Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

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

1. Introduction

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a steaming bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. This classic dish has been warming hearts and soothing souls for generations, offering both nourishment and nostalgia in every spoonful. Whether you’re fighting off a cold or simply craving some wholesome comfort food, this homemade chicken noodle soup recipe delivers perfect results every time.

What makes this homemade chicken noodle soup truly special is its perfect balance of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and comforting noodles swimming in a rich, flavorful broth. Unlike canned versions, this from-scratch recipe allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! If you’re looking for more comforting soup recipes, we’ve got plenty to warm your soul.

2. Ingredients

To make this delicious homemade chicken noodle soup, you’ll need simple ingredients that come together to create magic:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for that perfect sauté)
• 1 medium onion, diced (the flavor foundation)
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced (for natural sweetness)
• 3 celery stalks, sliced (adds wonderful texture)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (because everything’s better with garlic)
• 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 bay leaves (for that subtle earthy note)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (a must-have herb)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or use fresh if available)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is best)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great for convenience)
• 2 cups egg noodles (the classic choice, but see variations below)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (makes it pretty and adds freshness)

For more delicious ways to use chicken, check out our collection of chicken recipes that the whole family will love.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery – this aromatic trio is known as mirepoix in French cooking and forms the flavor base of your homemade chicken noodle soup. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions turn translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant – be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.

Step 2: Add the Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the chicken broth – if you’re using store-bought, we recommend low-sodium so you can control the salt level. Add the bay leaves, thyme, parsley, black pepper, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the vegetables to become perfectly tender.

For an even richer flavor, you might want to try making your own broth like in our Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe, then use the leftover bones to make homemade stock.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Stir in the shredded chicken – this is where rotisserie chicken really shines for convenience, but you can also poach chicken breasts or thighs specifically for this soup. Continue simmering for another 5 minutes to warm the chicken through and let it absorb some of that delicious broth flavor. If you’re starting with raw chicken, you’ll want to add it earlier (with the broth) and cook until it reaches 165°F internally before proceeding.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions (usually about 6-8 minutes) until al dente. Keep an eye on them – noodles can go from perfect to mushy quickly! If you prefer your homemade chicken noodle soup with more broth, you might want to add an extra cup of broth at this stage as the noodles will absorb quite a bit. For meal prep purposes, you might consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them to individual bowls when serving to prevent them from getting too soft in leftovers.

If you’re a noodle lover, you might enjoy our Easy Lemon Poppy Seed pasta recipe for a completely different but equally delicious flavor profile.

4. Cooking Tips

For the best homemade chicken noodle soup that rivals grandma’s:

• Use homemade chicken broth if possible – it makes a world of difference in flavor (check out this excellent guide for making your own)
• Don’t skip sautéing the vegetables – this step builds layers of flavor
• Season in stages – add some salt at the beginning but adjust at the end
• If making ahead, cook noodles separately and add when serving to prevent mushiness
• For extra richness, add a splash of cream or a pat of butter at the end
• Let the soup rest for 10 minutes after cooking – flavors develop as it cools slightly

5. Serving Suggestions

Serve your homemade chicken noodle soup hot with these perfect accompaniments:

• Crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls for dipping
• A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill for color and freshness
• A squeeze of lemon juice to brighten all the flavors
• Grated Parmesan cheese for a savory umami boost
• A dollop of pesto for an herby twist
• Crackers or oyster crackers for nostalgic crunch

Pair this comforting soup with our Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies for the ultimate comfort meal.

6. Storage and Reheating

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 over time, so you may need to add a little water or broth when reheating. To freeze, we recommend:

• Freezing without noodles for up to 3 months (add fresh noodles when reheating)
• Portioning into individual servings for easy meals
• Using freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace for expansion
• Labeling with the date so you know when it was made

When reheating, do so gently over medium-low heat to prevent the chicken from becoming tough. If you’ve frozen the soup with noodles, expect them to be softer upon reheating.

7. Variations

Customize your homemade chicken noodle soup with these delicious variations:

• Add other vegetables like peas, corn, mushrooms, or spinach
• Use different noodles like whole wheat, gluten-free, or even ramen noodles
• Make it creamy by stirring in some heavy cream or coconut milk
• Add a dash of hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or curry powder for heat
• Use turkey instead of chicken for a seasonal twist after holidays
• Try adding a Parmesan rind while simmering for extra umami depth
• For an Asian twist, add ginger, soy sauce, and swap noodles for rice noodles

If you enjoy recipe variations, you’ll love our Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies which offer a delicious twist on classic cookies.

8. Health Benefits

This homemade chicken noodle soup isn’t just delicious – it’s packed with nutrients that make it truly good for you:

• High-quality protein from the chicken to support muscle health
• Vitamin A from carrots for eye health and immunity
• Vitamin C from onions and celery for immune support
• Hydration from the broth – especially important when sick
• Garlic contains allicin, which may help fight colds
• Warm broth can help clear nasal congestion
• Easy to digest, making it perfect when you’re under the weather
• Low in calories but high in satisfaction

For another healthy breakfast option, try our Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble to start your day right.

9. Conclusion

This homemade chicken noodle soup recipe is the perfect combination of simplicity and satisfaction. With its comforting flavors and nourishing ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite that you’ll turn to again and again. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in, to help someone feel better, or just because you crave that nostalgic flavor, this soup delivers warmth and love in every bowl.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – dress it up or keep it simple, make it exactly to your taste preferences, and enjoy the process of creating something truly nourishing from scratch. While it might take a bit more time than opening a can, the difference in flavor and quality is absolutely worth it.

We’d love to hear how your homemade chicken noodle soup turns out! And if you’re in the mood for something sweet after your soup, our Ultra Thick Bakery Style Chocolate Chip Cookies or Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread make perfect desserts to complete your comforting meal.

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