Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup: A Heartwarming Bowl of Comfort 🍜🐔💛

1. Introduction

Nothing beats the comforting embrace of a steaming bowl of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup on a chilly day. This classic recipe, passed down through generations, combines tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles in a rich, flavorful broth that will warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re fighting off a cold, need a quick weeknight dinner solution, or simply craving some soul-warming goodness, this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is your ticket to culinary comfort that the whole family will love.

If you’re looking for more delicious chicken recipes to try, our collection has plenty of options to explore.

What makes this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup truly special is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The golden broth is infused with aromatic vegetables that create a depth of flavor you just can’t get from canned versions. The chicken remains juicy and tender, while the noodles soak up just enough broth to stay firm yet comforting. This recipe will guide you through creating the ultimate Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup that will have everyone asking for seconds – it’s the kind of soup that makes you feel like you’re getting a warm hug with every spoonful.

For those who love comforting soup recipes, this dish pairs perfectly with many of our other favorites.

2. Ingredients

Gathering quality ingredients is the first step to making an unforgettable Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter for richer flavor)
• 1 medium onion, diced (yellow or white onions work best)
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced (about 1½ cups)
• 3 celery stalks, sliced (about 1 cup)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (or 1½ teaspoons garlic powder in a pinch)
• 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
• 2 bay leaves (don’t skip these – they add incredible depth)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great for convenience)
• 2 cups egg noodles (or your favorite pasta shape – see variations below)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

If you’re looking for other ways to prepare chicken, check out our Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts or our easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken recipes.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery – these three vegetables form the classic “mirepoix” base that gives this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup its fundamental flavor. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions turn translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant – be careful not to burn the garlic as it will turn bitter.

Step 2: Add Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the chicken broth – we recommend using low-sodium broth so you can control the salt level. Add the bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. If you’re using store-bought broth that’s already seasoned, you may want to reduce the added salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully – this step is crucial for developing that rich, homemade taste.

Step 3: Incorporate the Chicken

Add the shredded chicken to the pot. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, make sure to include some of the darker meat for extra flavor. Continue simmering for another 5 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors of the broth. This is a good time to taste and adjust seasoning if needed – you might want to add more thyme, a pinch of garlic powder, or some chicken bouillon for extra richness.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook according to package instructions (typically 6-8 minutes). Be extra careful not to overcook the noodles as they will continue to soften in the hot broth even after you turn off the heat. Some cooks prefer to cook the noodles separately and add them to each bowl when serving to prevent them from getting mushy in leftovers. Remove bay leaves before serving – they’ve done their flavoring job by now!

4. Cooking Tips

• For extra flavor: Use homemade chicken stock if available – it makes a world of difference in depth of flavor
• Time-saver: Rotisserie chicken not only saves time but adds great flavor from the seasoned skin
• Noodle alert: Don’t overcook the noodles – they’ll continue to absorb broth even after cooking
• Flavor development: Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving for flavors to fully develop
• Brightness boost: Add a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar at the end for brightness
• Herb options: Try adding a sprig of fresh rosemary or sage for different flavor profiles

For more dinner inspiration, browse our collection of family-friendly meals.

5. Serving Suggestions

Ladle your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup into warm bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve with crusty bread, buttery crackers, or homemade croutons for dipping – the perfect vehicles for soaking up that delicious broth. For a complete meal, pair with a simple green salad or one of our favorite side dishes. This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop and marry together in the refrigerator.

If you’re serving a crowd, consider making our Seafood Lasagna or Salmon Curry as additional main course options.

6. Storage Instructions

Store leftover Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The noodles will continue to absorb broth as it sits, so you may need to add a little water or broth when reheating. For longer storage, we recommend freezing the soup without noodles for up to 3 months, then adding fresh noodles when reheating. To freeze, cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.

7. Nutritional Information

One serving of this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup (about 1½ cups) contains approximately:

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 18g (great for muscle repair and keeping you full)
• Carbohydrates: 25g (mostly from the nutritious vegetables and noodles)
• Fiber: 3g (helps with digestion)
• Fat: 8g (mostly healthy fats from the olive oil and chicken)
• Sodium: 800mg (varies by broth used – opt for low-sodium if watching salt intake)
• Vitamin A: 120% DV (from the carrots)
• Vitamin C: 15% DV

This nutritional breakdown makes Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup not just comforting but also quite nutritious. For more about our approach to recipes, visit our About page.

8. Variations

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free noodles (rice noodles work particularly well)
• Low-carb/Keto: Substitute noodles with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash (add at serving time)
• Creamy version: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for richness
• Vegetable-packed: Add mushrooms, spinach, peas, or corn for extra nutrition
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños
• Asian-inspired: Swap egg noodles for rice noodles, add ginger and soy sauce
• Italian twist: Use small pasta like ditalini, add cannellini beans and Parmesan rind

For morning meals, check out our breakfast recipes to start your day right.

9. Conclusion

This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup recipe delivers classic comfort in every spoonful, with its perfect balance of tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and satisfying noodles swimming in a flavorful, golden broth. It’s the kind of meal that nourishes both body and soul, reminding us why this humble soup has remained a beloved staple across generations and cultures. Whether you’re under the weather, need a quick weeknight dinner solution, or simply want to fill your home with comforting aromas, this soup is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

The beauty of this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup lies in its versatility – it’s easy to make, endlessly customizable to your taste preferences, and forgiving enough for beginner cooks while offering enough depth to satisfy experienced chefs. As this similar recipe shows, the basics remain timeless for good reason.

So grab your favorite pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience. From our kitchen to yours, we hope this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup brings warmth, nourishment, and happiness to your table. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your go-to recipe for sick days, rainy afternoons, or whenever you need a little extra comfort in a bowl.

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