Introduction
Few dishes warm the heart and soul like a bowl of Classic Chicken Noodle Soup. This timeless recipe has been loved for generations—it’s hearty, nourishing, and soothing, especially on chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather. Tender chicken, hearty vegetables, savory broth, and egg noodles come together in perfect harmony, creating the ultimate comfort food.
Whether you’re making it as a family dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or a healing bowl for someone you love, chicken noodle soup always delivers warmth and comfort in every spoonful.
Why I Love This Recipe ❤️
I love this recipe because it is comfort in a bowl. It reminds me of family dinners, cozy nights at home, and the kind of food that makes you feel cared for. The flavors are simple yet deeply satisfying—rich broth, juicy chicken, fresh herbs, and soft noodles.
What makes it extra special is that it’s so versatile. You can make it with fresh chicken, leftover roast chicken, or even a rotisserie chicken from the store. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- It’s the ultimate comfort food.
- Nutritious and hearty, packed with protein, vegetables, and carbs.
- Easy to make with pantry staples.
- A classic dish that everyone loves, from kids to adults.
- Perfect for meal prep, freezing, and reheating.
Recipe Information
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories per Serving: ~320 kcal
Cuisine & Course
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
- Course: Main Course / Soup
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 2–3 thighs)
(rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken also works)
For the Noodles:
- 2 cups egg noodles (or any pasta of choice)
Garnish:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Simple Cooking Directions
- Sauté vegetables in olive oil.
- Add chicken, broth, and herbs; simmer until chicken is cooked.
- Remove chicken, shred, and return to pot.
- Add noodles and cook until tender.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Add chicken breasts to the pot.
- Pour in chicken broth, add bay leaves, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 20 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
- Remove chicken from the pot. Shred with two forks.
- Discard bay leaves.
Step 4: Add Noodles
- Return shredded chicken to the pot.
- Add egg noodles and simmer for 7–10 minutes until noodles are tender.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Stir in fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice (optional).
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve hot.
How to Serve
- Serve in deep bowls with fresh bread or rolls on the side.
- Pairs well with a light salad or grilled cheese sandwich.
- Perfect as a cozy main dish or starter for a larger meal.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor in the broth.
- Add a Parmesan rind while simmering for a richer taste.
- Don’t overcook noodles—they’ll continue to soften in the hot soup.
- For a richer broth, simmer for longer with the lid partially open.
Variations
- Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup – Add ½ cup heavy cream or milk at the end.
- Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup – Add chili flakes or diced jalapeño.
- Low-Carb Version – Use zucchini noodles (zoodles) instead of pasta.
- Vegetable Boost – Add spinach, kale, or peas near the end.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta or rice.
Freezing & Storage
- Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Best to freeze without noodles (they get mushy). Store broth + chicken + veggies for up to 3 months. Add fresh noodles when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat; add extra broth if needed.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Ladle for serving
Conclusion
Classic Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food—warm, nourishing, and full of love in every spoonful. Its rich broth, tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and soft noodles make it a dish that never goes out of style.
It’s a recipe worth keeping in your rotation, whether you’re making a cozy family meal, prepping food for the week, or offering a healing bowl to someone in need. This timeless soup is proof that sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most unforgettable
Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
Description
Few dishes warm the heart and soul like a bowl of Classic Chicken Noodle Soup. This timeless recipe has been loved for generations—it’s hearty, nourishing, and soothing, especially on chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
For the Chicken:
For the Noodles:
Garnish:
Instructions
-
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables : In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
-
Step 2: Cook the Chicken : Add chicken breasts to the pot.Pour in chicken broth, add bay leaves, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.Cover and cook for 20 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
-
Step 3: Shred the Chicken : Remove chicken from the pot. Shred with two forks.Discard bay leaves.
-
Step 4: Add Noodles : Return shredded chicken to the pot.Add egg noodles and simmer for 7–10 minutes until noodles are tender.
-
Step 5: Garnish & Serve : Stir in fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice (optional).Taste and adjust seasoning.Serve hot.
