Few things feel as comforting as a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup on a chilly day. This cozy classic has been loved for generations—simple, nourishing, and made with everyday pantry ingredients. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, looking for an easy weeknight dinner, or simply craving a warm hug in a bowl, this recipe delivers. With tender chicken, flavorful broth, hearty noodles, and fresh veggies, it’s everything homemade comfort food should be.
Recipe Info
| Category | Prep Time | Cook Time | Servings | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dinner / Soup | 15 minutes | 35 minutes | 6 servings | ~280 per serving |
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth (or homemade stock)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh thyme)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for richer flavor)
- 2 ½ cups egg noodles (or any pasta of choice)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables – In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for another minute.
- Add broth & seasoning – Pour in chicken broth, then add bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Cook the chicken – Nestle chicken breasts into the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked.
- Shred the chicken – Remove chicken from the pot and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the soup.
- Add the noodles – Stir in egg noodles and cook 8–10 minutes until tender.
- Finish with freshness – Stir in chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve warm – Ladle into bowls and enjoy immediately.
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Broth matters: Use good-quality chicken broth or homemade stock for the best flavor.
- Storage: Keep leftovers refrigerated up to 4 days. Store noodles separately if making ahead, as they can soak up too much broth.
- Freezing: Freeze without noodles for up to 2 months; add fresh noodles when reheating.
- Spice control: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Recipe Variations
- Protein swap: Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut, or try turkey for a post-holiday version.
- Low-carb option: Swap noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Herb upgrade: Add rosemary or dill for extra depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this soup with:
- Warm crusty bread or garlic toast
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Crackers or cornbread for dipping
- Sprinkle of parmesan or extra parsley on top
Conclusion
This classic chicken noodle soup recipe is the kind of cozy dish that brings comfort to any table. Simple, wholesome, and full of flavor, it’s perfect for busy nights, lazy weekends, or when you just need a bowl of warmth. Make it once, and it’ll quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy it fresh, and share it with loved ones!