If you are craving a warm, comforting bowl that feels like a big, cozy hug, look no further than this Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. It combines tender shredded chicken, hearty vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles all swimming in a flavorful broth that’s both soothing and satisfying. Whether you’re fighting a cold, chasing away a chill, or just need a simple dish that tastes like home, this soup delivers all the cozy vibes and classic taste you want in just under 40 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients is all it takes to bring out the full magic of this recipe. Each element plays its role—from the aromatic onion and garlic to the tender chicken and vibrant herbs—building layers of taste, texture, and color in this homestyle favorite.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps soften the aromatics for a flavorful base.
- Onion, diced: Brings sweetness and depth when sautéed, setting the tone for the broth.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses a fragrant punch that awakens the senses.
- Carrots, sliced: Add a natural sweetness and a pop of color to the soup.
- Celery stalks, sliced: Contribute a fresh, slightly peppery crunch and traditional flavor.
- Chicken broth: The heart of the soup, it creates a savory, comforting liquid base.
- Cooked, shredded chicken: Provides tender protein and soaks up all the beautiful flavors.
- Wide egg noodles: Give satisfying bite and texture, making the soup hearty and filling.
- Dried thyme: Offers an earthy, herbal undertone that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Dried parsley: Adds a delicate, fresh flavor without overpowering the broth.
- Bay leaf: Brings subtle warmth and complexity to the soup’s aroma.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and brighten every spoonful.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A crisp, green garnish that enhances the presentation and flavor.
How to Make Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Toss in the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it turns translucent and soft. This step unlocks the onion’s natural sugars, building a savory foundation that makes the soup so irresistible.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Vegetables
Next, stir in the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Let these cook together for another 3 to 4 minutes so the vegetables begin to soften and the garlic releases its wonderful fragrance. This mix creates that classic, inviting vegetable base that every good chicken noodle soup needs.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Seasonings
Pour the full 8 cups of chicken broth into the pot, then sprinkle in the thyme, dried parsley, bay leaf, and some salt and pepper. Bring everything to a boil. This step transforms the aromatics and veggies into a flavorful soup base that tastes richly homemade.
Step 4: Simmer with Chicken
Turn the heat down to low to simmer your broth. Add the cooked, shredded chicken and allow it to warm and infuse the broth with savory juiciness for about 10 minutes. This gentle cooking melds the proteins and herbs, creating that perfect homemade taste you crave.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
Finally, stir in the wide egg noodles. Let them cook according to the package instructions—usually around 8 to 10 minutes—until they’re tender but still hold their shape. The noodles add satisfying substance and make the soup feel truly hearty and filling.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serve
Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Don’t forget to fish out the bay leaf before ladling the soup into bowls. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you have it, and serve your Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe hot for maximum comfort and joy.
How to Serve Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley or a sprinkle of finely chopped green onions instantly brighten up the presentation and add a vibrant freshness. For an extra touch, a squeeze of lemon or a dash of cracked black pepper can give the flavors an exciting lift right before serving.
Side Dishes
This soup shines when paired with crusty bread or buttery biscuits, perfect for dunking into the golden broth. A simple green salad or a light coleslaw complements the warm soup by adding a crisp, refreshing contrast to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls for a charming, edible container. Or ladle it over a bed of fluffy rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty, unconventional serving style that’s sure to delight family and friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making the next-day meal even tastier. Just be sure to keep the noodles submerged in the broth to prevent drying out.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months. It’s best to freeze the broth and chicken separately from the noodles, as noodles tend to become mushy after thawing. Combine them once you’re ready to reheat and enjoy.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much. Cook the noodles separately if frozen without them, and add right before serving for perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time and adds great flavor, making your Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe even easier to prepare.
What’s the best type of noodle to use?
Wide egg noodles are classic and give that nostalgic feel, but you can substitute with any pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti broken into pieces, or even small shells—just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can swap the chicken and broth for vegetable broth and add hearty beans or tofu for protein. While this moves the recipe away from the classic chicken noodle version, it still makes a comforting, nourishing meal.
How do I keep the noodles from becoming mushy?
To avoid soggy noodles, cook them separately and add them to each bowl right before serving. If cooking noodles in the soup, eat it fresh or store leftovers without noodles, adding freshly cooked noodles later.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in peas, corn, or spinach during the final minutes of cooking for added color, nutrients, and flavor variety. Just keep in mind the cooking times to keep veggies crisp-tender.
Final Thoughts
There really is nothing quite like the warmth, simplicity, and pure comfort of this Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. Whether you whip it up for a busy weeknight or a chilly weekend, it’s sure to become a beloved staple on your table. So grab your pot and get ready to savor every rich, homemade spoonful—you’re going to love how effortless and satisfying this classic soup turns out.
Print
Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make homestyle chicken noodle soup featuring tender shredded chicken, classic vegetables, and hearty egg noodles simmered in a flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy meal on any day.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 2 cups wide egg noodles
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent, releasing its natural sweetness.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in dried thyme, dried parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil to meld the flavors.
- Simmer with Chicken: Reduce the heat to a low simmer. Add the cooked, shredded chicken to the pot and let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and absorb the broth flavors.
- Cook Noodles: Stir in the wide egg noodles and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until they are tender but still hold their shape.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot for a comforting, hearty meal.
Notes
- Use wide egg noodles for the classic texture, but any pasta shape can be substituted.
- Leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe.
- For a richer broth, add a splash of white wine during step 3 or use homemade chicken stock.
- Customize vegetables based on preference or availability, such as adding peas or green beans.
- To make gluten-free, substitute the noodles with gluten-free pasta.
