Name: Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 bay leaf; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast; 2 cups egg noodles; Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Nothing says comfort quite like a steaming bowl of Classic Chicken Noodle Soup. This beloved soup brings together tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles in a savory, soul-soothing broth. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving a cozy meal, this recipe is a go-to for warmth, nostalgia, and simple satisfaction. Each spoonful is packed with flavor and homestyle charm, making it the kind of dish you’ll want to share with family and friends again and again.

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Classic Chicken Noodle Soup so special is how a handful of humble ingredients come together to create something truly comforting. Each component plays a role in building depth, color, and a taste that feels like home.

Olive oil: Just a tablespoon helps soften the vegetables and starts the soup off with a touch of richness.
Onion (1 medium, diced): A staple in almost every great soup, it gives a sweet and savory base flavor.
Carrots (2, sliced): Bring a gentle sweetness and vibrant color to your bowl.
Celery (2 stalks, sliced): Adds a subtle earthiness and classic crunch.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Lends a warm, aromatic depth that makes the broth irresistible.
Low-sodium chicken broth (8 cups): The heart of the soup, providing savory flavor and body.
Shredded cooked chicken breast (2 cups): For the best flavor, use leftover roast or rotisserie chicken.
Bay leaf (1): Infuses gentle herbal notes into the soup as it simmers.
Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle woodsy aroma that pairs beautifully with chicken.
Dried parsley (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a pop of green and a hint of fresh flavor.
Egg noodles (2 cups): The classic choice for that perfect silky bite.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a burst of color and freshness at the very end.

How to Make Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Let them cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and fragrant. This step builds the sweet, savory foundation that makes Classic Chicken Noodle Soup so satisfying.

Step 2: Add the Garlic

Once the veggies are softened, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just one minute. The brief sauté ensures the garlic adds a wonderful depth without becoming bitter—just enough to make your kitchen smell amazing!

Step 3: Build the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a good stir. Add your shredded cooked chicken, bay leaf, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil—this is where all the flavors meld, and the soup starts to come together beautifully.

Step 4: Simmer for Flavor

Once boiling, reduce the heat and let your soup simmer for about 10 minutes. This is the perfect time to let the herbs infuse the broth and the chicken become extra tender. If you’re using homemade or rotisserie chicken, you’ll notice the broth getting richer by the minute.

Step 5: Cook the Noodles

Add the egg noodles directly into the pot and continue simmering for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the noodles are perfectly tender. Stir occasionally so the noodles don’t stick together and soak up all that delicious broth.

Step 6: Season and Finish

Taste your soup and season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Remove the bay leaf before serving. For a final flourish, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over each bowl if you like. Your Classic Chicken Noodle Soup is now ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of green and brightens up the flavors. If you want to get a little fancy, a twist of cracked black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice can take your Classic Chicken Noodle Soup to the next level.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs perfectly with a thick slice of crusty bread or a warm, buttery biscuit. For a lighter touch, serve alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The combination is pure comfort on any night.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Classic Chicken Noodle Soup in wide, shallow bowls for a rustic feel, or ladle it into mugs for a cozy, casual meal. If you have leftover soup, pour it into a thermos for a comforting lunch on the go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow your Classic Chicken Noodle Soup to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or quick, nourishing lunches.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze your soup, consider leaving out the noodles and adding them fresh when reheating. The broth, chicken, and veggies freeze beautifully for up to three months—just let the soup cool completely before freezing in portioned containers.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pour the soup into a saucepan and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the noodles have absorbed too much broth, just add a splash of chicken stock or water to bring it back to your desired consistency.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken in Classic Chicken Noodle Soup?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds incredible flavor and keeps this recipe quick and easy. Just shred the meat and add it in when directed.

What type of noodles work best for Classic Chicken Noodle Soup?

Egg noodles are traditional, but you can substitute with any small pasta—like ditalini or orzo—if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep an eye on cooking times so the noodles don’t get too soft.

How do I make the soup gluten-free?

Simply swap the egg noodles for your favorite gluten-free pasta or rice. Check the package instructions for cooking time, as gluten-free options sometimes cook a bit faster.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Definitely! Classic Chicken Noodle Soup is very forgiving. Add peas, corn, spinach, or even diced potatoes for extra color and nutrition.

What’s the best way to add flavor to the broth?

Homemade chicken broth offers the richest flavor, but even store-bought can be enhanced with a splash of lemon juice, a pinch of extra herbs, or a little more garlic. Don’t forget to season at the end for the perfect taste.

Final Thoughts

There’s simply nothing like a homemade pot of Classic Chicken Noodle Soup to fill your kitchen with warmth and your bowl with comfort. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it’ll become a favorite in your home, too!

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting and hearty dish made with tender shredded chicken, egg noodles, and fresh vegetables simmered in a flavorful chicken broth. Perfect for cold weather or when you need a warm, nourishing meal that’s easy to prepare at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced

Broth and Seasoning

8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and black pepper to taste

Main Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
2 cups egg noodles

Garnish

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Cook for about 5–6 minutes until the vegetables are softened, stirring occasionally.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Add shredded cooked chicken, bay leaf, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Stir to combine all ingredients.
Simmer Soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Cook Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook for another 8–10 minutes or until the noodles are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve the soup warm.

Notes

For best results, use homemade or rotisserie chicken for more flavor.
If using raw chicken breasts, simmer them in the broth for 20–25 minutes until cooked through, then shred before adding noodles.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To keep noodles from getting too soft, store noodles separately and add when reheating leftovers.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American