If you’ve ever craved a bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, then this Fresh Herb Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Brimming with fragrant herbs, tender chicken, colorful veggies, and hearty noodles, it’s a classic made extraordinary by the simple addition of fresh thyme, oregano, rosemary, parsley, dill, and basil. Every spoonful carries a fresh, vibrant burst of flavor that makes this soup not just nourishing but irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re nursing a cold or simply want a soul-soothing meal, this recipe will become your go-to for cozy nights and happy hearts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Fresh Herb Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe relies on straightforward, wholesome ingredients that are pantry staples for a reason. Each component plays a crucial role, from tender chicken breasts providing protein, to fresh herbs that pump up the flavor, to crunchy vegetables adding texture and natural sweetness.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs): The star protein, delivering juicy, tender chicken in every bite.
- 3 cups unsalted chicken broth: Creates the flavorful, savory base without overpowering the fresh herbs.
- 3-4 fresh thyme sprigs: Adds earthy, subtle floral notes that lift the soup.
- 2 fresh oregano sprigs: Brings a slightly peppery, aromatic depth.
- 1 rosemary stalk: Infuses a woodsy, fragrant hint perfect for chicken dishes.
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed: Essential for a warm, savory undertone.
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt: Perfect seasoning that enhances all the flavors without being too salty.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Gives a gentle kick and rounds out the flavor.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Used for sautéing, providing richness and helping the veggies soften beautifully.
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked down.
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped: Bring bright color and subtle natural sweetness.
- 3 celery stalks, chopped: Offers crunch and classic soup flavor balance.
- 3 cups unsalted chicken broth (additional): To complete the soup’s liquid base with more depth.
- 1/2 cup parsley, chopped: Fresh and vibrant, the parsley finishes the soup with lively green notes.
- 1/4 cup dill, chopped: Adds a delicate tangy freshness that complements the chicken well.
- 5-6 fresh basil leaves, chopped: Introduces a sweet herbal brightness to the final dish.
- Cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread for serving: Your choice for a hearty addition to soak up all that delicious broth.
How to Make Fresh Herb Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics and Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these until the onion turns translucent and the carrots begin to soften—this brings out their natural sweetness and deepens the soup’s overall flavor. Meanwhile, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper; this ensures the protein is flavorful inside and out.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
Push the softened veggies to one side and add the crushed garlic, cooking until fragrant but not browned. Then nestle the chicken breasts into the pot and pour in 3 cups of chicken broth. Add the fresh thyme, oregano, and rosemary sprigs right into the liquid. Bring everything up to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let the chicken cook through—about 30 minutes—while the herbs infuse the broth.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken and Add More Broth
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup along with the additional 3 cups of chicken broth. This layered addition ensures your soup has plenty of rich, savory liquid to envelop every ingredient.
Step 4: Stir in Fresh Herbs and Finish Cooking
Now it’s time to brighten the soup with fresh parsley, dill, and chopped basil. Stir them in gently—they add that fresh, herbaceous pop that truly defines this Fresh Herb Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. Toss in your cooked pasta or rice at this point so it soaks up the flavorful broth. Let the soup cook a few more minutes to harmonize all the flavors before serving.
How to Serve Fresh Herb Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil on top adds a burst of color and fresh aroma just before serving. For some extra richness, consider a drizzle of good olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
Serve this soup with crusty bread to soak up every drop of that fragrant broth or alongside a light green salad for a balanced meal. Some love pairing it with garlic toast or even a spoonful of tangy yogurt on the side for a cool, creamy contrast to the warm soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in rustic bread bowls. Another idea is layering the soup with a side of steamed vegetables or a dollop of pesto for an Italian-inspired flair. You can even top it with crunchy fried shallots to add texture and a little surprise crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Fresh Herb Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe leftovers keep wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness, and give the soup a good stir before reheating to redistribute the flavors evenly.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully if you want to prepare it in advance. For best results, freeze the soup without the noodles or rice—they tend to get mushy. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and add freshly cooked noodles or rice before serving.
Reheating
Gently reheat your soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even warming. Add fresh herbs or a splash of chicken broth if it seems too thick after reheating. Microwave works too but stirring halfway through is key for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds an extra depth of flavor. Just add the shredded chicken toward the end of cooking to warm it through without drying it out.
What types of noodles work best in this soup?
Traditional egg noodles are classic, but you can use any cooked pasta like ditalini, macaroni, or even rice noodles for a gluten-free option. Just make sure to cook them separately and add before serving.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. While you won’t get the same protein, the fresh herbs will keep the soup vibrant and flavorful.
How do I prevent the herbs from overpowering the soup?
Using fresh herbs in moderation is key. Adding them in stages—from simmering whole sprigs to stirring in chopped fresh herbs at the end—helps balance the flavors so the herbs complement rather than dominate.
What’s the best way to add noodles if freezing the soup?
Freeze the soup base without noodles, then cook and add fresh noodles when reheating. This keeps their texture perfect and prevents sogginess.
Final Thoughts
This Fresh Herb Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe captures everything wonderful about homemade soup—simple ingredients, fresh garden herbs, and big comforting flavors all simmered into one nourishing bowl. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and pure cozy bliss in a pot. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own favorite soup to share with family and friends!
Print
Fresh Herb Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Fresh Herb Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting, aromatic, and flavorful homemade soup featuring tender chicken breasts simmered with fresh thyme, oregano, rosemary, and garlic. The soup is enriched with diced onion, carrots, celery, and fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and basil, delivering a heartwarming meal perfect for any day. Served best with cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread, this soup makes a wholesome and nourishing choice for 4 to 6 servings.
Ingredients
Chicken and Herbs
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 3 cups unsalted chicken broth
- 3–4 fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 fresh oregano sprigs
- 1 rosemary stalk
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
Additional Broth and Herbs
- 3 cups unsalted chicken broth
- 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup dill, chopped
- 5–6 fresh basil leaves, chopped
To Serve
- Cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken and broth: In a large pot, place the chicken breasts along with 3 cups of unsalted chicken broth, thyme sprigs, oregano sprigs, rosemary stalk, crushed garlic cloves, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Sauté the vegetables: While the chicken is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a separate large skillet or the same pot if removed temporarily. Add the diced yellow onion, peeled and chopped carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté over medium heat until the vegetables soften and become aromatic, about 7-8 minutes.
- Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Discard the herb stalks and garlic cloves from the broth or leave them if preferred for stronger flavor.
- Combine and simmer: Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the broth, add the sautéed vegetables, and pour in an additional 3 cups of unsalted chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add fresh herbs and season: Stir in chopped parsley, dill, and basil leaves. Adjust seasoning with additional kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve the herb chicken noodle soup hot with your choice of cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the fresh herbs with dried herbs in smaller quantities if fresh are unavailable.
- Adjust salt according to your taste and dietary needs, especially when using salted broth.
- For gluten-free options, serve with rice or gluten-free pasta instead of traditional noodles or bread.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- For a thicker consistency, add a slurry of cornstarch and water during the final simmer.
