Growing up, Chicken Noodle Soup was always the ultimate comfort food in our household. Whenever I was feeling under the weather or just needed a hug in a bowl, my mom would whip up a big batch of her famous recipe. The aroma of simmering chicken, fragrant herbs, and tender noodles would fill the entire house, instantly lifting my spirits. I can still remember sitting at the kitchen table, wrapped in a cozy blanket, slurping down that first soothing spoonful – it was pure bliss. To this day, nothing compares to the healing power of a steaming hot bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup. That’s why I’m excited to share my mom’s treasured recipe with you. Get ready for the most comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make Chicken Noodle Soup you’ve ever tasted!
Table of Contents
Why This Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup
The secret to this Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is in the slow-simmered broth. By letting the chicken, vegetables, and herbs steep together for an extended period, you extract maximum flavor that just can’t be replicated with store-bought broth. It’s a labor of love, but I promise the end result is so worth it. The richness of the homemade broth is what truly sets this Chicken Noodle Soup apart. Plus, you can customize the seasoning to your exact taste preferences for a truly personal touch.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken – I use a whole chicken for the best flavor, but you can also use a mix of chicken breasts and thighs.
- Onion – Yellow or white onion adds essential aromatic depth.
- Carrots – Carrots lend sweetness and beautiful color to the broth.
- Celery – Celery is a must for that classic Chicken Noodle Soup flavor.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic enhances the savory notes.
- Parsley – Chopped parsley brightens up the soup at the end.
- Egg noodles – Wide egg noodles are the traditional choice, but you can use any shape you like.
- Herbs & spices – A blend of thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
Step-by-Step Chicken Noodle Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Chicken Noodle Soup
This Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is easy to make, but it does require a bit of time to allow the flavors to develop fully. In total, you’re looking at about 2 hours from start to finish, with most of that being hands-off simmering time. You’ll need a large stock pot or Dutch oven to accommodate all the ingredients. Let’s get started!
1- Place the whole chicken in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and let simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the chicken is cooked through.
2- Remove the chicken from the pot and let cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, use two forks to shred the meat off the bones, discarding the skin and bones.
3- Return the shredded chicken to the pot along with the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
4- Remove the bay leaves. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning as needed. The broth should be rich, savory, and fragrant.
5- Add the egg noodles and continue simmering for 10-15 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
6- Ladle the Chicken Noodle Soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
– For an even richer broth, roast the chicken first before simmering.
– Add a Parmesan rind to the pot for extra umami flavor.
– Sauté the vegetables in a bit of butter or oil before adding to the pot.
– Don’t be afraid to experiment with different noodle shapes or even dumplings.
– Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, refreshing touch.
Serving and Storing Your Chicken Noodle Soup
Perfect Pairings for Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food, so I love to serve it with simple, homey sides. A crusty hunk of bread or some flaky biscuits are perfect for dipping. A fresh green salad or steamed veggies also make great accompaniments. And of course, no Chicken Noodle Soup is complete without a tall glass of iced tea or lemonade to wash it all down.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Chicken Noodle Soup will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers or zip-top bags. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. The noodles may soak up some of the broth as it sits, so you can thin it out with a bit of chicken stock or water when reheating.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Chicken Noodle Soup
Creative Chicken Noodle Soup Variations
While this classic Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is hard to beat, there are lots of fun ways to switch it up. Try adding fresh herbs like dill or rosemary, or give it a Mexican twist with cumin, chili powder, and cilantro. You can also make it heartier by adding potatoes, corn, or even wild rice. For a springtime spin, toss in fresh peas and asparagus. The possibilities are endless!
Making Chicken Noodle Soup Diet-Friendly
To make this Chicken Noodle Soup recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the egg noodles for your favorite gluten-free pasta shape. For a low-carb or keto version, skip the noodles altogether and serve the chicken and veggie-packed broth over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, you can easily make this soup dairy-free and meat-free by using a plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! If you have leftover roasted or grilled chicken, you can skip the first few steps and just add the shredded meat directly to the broth. Just be sure to simmer it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Q: How long does Chicken Noodle Soup take to make?
A: This recipe requires about 2 hours of total time, with most of that being hands-off simmering. The active prep time is only around 30 minutes. The long cooking time is what really allows the broth to develop its rich, complex flavor.
Q: Can I make this Chicken Noodle Soup ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Chicken Noodle Soup actually gets better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. You can make it 2-3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, just reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes about 6-8 servings of Chicken Noodle Soup, depending on portion size. It’s easy to scale up or down based on your needs. The recipe can be halved for a smaller batch or doubled for a crowd.
Q: Why is my Chicken Noodle Soup broth cloudy?
A: A cloudy broth is usually caused by over-boiling the soup. The rapid boiling causes the proteins in the chicken to become agitated and disperse throughout the liquid. To avoid this, make sure to keep the soup at a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil.
Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 4
Description
Enjoy a homemade Chicken Noodle Soup that’s ready in just 20 minutes. This classic comfort food is perfect for busy weeknights or chilly days, with tender chicken, egg noodles, and a flavorful broth.
Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 3 celery stalks, sliced
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 6 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
– 8 ounces egg noodles
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. – Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
3. – Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. – Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. – Add the shredded chicken and egg noodles. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
6. – Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley.
7. – Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. – Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For a heartier soup, you can add diced potatoes or other vegetables. To make it more substantial, serve with crusty bread or a side salad.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s just nothing like a steaming hot bowl of homemade Chicken Noodle Soup to warm the soul. I hope this recipe becomes a new family favorite in your house, just like it is in mine. The rich, flavorful broth paired with tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles is truly comfort food at its finest. Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear how much you and your loved ones enjoy it!
