The Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for Pure Comfort Recipe
If you’re searching for the coziest meal to warm your heart and soul, The Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for Pure Comfort is just what you need. Brimming with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles, this soup delivers all the nostalgic flavors you crave in a homemade classic. Whether you’re under the weather or simply craving a touch of warmth, this bowl promises pure comfort in every spoonful—truly, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This soup comes together easily with essential, fridge-and-pantry staples that let each layer of flavor shine. Every ingredient here plays a starring role, bringing fresh taste, nourishing texture, or that touch of color that makes the meal sing.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps soften the vegetables for that perfect soup base.
- Onion: Diced onion provides a gentle sweetness and builds savory flavor right from the start.
- Carrots: Their natural sweetness and gorgeous color are key to the classic taste and look.
- Celery: Sliced celery adds crunch and classic aromatic undertones to every bite.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses bold, inviting aroma and depth of flavor.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The foundation for a savory, well-seasoned soup—choose low-sodium to control the saltiness.
- Bay leaf: Just one adds a subtle herbal note that makes homemade soup distinctive.
- Dried thyme: Earthy thyme delivers a warm, comforting flavor that instantly says “classic chicken soup.”
- Dried rosemary: A tiny bit goes a long way for piney, woodsy notes that add dimension.
- Salt: Essential for highlighting all the natural flavors—be sure to taste and adjust!
- Black pepper: Adds a whisper of gentle heat and complexity.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie works wonders for convenience, or use freshly poached for extra tenderness.
- Wide egg noodles: Classic, slurpable noodles soak up the savory broth beautifully and bring unbeatable comfort.
- Fresh parsley: A bright finish in both color and flavor—don’t skip it if you can help it!
- Lemon juice (optional): A squeeze lends vibrant brightness that sings with the other flavors.
How to Make The Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for Pure Comfort
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Set a large pot over medium heat, drizzle in the olive oil, and let it shimmer. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery—your classic mirepoix—and sauté for about 5–6 minutes. You want the vegetables softened, not browned, coaxing out their natural sweetness and creating the flavor base that The Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for Pure Comfort is known for.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Bloom the Flavors
Mix in the minced garlic and stir for just 30 seconds, allowing it to become fragrant. This quick step wakes up the base, releasing a mouthwatering aroma that turns any kitchen into a haven. Garlic burns quickly, so keep it moving to capture all its goodness without any bitterness.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Seasonings
Now, pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir. Bring the soup to a gentle boil—this is where all those flavors begin to meld into something truly greater than the sum of its parts.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Once the pot is bubbling, add your wide egg noodles. Turn down the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes, just until the noodles are tender but not mushy. The noodles soak up the broth beautifully, turning golden and silky—an essential move for The Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for Pure Comfort.
Step 5: Add Shredded Chicken
Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken and let the soup simmer for another 2–3 minutes. This gently heats the chicken, melding it with the broth and veggies until everything feels harmonious and satisfying—a signature of a true comfort soup.
Step 6: Fresh Touches and Final Seasoning
Remove the bay leaf. Stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice, if using. The parsley adds brightness and a welcome burst of green, while lemon wakes up every flavor. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls, serve piping hot, and enjoy the heartiest, most nourishing chicken noodle soup ever!
How to Serve The Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for Pure Comfort
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley always looks inviting and fresh. Consider a crack of black pepper or a pinch of flaky salt. If you love zest, add a thin slice of lemon on the rim for each serving. All these simple touches make The Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for Pure Comfort a feast for the eyes and the palate.
Side Dishes
Soup and bread are best friends. A crusty baguette or slices of sourdough are perfect for dunking into the broth. For something extra cozy, try a grilled cheese or even just saltine crackers on the side. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is also a lovely way to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
To elevate this classic at home, serve the soup in oversized mugs or soup bowls with handles for easy sipping. For gatherings, try ladling the soup into mini cups or bowls as a warm appetizer. Add a sprinkle of homemade croutons or even some crispy fried onions for a fun and delicious twist on tradition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your soup tasting fresh, let it cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen over time, so you might find the soup even more delicious the next day!
Freezing
The Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for Pure Comfort is freezer-friendly with just one simple adjustment: freeze without the noodles to avoid them becoming mushy. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Cook fresh noodles when you’re ready to reheat.
Reheating
Warm refrigerated soup gently over medium heat on the stove until steaming but not boiling. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm up as above. Always add cooked noodles right before serving to keep them perfectly tender.
FAQs
Can I use boneless skinless chicken breasts instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Simply poach or roast the chicken breasts until cooked through, then shred or chop before adding to the soup. This also gives you control over seasoning and texture.
How do I make the soup gluten-free?
Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta for the egg noodles. There are plenty of excellent gluten-free noodle options available, so you don’t have to miss out on any comfort!
What’s the best way to keep the noodles from getting soggy?
If you plan to have leftovers or make soup ahead, cook noodles separately and add them fresh to each serving. This preserves their perfect texture and keeps your soup scrumptious every time.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Definitely! Spinach, peas, corn, or diced potatoes are lovely additions to The Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for Pure Comfort. Just add them according to their cooking times so everything stays perfectly tender.
Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté the aromatics as directed, then combine everything except the noodles, parsley, and lemon in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–5 hours, then add noodles for the last 15–20 minutes. Stir in parsley and lemon at the end.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making a pot of The Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for Pure Comfort from scratch. Each step spirals into the next, building layers of flavor that comfort and nourish from the inside out. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it—your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds won’t stop thanking you!
Print
The Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for Pure Comfort Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights or when you need a warm, soothing meal. Packed with veggies, tender chicken, and flavorful herbs, it’s a classic that never disappoints.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 2 cups wide egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and sauté vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and broth: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth, add bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Cook noodles and chicken: Once boiling, add egg noodles. Reduce heat and simmer for 8–10 minutes until noodles are tender. Stir in shredded chicken and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Finish and serve: Remove bay leaf, stir in parsley, and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.
Notes
- This soup is great for using leftover or rotisserie chicken.
- For added richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter before serving.
- Leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months; cook noodles separately when reheating to maintain texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
