The steam hits your face first. Smells like safety. Like being tucked into a quilt while someone who loves you stirs the stove. This chicken noodle soup recipe is everywhere right nowcomfort food is making a BIG comeback, from Pinterest boards to sick day craving lists.
This bowl’s a dream: tender cooked chicken, egg noodles, and a golden broth that’s as cozy as your favorite sweatshirt. It’s pantry-friendly and comes together fast on the stove top. Like grandma’s, but easier and with fewer weird bone bits. Full details in the blog!
My mom and I used to toss whatever leftover chicken we had into a pot, argue over noodles, and somehow still end up with hugs. I’ve tested every shortcut and swapand landed on the magic. I promise: simple, warming, and pantry-proof. You’ll love the secret!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something so nostalgic about a bowl of chicken noodle soupit’s like a hug from your childhood. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between cozy and practical. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but tastes like you’ve been simmering it all day. Plus, it’s beginner-friendly! You don’t need fancy tools or culinary superpowers to make this work.
Bonus: It’s prepared completely on the stove top, which means fewer dishes. And since it uses cooked chicken, you’re already saving yourself a step. Whether you’re looking for sick day food recipes or a comforting dinner for the family, this chicken noodle soup has you covered.
Key Ingredients & Tools
Let’s keep it simple! These basic ingredients come together in perfect harmony for a flavorful broth with tender chicken and hearty noodles. Here’s what you’ll need:
Cooked Chicken: Using pre-cooked or leftover chicken makes this a time-saver. Shredded rotisserie chicken works great!
Egg Noodles: The back-to-childhood ingredient that everyone loves. They cook quickly and absorb just the right amount of broth.
Fresh Veggies: Carrots, celery, and onion bring that earthy, traditional flavor.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth lets you control the saltiness while providing a rich base.
Seasonings: Dried thyme, fresh parsley, and a touch of garlic keep the flavors vibrant without overpowering.
Pro Tip: A sturdy stockpot is your best friend for this recipe. It gives the broth plenty of room to bubble and ensures everything cooks evenly.
Ingredient
Swap Option
Cooked Chicken
Shredded turkey or tofu (for a vegetarian twist!)
Egg Noodles
Gluten-free noodles or rice
Fresh Parsley
Dried parsley or fresh dill
Simple Steps to Make It
Ready? Here’s how you’ll turn these humble ingredients into a soul-soothing bowl of soup:
Sauté the Veggies: Heat olive oil in your stockpot over medium heat. Toss in the onion, carrots, and celery, stirring until soft (about 5-6 minutes).
Add Aromatics: Stir in the garlic and dried thyme. Let it cook for a minute, just until your kitchen smells amazing.
Make the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Let everything simmer together for about 15 minutes so the flavors meld perfectly.
Add Chicken and Noodles: Stir in your shredded chicken and egg noodles. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but not mushy.
Finish Strong: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in the fresh parsley right before serving.
Step
Timing
Sauté veggies
5-6 minutes
Simmer broth
15 minutes
Cook chicken & noodles
8-10 minutes
Pro Tips & Variations
This homemade chicken noodle soup recipe is endlessly adaptable. Here are some tips and tweaks to make it your own:
No Cooked Chicken? You can poach raw chicken directly in the broth during the simmer step. Just dice or shred it once it’s cooked through.
Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in spinach, peas, or even diced potatoes for an extra hearty version.
Make It Creamy: Stir in half a cup of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a richer broth.
Shortcut: Keep pre-chopped onions, carrots, and celery in the freezer to cut down on prep time!
Serving, Storage & Reheating
Time to dish up! Serve your soup steaming hot with a crusty loaf of bread or saltine crackers for dunking. Got leftovers? Lucky you!
Storage: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully, but hold off on adding the noodles if you plan to freeze it. Reheating frozen noodles can turn them mushy, so cook and add fresh ones when you serve.
Reheating: Gently warm the soup in a pot over medium heat. If it’s thickened too much, stir in a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Storage Method
Time
Fridge
Up to 3 days
Freezer
Up to 3 months (without noodles)
Expert Insight: The Science Behind Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Chicken noodle soup is more than comfort food; its combination of warm broth, protein, and vegetables creates a hydrating and nutrient-rich meal. The broth’s steam can soothe respiratory passages, while the ingredients provide essential vitamins and minerals to support immune health, making this classic recipe both tasty and restorative.
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How I Finally Nailed My Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
This chicken noodle soup recipe didn’t come together overnight. After a few batches that were either too salty or too bland, I learned the magic of simmering low and slow, and the right noodle texture. Now it’s cozy, comforting, and exactly what my family asks for on chilly nights.
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.
Conclusion
This chicken noodle soup recipe comes together in under 30 minutes but fills your kitchen with that slow-simmered comfort we all crave. Expect tender, cozy noodles and chicken swimming in a fragrant, golden broth that smells like home. You’ll love how effortlessly satisfying it isthe perfect antidote to chilly days or those “just not feeling it” moments.
Feel free to swap in spinach or peas for a veggie boost, or stir in a splash of cream for a richer take. If you’re prepping ahead, here’s a little secret from my freezer stash: hold the noodles when freezing and add fresh ones when reheating to keep everything just right. Trust me, it saves a soggy mess and makes leftovers feel fresh again.
Now, I’d love to hear from youdo you have a beloved chicken noodle soup story or a twist that makes it your own? Snap a pic, share your memories, or save this recipe for the next time comfort calls. After all, good food is best when it’s shared, warmed by love and a little kitchen magic.
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.
Ingredients
Scale
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.
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
