Chicken Noodle Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken noodle soup is a beloved dish that offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The savory broth, tender chicken, and soft noodles create a satisfying and well-rounded meal. It’s a wholesome, nourishing soup that’s perfect for any time of year. The addition of vegetables gives the soup extra flavor and nutrition, while the seasoning ensures it’s comforting and rich. Plus, this recipe is easy to make, and leftovers taste even better, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 2 cups egg noodles (or any pasta you prefer)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
2. Add Garlic and Broth:
   Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, and stir to combine.
3. Season the Soup:
   Add the shredded chicken, bay leaf, thyme, black pepper, and salt to taste. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Cook the Noodles:
   Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, typically about 8-10 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
5. Finish the Soup:
   Once the noodles are cooked, remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning as needed. If desired, squeeze in the juice of one lemon for a burst of freshness.
6. Serve:
   Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to spice things up.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth, adding extra vegetables like zucchini, corn, or mushrooms to replace the protein.
• Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half to the broth after the noodles are cooked for a creamy version.
• Herb Variations: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or sage to the soup for an aromatic twist.

Storage/Reheating

Chicken noodle soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it in an airtight container and reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a bit of extra broth if necessary, as the noodles will absorb liquid over time. For longer storage, the soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great option because it’s already cooked and adds extra flavor to the soup. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the broth.

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of egg noodles?

Yes! You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as bowtie, fusilli, or macaroni. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! To make chicken noodle soup in a slow cooker, sauté the vegetables and garlic first, then transfer them to the slow cooker along with the broth, chicken, and spices. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Can I add more vegetables to this soup?

Definitely! Feel free to add extra vegetables like potatoes, peas, spinach, or corn to customize the soup to your liking.

Can I freeze chicken noodle soup?

Yes, you can freeze chicken noodle soup. However, the noodles may become softer when reheated, so it’s best to freeze the soup without the noodles and cook them separately when ready to serve.

How can I make this soup spicier?

To add heat, you can incorporate some cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or chopped jalapeños. Add them to the soup along with the garlic and spices.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! Chicken noodle soup actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to develop. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

To make this soup gluten-free, simply swap the egg noodles for a gluten-free pasta variety, such as rice noodles or gluten-free penne.

What can I serve with chicken noodle soup?

Chicken noodle soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, crackers, or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, you can also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a grilled cheese sandwich.

Can I use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought?

Yes! Homemade chicken broth will give the soup even more flavor. Just be sure to strain it well before adding it to the soup base.

Conclusion

Chicken noodle soup is a classic that never goes out of style. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for any occasion, offering a comforting, flavorful meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. The tender chicken, savory broth, and soft noodles make each spoonful comforting and satisfying. Plus, it’s versatile—feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables, pasta types, and seasonings to make it your own. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or preparing it in advance for busy days, this chicken noodle soup is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering a soothing combination of tender chicken, flavorful broth, soft noodles, and vegetables. It’s perfect for a cozy meal or when you’re feeling under the weather.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings
• Category: Soup
• Method: Sautéing, Simmering
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
   
   1 medium onion, chopped
   
   2 carrots, peeled and sliced
   
   2 celery stalks, chopped
   
   3 garlic cloves, minced
   
   8 cups chicken broth
   
   2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
   
   2 cups egg noodles (or any pasta you prefer)
   
   1 bay leaf
   
   1 teaspoon dried thyme
   
   1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
   
   Salt to taste
   
   Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
   
   Juice of 1 lemon (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.

1. Add Garlic and Broth: Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, and stir to combine.
2. Season the Soup: Add the shredded chicken, bay leaf, thyme, black pepper, and salt to taste. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Cook the Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, typically about 8-10 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
4. Finish the Soup: Once the noodles are cooked, remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning as needed. If desired, squeeze in the juice of one lemon for a burst of freshness.
5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Notes

• Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
• If you want to make it spicier, add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or chopped jalapeños.
• For a creamy version, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half after the noodles are cooked.
• If you need a gluten-free version, substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta like rice noodles or gluten-free penne.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 40mg