If you are craving the ultimate comfort food that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, look no further than this Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. This classic dish brings together tender chunks of chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and a fragrant, flavorful broth that’s packed with wholesome vegetables and just the right balance of herbs and spices. Whether you’re nursing a cold, feeding a crowd, or simply want a meal that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl, this recipe is straightforward, nourishing, and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmonious blend of fresh, everyday ingredients. Each one plays a key role: vegetables bring crunch and sweetness, herbs infuse subtle depth, and good-quality chicken and stock create a rich, comforting base.
- Butter: Adds a luscious richness to sautéed vegetables, enhancing the soup’s overall flavor.
- Celery (2 ribs, diced): Contributes a mild crunch and fresh earthiness, balancing the sweetness of the carrots.
- Carrots (3-4 large, diced): Offer natural sweetness and vibrant color, brightening up the bowl.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Imparts a subtle aromatic kick that deepens the savory notes.
- Chicken stock (10 cups): Forms the heart of the soup, carrying all the flavors and delivering profound warmth.
- Salt (1 teaspoon, to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the ingredients’ natural flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper (½ teaspoon, to taste): Adds a gentle heat and complexity.
- Dried rosemary (1/8 teaspoon): Provides a fragrant pine-like aroma perfect for poultry dishes.
- Dried thyme (1/8 teaspoon): Brings a subtle earthy herbaceousness that complements the other seasonings.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/8 teaspoon): Offers a faint warming spice note—feel free to adjust for your heat preference.
- Homemade egg noodles or dry pasta (1 batch or 4 cups): Soft, tender noodles are the comforting centerpiece of every spoonful.
- Rotisserie chicken (3 cups shredded meat): Provides juicy, flavorful protein without the fuss of cooking chicken from scratch.
- Better Than Bouillon chicken flavor (1 teaspoon): An optional but highly recommended addition to boost the broth’s savory depth.
How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Base Vegetables
Begin by melting the butter in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced celery and carrots, cooking for about three minutes until they start to soften and release their sweetness. Then add your minced garlic, letting it cook just 30 seconds more to develop its aroma without burning. This step lays the aromatic foundation for your soup, elevating those humble vegetables to something truly special.
Step 2: Add the Stock and Seasonings
Next, pour in the chicken stock and season the broth with rosemary, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t skip tasting the broth at this stage—season gradually because you want that seasoning perfectly balanced. Enhance the chicken flavor by stirring in a spoonful of Better Than Bouillon or chicken bouillon granules until the broth tastes rich and inviting.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Bring your broth to a boil and add the noodles of your choice—either homemade egg noodles or a dry store-bought variety like farfalle. Cook them just until al dente, so they still have a nice bite to them. The noodles will soak up some broth and soften further once taken off the heat, so don’t let them overcook now or the texture will turn mushy.
Step 4: Add the Chicken Last
Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken meat, distributing it evenly throughout the soup. Give the broth one more taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Adding the chicken at this stage ensures it stays tender and juicy, soaking in the broth without becoming dry or overcooked.
How to Serve Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can brighten and elevate your chicken noodle soup. Try sprinkling with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and fresh herbal notes. A squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of grated Parmesan can also add a delightful zing or umami kick. These simple touches turn every bowl into a gourmet experience.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls, perfect for soaking up every last drop of broth. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can complement the warm soup with a fresh, crunchy contrast. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside roasted vegetables or a grilled cheese sandwich.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls that double as edible vessels. Alternatively, portion the soup into individual ramekins and broil a layer of melted cheese on top for a gratin-style presentation. Ideal for dinner parties or cozy family meals, these approaches add flair without fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover chicken noodle soup into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days. The soup tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen, but be mindful of the chicken’s freshness to ensure safety.
Freezing
This Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe freezes well but it is best to store the noodles separately to prevent them from becoming too soft when reheated. Freeze the soup in portions without noodles, then cook fresh pasta when ready to enjoy. Alternatively, freeze the full soup and expect a softer noodle texture after thawing.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftover soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If you froze the soup without noodles, add freshly cooked pasta just before serving. This keeps each bowl tasting fresh, with perfectly tender noodles and vibrant flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! You can poach or roast chicken breast and shred it yourself. The rotisserie chicken just adds a convenient, flavorful shortcut, but fresh chicken breast works wonderfully and allows complete control over seasoning.
What type of noodles works best for this soup?
Egg noodles are classic and offer a silky texture that pairs beautifully with the broth. However, small pasta shapes like farfalle, ditalini, or even mini shells are excellent substitutes and hold up well in soup.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Simply swap out regular pasta for a gluten-free noodle alternative or use spiralized vegetables like zucchini noodles. Just keep in mind cooking times will vary with different noodle types or veggie substitutes.
Is it better to use homemade stock for this recipe?
Homemade chicken stock adds incredible depth and richness, but good-quality store-bought stock or broth works just fine and saves time. Enhance it slightly with bouillon paste or granules if desired to amplify the flavor.
How do I keep the noodles from getting mushy when stored?
To maintain perfect noodle texture, store cooked noodles separately from the soup and only combine when reheating. This prevents the noodles from absorbing too much liquid and becoming overly soft.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is more than just food—it’s a warm, comforting experience that anyone can easily make at home. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a bowl that feels like a big, cozy hug after a long day. Trust me, once you try it, this soup will become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So go ahead, pour yourself a bowl, and savor every soothing spoonful!
Print
Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Chicken Noodle Soup features tender rotisserie chicken, homemade or store-bought egg noodles, and a flavorful broth enriched with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup combines sautéed celery, carrots, and garlic with a seasoned chicken stock, delivering classic, heartwarming flavors in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1/2 Tablespoon butter
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 3–4 large carrots, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 10 cups chicken stock or broth
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary, or more to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon better than bouillon chicken flavor, or chicken bouillon granules (adjust as needed)
Noodles and Chicken
- 1 batch homemade egg noodles or 4 cups dry egg noodles, farfalle, or other bite-size pasta
- 3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large stock pot over medium-high heat, melt the butter and add the diced celery and carrots. Sauté for 3 minutes until vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Prepare Broth: Pour in the chicken stock and season with dried rosemary, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and taste the broth carefully before adding more salt.
- Add Flavor Enhancer: Incorporate the chicken bouillon or better than bouillon chicken flavor as needed to enhance the depth of the broth. Stir to combine.
- Cook Noodles: Bring the broth to a boil, then add the noodles—either uncooked homemade egg noodles or dry store-bought pasta. Cook until the noodles are just al dente, being careful not to overcook, especially with store-bought noodles.
- Remove from Heat: Once noodles are barely tender, remove the pot from heat to prevent mushiness, as noodles will continue cooking in the hot broth.
- Add Chicken: Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken meat. Taste the soup again and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Store Leftovers: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. Consume within 4-5 days depending on the freshness of the chicken used.
Notes
- Use homemade egg noodles for a traditional texture, or substitute with dry pasta such as farfalle for convenience.
- Taste the broth carefully before adding salt or bouillon as stock can vary in sodium content.
- Do not overcook the noodles; they should remain slightly firm to avoid a mushy soup.
- Leftovers freeze well but noodles may soften further upon reheating, so consider cooking noodles separately if freezing.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free pasta and ensure the broth is gluten-free.
