, delicious aroma.
Feel free to customize by stirring in spinach during the last couple of minutes, or replacing the noodles with rice for a gluten-free version. This stove top chicken noodle soup stores well in the fridge for up to four days just remember to cook the noodles fresh right before serving to keep texture perfect.
I’d love to hear how this recipe fits into your family’s traditions. Did your family have a secret ingredient that made their chicken soup extra special? Share your stories and tag your photos this dish belongs in every comfort food collection.
PrintChicken Noodle Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort You’re Craving
This classic homemade chicken noodle soup recipe features tender chicken hearty vegetables and comforting egg noodles in a flavorful broth. A perfect comfort chicken noodle soup ideal for cozy dinners or sick day food recipes. Enjoy this stove top chicken noodle soup homemade for warmth and nourishment.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 medium carrots sliced
- 2 celery stalks sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté onion carrots and celery for 5-6 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and dried thyme and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add shredded chicken and egg noodles and cook for 8-10 minutes or until noodles are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and stir in fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 260cal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 8 gg
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28 gg
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18 gg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
