Some of my fondest kitchen memories involve the time I finally nailed my own Chicken Noodle Soup recipe after quite a few tries. It wasn’t just about getting the flavors right—it was about capturing that warm, cozy feeling that only a homemade bowl of chicken noodle soup can bring. After a handful of attempts, I finally got the balance just right: a rich chicken broth recipe, tender chicken pieces, and just the perfect tender noodles swimming in it all. Since then, this classic chicken noodle soup has become a staple in my recipe rotation, especially on chilly evenings when I want comfort food soup that feels like a big hug.
What draws me back to this Chicken Noodle Soup again and again is just how approachable it is. The noodle soup ingredients are straightforward and easy to find at any grocery store, and each time I make it, I feel that delightful anticipation. There’s something so satisfying about pulling it off the stove, tasting that warm broth, and watching the noodles soak up all the chickeny goodness. It’s not just food; it’s a feeling, a little moment of joy during a busy day.
If you’re new to making your own homemade chicken noodle soup, don’t worry! This recipe is designed to be dependable and forgiving. It’s perfect for those weeknights when you want something nourishing but don’t want to fuss for hours. And if you’re after more classic comfort food soup ideas, you might enjoy this homemade chicken noodle soup alongside other favorites like my vegetable soup.
So, whether you’re making this for the family or treating yourself after a long day, I hope this recipe becomes a go-to for you as it is for me. Let’s get cooking together!
What You’ll Need for This Chicken Noodle Soup:
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun, and for this Chicken Noodle Soup, everything is simple and budget-friendly. You’ll find these at most grocery stores, making it easy to whip up a batch anytime.

- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Don’t have olive oil? Vegetable oil works beautifully here in this Chicken Noodle Soup too.
- 1 medium onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth.
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced – You can swap for parsnips if you want a twist on the classic chicken noodle flavor.
- 2 celery stalks, sliced – A must-have for that base soup flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is key, but garlic powder can work in a pinch.
- 8 cups homemade chicken broth – If you don’t have homemade, store-bought broth can be a quick shortcut without sacrificing too much flavor.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed – Leftover rotisserie chicken works great and saves time.
- 2 cups egg noodles – Any wide noodle or small pasta works here.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – I always add a bit extra because it gives the soup that comforting herb aroma.
- Salt and black pepper to taste – Season carefully; the broth could be salty already.
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional).
This Chicken Noodle Soup is affordable because it relies on everyday pantry staples and simple fresh ingredients. To save time, chop your veggies ahead or use pre-cut packs if you like. Store any leftover broth in the fridge or freeze for your next batch.
Keep your noodle soup ingredients fresh: carrots and celery should stay crisp in the crisper drawer, and fresh herbs can lose their punch if kept too long. I usually shop the day I plan to make the soup or the evening before for the best results.
If you love classic chicken noodle dishes, this version stands out for its balance and heartiness. For an inspiring twist on broth, you might want to peek at this Truly Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup from Tastes Better From Scratch.
How to Make This Chicken Noodle Soup:
Making your own Chicken Noodle Soup from scratch is like therapy—soothing and rewarding. From start to finish, this Chicken Noodle Soup takes about 45 minutes, most of which lets you relax while the flavors come together.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes until veggies start to soften. This base is where the magic begins.
- Add the minced garlic and dried thyme. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant—your kitchen will smell heavenly. This step wakes up all those cozy aromas.
- Pour in the chicken broth. Using a rich homemade chicken broth recipe here makes a big difference, but store-bought broth can save time and still tastes lovely.
- Bring the broth to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Add the cooked chicken and egg noodles. Stir them in gently. This is the step where a gentle hand makes all the difference with your Chicken Noodle Soup so the noodles don’t get too mushy.
- Simmer for 8-10 minutes until noodles are tender. Keep an eye on the noodles; you want them perfectly soft, not falling apart.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If your Chicken Noodle Soup looks like this, you’re on track!
- Turn off the heat, sprinkle fresh parsley on top, and serve warm. While the soup is finishing, you can tidy up your prep station or enjoy a cup of tea.
Remember, if you want an even faster version, cooked and shredded rotisserie chicken makes this Chicken Noodle Soup super quick without losing flavor.
If you want to dig deeper into step-by-step tips or need ideas for shortcuts, check out this Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe which complements this recipe perfectly.
Serving Your Chicken Noodle Soup:
Once your Chicken Noodle Soup is ready, you’ll find it shines most when paired simply and with care.

I love serving this soup with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up that rich broth. A side of crisp green salad balances the meal beautifully. This chicken noodle soup really shines when served with a squeeze of fresh lemon—just a hint brightens the whole bowl.
This classic comfort food soup is perfect for a cozy family dinner, a quick weeknight meal, or when someone needs a little pick-me-up. My family always asks for this on cold evenings or when feeling under the weather.
For leftover Chicken Noodle Soup, it reheats wonderfully, just add a little extra broth if thickened. You can also repurpose leftovers as a base for a comforting chicken pot pie or even toss the chicken and noodles into a casserole.
Seasonal twists? Try adding a splash of fresh ginger in the winter months or throwing in some peas and fresh dill for spring. For more ideas on comforting soups with fresh veggies, my vegetable soup recipe pairs nicely after a bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup on the cooler days.
Common Questions About This Chicken Noodle Soup:
I get lots of questions from my fellow bakers about this Chicken Noodle Soup. Let’s clear some things up!
Can I make this Chicken Noodle Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making it a day ahead lets flavors deepen nicely. Just keep noodles separate and add before warming if possible to avoid mushiness.
What’s a good substitute for egg noodles in this Chicken Noodle Soup?
Any small pasta like rotini or shells works fine. Gluten-free noodles are an option too if needed.
How can I adjust this Chicken Noodle Soup for different pot sizes?
Just keep the same ratios of broth to chicken and veggies. For a smaller pot, halve ingredients; for larger, double.
Can I skip the homemade chicken broth recipe?
You can! Store-bought broth works great too, though homemade broth always adds a little extra richness.
How do I keep my noodles from getting soggy in the soup?
Add noodles near the end of cooking, or cook them separately and add just before serving.
Is this Chicken Noodle Soup suitable for freezing?
Freeze the broth and chicken together without noodles, then add fresh noodles after thawing and reheating.
Can I swap chicken for turkey?
Yes, shredded turkey makes a delicious twist and works well with all the noodle soup ingredients.
If these questions spark your curiosity, you might like reading more at Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup (from scratch!) – RecipeTin Eats — they have some excellent tips too.
Final Thoughts on This Chicken Noodle Soup:
This Chicken Noodle Soup holds a special place in my kitchen and heart. It’s the kind of recipe that never fails to comfort and nourish, no matter the day. The ease of the noodle soup ingredients, paired with the warm, savory broth from my homemade chicken broth recipe, creates a classic chicken noodle combo that feels like home.
My Top Tips for This Chicken Noodle Soup:
- Use freshly prepared chicken broth whenever possible for richness.
- Add noodles just at the end to keep them tender but intact.
- Don’t rush the sautéing of your veggies—the aroma builds your flavor base beautifully.
I love mixing things up with simple variations, like switching in ginger for thyme or tossing in some kale for extra greens. But the classic chicken noodle version is the one most requested by my friends and family, especially during those chilly seasons.
This recipe is yours to make your own, so feel free to adjust as you like. I hope you find the same joy and comfort baking this Chicken Noodle Soup as I do every time I make it.
For more cozy meal ideas, check out my favorite chicken wings recipes and drink pairings to round out your gathering menus.
Happy cooking, friends! May your kitchen fill with warmth, and your bowls be full of this comforting Chicken Noodle Soup.
Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting, hearty dish made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and egg noodles simmered in a flavorful broth. Perfect for warming up on chilly days or when you need a nourishing meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 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. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add shredded chicken, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in egg noodles and cook until tender, about 7-8 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and serve hot.
Notes
For extra flavor, use homemade chicken broth and garnish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

