If you’ve ever craved a bowl of warm comfort, you simply must try this Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. It’s the ultimate cozy dish that marries tender chicken, hearty egg noodles, and a bright bouquet of vegetables simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. Every spoonful brings a nostalgic hug, perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you need a little soul-soothing nourishment. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just in the mood for some homestyle goodness, this soup hits all the right notes with its vibrant color, satisfying texture, and layers of comforting flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For a Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe, the magic lies in simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create that unforgettable taste and texture. Each item—from crisp carrots to fragrant thyme—plays a special role in making this soup both delicious and visually inviting.
- Olive oil: Provides a smooth base for sautéing vegetables, adding a subtle fruity flavor.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the veggies beautifully.
- Onion: Builds the essential aromatic foundation for the broth.
- Celery: Offers crunch and a slightly peppery note enhancing depth.
- Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
- Garlic: Infuses a warm, savory aroma that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Chicken broth: The heart of the soup that ties all flavors together with a rich, savory quality.
- Thyme: Adds an earthy, refreshing herbaceous touch.
- Bay leaves: Gently elevate the broth with subtle, warm spice notes.
- Bone-in chicken breasts: Ensure succulent, flavorful meat and a richer broth.
- Egg noodles: Perfectly tender and chewy, they soak up the broth beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley: A bright garnish that adds freshness and color.
- Lemon wedges (optional): Provide a zesty brightness to cut through the richness when served.
How to Make Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. This combination gives a luscious base that softens your vegetables wonderfully. Next, toss in the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Cook them gently for about 5 minutes until they soften and release their natural sweetness. Finally, stir in minced garlic for just a minute until the kitchen fills with its irresistible fragrance. This step builds the aromatic canvas for the whole soup.
Step 2: Build the Flavorful Broth
Now it’s time to pour in the chicken broth, the liquid gold that carries all your flavors. Add fresh thyme and bay leaves right into the pot; they are the secret behind the soup’s comforting herbaceous layers. Nestle the bone-in chicken breasts into this fragrant broth, boosting both the flavor and richness. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a simmer and cover partially with a lid. Let it cook for about 25 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked, while the broth deepens in flavor.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Carefully remove the chicken breasts and set them on a cutting board to cool just enough to handle. Shred the chicken meat with two forks, discarding the bones and skin. Return the shredded chicken to the pot — this step ensures every bite has tender morsels swimming within the soup. Season the broth with salt and pepper to taste, balancing savory and aromatic notes. Finally, add in the egg noodles, cooking according to the package instructions, usually about 6 to 8 minutes, for that perfect chewy texture. Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs before serving, leaving behind only their essence.
How to Serve Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving brings a pop of vibrant green that enlivens the soup’s appearance and adds a delicate herbal brightness. If you like a touch of tang, a few lemon wedges on the side let your guests brighten their bowls with citrusy zing. These simple garnishes elevate the experience and add subtle layers of flavor with every spoonful.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for sopping up every last drop of broth. A crisp green salad or a light slaw complements the soup’s warmth with a fresh, crunchy contrast. For a heartier meal, try serving alongside roasted vegetables or a simple grilled cheese sandwich — the perfect comfort combo.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve the soup in individual bread bowls that double as edible containers. Garnish each bowl with a few sprigs of fresh thyme or a dash of cracked black pepper for an inviting look. You can also layer in extra veggies like peas or spinach at the end for a colorful, nutrient-packed boost. Presentation can turn a humble Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe into an impressive meal for friends and family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe makes fantastic leftovers. Store any uneaten soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator, where it will keep deliciously for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, often tasting even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy the comfort of this soup later, freeze it without the noodles first, as they tend to get mushy after thawing. Freeze the broth and chicken mixture in a freezer-safe container or bags for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and add freshly cooked noodles before serving.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Adding fresh noodles at this stage keeps their texture perfect and your soup feeling freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken is convenient and cooks a bit faster, but using bone-in chicken adds extra depth and richness to the broth, enhancing overall flavor.
What type of noodles works best in Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe?
Egg noodles are traditional and offer a perfect balance of chewiness and softness, but you can substitute with pasta like shells or even rice noodles for a different twist.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Simply swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or rice noodles. Also ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free to keep the soup safe for sensitive diets.
Can I make the soup vegetarian?
While this recipe centers on chicken, you can make a vegetarian version by using vegetable broth and adding hearty vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, and beans for protein.
Is it okay to add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to customize with green beans, peas, corn, or spinach to add texture, color, and nutrition to your Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is truly a timeless favorite, filled with warmth and heart in every bowl. It’s straightforward to make but delivers on incredible comfort and nourishment, perfect any time you want a taste of home. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience how simple, fresh ingredients can create something truly special. Grab your pot and let’s get cooking—you’re just one soup away from a cozy, happy kitchen moment!
Print
Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic chicken noodle soup recipe is a comforting and wholesome dish perfect for chilly days and when you need a soothing meal. Made with tender shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and egg noodles simmered in a flavorful homemade broth, this soup is easy to prepare and serves as a heartwarming family favorite.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 bone-in chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Noodles and Garnish
- 6 ounces egg noodles
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, chopped celery, and sliced carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and slightly translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Build the Flavorful Broth: Pour in the chicken broth to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Add fresh thyme and bay leaves for aromatic depth. Place the bone-in chicken breasts into the pot. Increase the heat to bring the broth to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Partially cover with a lid and let it cook for 25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and place them on a cutting board. Allow them to cool slightly for easier handling, then shred the meat using two forks, discarding the bones and skin. Return the shredded chicken back to the pot. Season the soup with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the simmering soup and cook according to package instructions, about 6 to 8 minutes, until tender but not mushy. This will finish cooking the noodles directly in the broth, absorbing flavors.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from the heat, then discard the bay leaves and any thyme sprigs if used. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, fresh finish. Enjoy the soup warm for the best comforting experience.
Notes
- You can use leftover cooked chicken in place of raw chicken breasts to reduce cooking time.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth or stock.
- Egg noodles can be substituted with other pasta types like small shells or orzo.
- Adjust the thickness of the broth by adding more or less chicken broth according to preference.
- To keep the soup gluten-free, substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta.
