If you have ever longed for a comforting bowl of warmth that feels like a hug in a bowl, this Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the ultimate blend of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles swimming in a savory broth that brings joy to every spoonful. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving a wholesome homemade meal, this soup delivers both nourishment and happiness with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this soup comes from a handful of simple, fresh ingredients—each playing a vital role in creating a balanced, flavorful experience. From aromatic veggies to hearty chicken and tender noodles, these elements come together effortlessly for a deeply satisfying meal.
- Olive oil: Provides a subtle fruity base to sauté the vegetables and adds depth to the broth.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the aromatics for a silky start to the soup.
- Onion: Brings a natural sweetness and savory foundation that enriches the overall flavor.
- Celery: Gives a crisp, fresh undertone that brightens the broth.
- Carrots: Offer a slight sweetness and vibrant color to make the soup visually appealing.
- Garlic: Infuses a warm, fragrant aroma that enhances the savory notes beautifully.
- Chicken broth: The heart of the soup that ties all ingredients together with deep, savory goodness.
- Fresh thyme: Adds an earthy herbal layer that gives the broth complexity.
- Bay leaves: Impart a subtle depth of flavor that balances the richness of the chicken.
- Bone-in chicken breasts: Cooked in the broth to create tender, juicy meat and a flavorful stock.
- Egg noodles: The perfect tender but firm texture noodle that soaks up the broth wonderfully.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors to their fullest.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a burst of color and fresh herbaceous brightness as a garnish.
- Lemon wedges (optional): Provide a zesty contrast if you want to brighten up each spoonful.
How to Make Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, celery, and carrots, cooking them for about 5 minutes until they soften and release their sweet, natural aromas. Then stir in minced garlic and sauté for another minute until it becomes beautifully fragrant, setting the stage for a delicious broth.
Step 2: Build the Flavorful Broth
Pour in the chicken broth gently so it doesn’t splash, then add sprigs of fresh thyme and bay leaves that will infuse the soup as it simmers. Carefully place the bone-in chicken breasts into the pot, then bring everything to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pot partially with a lid. Let it cook slowly for about 25 minutes, allowing the chicken to become tender and impart its rich flavor into the broth.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and transfer them to a cutting board. Let them cool just enough to handle safely, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces using two forks, discarding the skin and bones. Return the shredded chicken to the pot where it will mingle with the broth and veggies. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring every spoonful is perfectly seasoned.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Add the egg noodles right into the simmering pot and cook according to the package instructions, typically 6 to 8 minutes, until al dente — tender but with a little bounce. Once the noodles are done, remove the pot from heat and fish out the bay leaves and thyme sprigs for a clean finish. Your Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling fresh parsley over your bowl of chicken noodle soup adds a vibrant color contrast and an herbal freshness that lifts the entire dish. For an extra pop, serve with lemon wedges on the side; a gentle squeeze of lemon juice just before eating brightens the flavors and adds a delightful zing.
Side Dishes
Classic chicken noodle soup is wonderfully versatile when it comes to sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some warm, crusty bread perfect for dipping complements the soup’s soothing warmth. Soft dinner rolls or garlic breadsticks are also fabulous choices that round out this cozy meal delightfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a comforting dinner party or family meal, serve the soup in charming individual bowls garnished with parsley and a lemon wedge on the rim for a touch of elegance. Soup served in a hollowed-out bread bowl always creates a fun and inviting presentation. You can even offer a toppings bar with chopped fresh herbs, shredded cheese, or a drizzle of chili oil to make the Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe feel personalized and extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup tastes just as amazing the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where the flavors will continue to meld. The soup will stay fresh for up to 3 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the comforting goodness all over again.
Freezing
Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe freezes beautifully, but keep the noodles separate if possible, as they can become mushy when frozen and reheated. Freeze the broth and shredded chicken in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags. This way, you can thaw the soup and cook fresh noodles when you’re ready to eat for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Add extra fresh noodles if you separated them, and adjust seasoning if needed to keep that comforting, homemade taste alive.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking bone-in chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that saves time. Simply shred the cooked chicken and add it to the broth once the vegetables are cooked. Keep in mind that you may want to simmer the broth a bit longer for added depth if you skip cooking the chicken in the stock.
What kind of noodles work best for this soup?
Egg noodles are the classic choice for chicken noodle soup because of their tenderness and ability to hold up well in broth. However, you can also use other pasta shapes like shells, orzo, or even pasta twists, depending on what you have on hand or personal preference.
How do I prevent the noodles from becoming too soft or mushy?
To avoid mushy noodles, cook them separately and add them just before serving, or only cook them in the soup for the recommended time and avoid reheating the soup multiple times with the noodles inside. This keeps that satisfying bite essential to the Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken broth with a rich vegetable broth and swap chicken for hearty mushrooms or tofu for added protein. Roasted vegetables can also enhance the soup’s flavor while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.
What herbs and spices can I add to customize the soup?
Beyond thyme and bay leaves, consider adding rosemary, parsley, or a pinch of dried oregano for more herbal notes. A dash of paprika or crushed red pepper flakes can add warmth and a little kick, customizing the soup to your taste perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is truly a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something heartwarming and memorable. Whether you’re serving it on a cold day, nursing a cold, or just craving a bit of homemade comfort, it never fails to satisfy. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and experience the joy of spooning up a bowl of pure cozy bliss.
Print
Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Classic Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for any day. Made from scratch with sautéed vegetables, tender shredded chicken, and egg noodles simmered in a flavorful homemade broth, it’s a timeless recipe that warms the soul. Ready in under an hour, this soup is ideal for family dinners or when you need a soothing, nourishing meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Broth & Seasonings
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Chicken & Pasta
- 2 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
- 2 cups egg noodles
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened. Then stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Build the Flavorful Broth: Pour in the chicken broth. Add the fresh thyme and bay leaves to the pot. Place the bone-in chicken breasts into the pot. Turn the heat up to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Partially cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and transfer them to a cutting board. Allow them to cool slightly, then discard the skin and bones and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot with the broth and vegetables.
- Season and Add Noodles: Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook them following the package instructions, typically 6 to 8 minutes, until tender.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Discard the bay leaves and any thyme sprigs if using fresh thyme. Garnish the soup with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm with optional lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over for extra brightness.
Notes
- Using bone-in, skin-on chicken adds extra flavor to the broth but you can use boneless, skinless breasts if preferred.
- Fresh thyme is preferred, but dried thyme works well too; just adjust the quantity accordingly.
- Egg noodles can be substituted with other pasta shapes like shells or rotini.
- For a richer broth, you can add a splash of white wine after sautéing the vegetables and let it reduce before adding broth.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
