Cozy Up with This Easy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup—especially when it’s made from scratch using wholesome, real ingredients. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving comfort food, this classic recipe brings hearty satisfaction with every spoonful. In fact, research shows homemade soups can boost your immune health, thanks to their rich nutrient profile and soothing properties. And the best part? You don’t need to be a chef to pull this off.

With just a few ingredients and some simple steps, you’ll have a pot full of cozy deliciousness that beats anything canned or store-bought. Stick around for tips, nutritional info, and answers to your top questions, or check out this quick visual guide on YouTube below:

Watch this homemade chicken noodle soup tutorial here

Ingredients You Will Need

To make this savory, flavorful homemade chicken noodle soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken: About 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken breast. Rotisserie chicken works great if you’re in a hurry.
• Egg noodles: 8 ounces of wide egg noodles. Whole wheat or gluten-free noodles are good alternatives.
• Vegetables: 2 chopped carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, 1 diced onion. Feel free to toss in peas or corn for extra variety.
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced. Intensifies flavor and offers health benefits.
• Chicken broth: 8 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Bone broth offers even more richness and protein.
• Olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables. You can use avocado oil if preferred.
• Bay leaf: Just one creates amazing depth of flavor.
• Fresh thyme and parsley: Roughly a teaspoon each for garnish and subtle aroma.
• Salt & pepper: To taste.

Timing

Creating this heartwarming soup doesn’t eat up your whole day. Here’s the breakdown:

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

That’s 20% faster than many traditional recipes, giving you comfort and nourishment quickly—ideal for weeknights or meal planning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5–6 minutes until softened. Toss in the garlic and stir for another minute to release its rich flavor.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and drop in a bay leaf. Let the base simmer for about 10–15 minutes so the flavors bloom into something beautiful. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to your taste.

Step 3: Add the Chicken & Noodles

Stir in the shredded chicken and egg noodles. Simmer an additional 8–9 minutes until noodles are tender but not mushy. Don’t overcook—no one likes soggy noodles!

Step 4: Final Flavor Touches

Once everything’s cooked through, remove the bay leaf. Add chopped parsley and thyme right before serving to keep the herbs fresh and aromatic.

Step 5: Serve & Savor

Ladle the soup into bowls, pair with crusty bread or a simple green salad, and dive in.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a general breakdown per serving of homemade chicken noodle soup, based on a standard recipe using chicken breast and egg noodles:

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Zoodles instead of egg noodles: Spiralized zucchini cuts calories and carbs.
• Chicken thigh meat: Slightly fattier, but richer in flavor and iron.
• Add leafy greens: Spinach or kale boost vitamins A & C.
• Low-sodium broth: Keep your heart happy and reduce salt intake.
• No-oil sauté: Use a splash of broth instead of oil to lower fat.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with artisan bread: Sourdough or multigrain adds texture.
• Top with shredded cheese: Parmesan or low-fat mozzarella adds richness.
• Serve with salad: A side of arugula or Caesar makes it a full meal.
• Store in a thermos: Perfect for lunchboxes or road trips.
• Enjoy with hot tea: Especially cozy on rainy days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the noodles: Add them right before serving to keep them firm.
• Skipping the simmer: Rushed broth means bland soup—give it time to develop flavor.
• Using too much salt: Especially if your broth isn’t low-sodium. Taste as you go.
• Undercooking the veggies: Make sure the carrots and celery are tender for better mouthfeel.
• Forgetting the herbs: Fresh herbs at the end brighten the whole dish.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in batches for up to 2–3 months. Leave out noodles and add fresh when reheating.
• Meal prep-friendly: Chop your veggies in advance and store them in a zipper bag.
• Defrost properly: Always thaw frozen soup in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheat gently: Use medium heat on the stove—avoid boiling which breaks down noodles.

Conclusion

Making homemade chicken noodle soup is easier and more rewarding than you’d think. With wholesome ingredients and a few smart tricks, you can create a cozy, nourishing bowl that brings comfort and joy.

Ready to warm up your kitchen? Try the recipe today, or if you’re in the mood to explore, check out these flavorful options over at comfort soup recipes.

FAQs

What can I use instead of egg noodles?

You can substitute with rice noodles, gluten-free pasta, or even spiralized vegetables like zucchini for a low-carb version.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Place all your ingredients except the noodles in a slow cooker, cook on low for 6–7 hours, add noodles in the last 30 minutes. Or get inspired by these crockpot soup recipes.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Yes. Freeze the broth and chicken without noodles to prevent sogginess. Add fresh-cooked noodles when ready to serve.

Can I use cooked rotisserie chicken?

Totally! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds deep flavor.

How do I make it more filling?

Try adding potatoes, beans, or quinoa to bulk up the soup without compromising health.

Looking for more ideas? Browse a variety of creative inspirations on this soup ideas page.

Explore More from Our Collection

Craving more comforting meals? Be sure to check out our full list of hearty bowls over at soups for every season, dive into soups and stews, or bookmark your favorites from our growing list of soup recipes.