Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something so comforting about a bowl of chicken noodle soup, especially when it’s homemade. Unlike store-bought versions, this soup is filled with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and flavorful broth. It’s quick to make, customizable with your favorite add-ins, and perfect for cozy dinners or when you’re feeling under the weather. The combination of simple ingredients and hearty texture makes this chicken noodle soup a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups diced celery
- 2 cups diced carrots
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 tsp dried thyme leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 4 cups water
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Add chicken breasts, chicken broth, celery, carrots, and onions to a large stock pot or Dutch oven.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F), about 20-30 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it, and return it to the pot.
- Stir in thyme, garlic, salt, pepper, bay leaves, egg noodles, and water. Bring to a boil again, then reduce to medium-high heat and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- Remove the bay leaves and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Creamy Version: Add 1 cup of heavy cream or whole milk in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking for a creamy soup.
- More Veggies: Add spinach or kale for a nutritional boost.
- No Noodles: Substitute egg noodles with diced potatoes or cooked rice if you prefer or need a gluten-free option.
- Chicken Thighs: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor.
- Citrusy Twist: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. To reheat, defrost in the fridge overnight and then reheat on the stove.
- Reheating: Reheat over low-medium heat on the stove. If the soup is too thick after refrigeration, add a little water or broth to thin it out.
FAQs
How long does chicken noodle soup last in the fridge?
Chicken noodle soup will last in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor.
Can I freeze chicken noodle soup?
Yes, this soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just let it cool before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
How do I make the soup gluten-free?
To make this soup gluten-free, replace the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or use potatoes or rice as a base.
What kind of chicken should I use?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well, but you can also use thighs for a richer flavor. Leftover chicken works great too!
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, add all the ingredients except for the noodles and cook on low for 6-8 hours, then stir in the noodles in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
How do I make the soup more flavorful?
You can add additional herbs like rosemary, basil, or parsley for more flavor. Fresh garlic or a splash of lemon juice also adds a nice touch.
What can I serve with chicken noodle soup?
Serve with crusty bread, crackers, or a light salad for a complete meal.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version of the soup.
What’s the best way to store leftover soup?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. Make sure to let the soup cool before sealing it in a container.
Conclusion
This homemade chicken noodle soup recipe is the perfect balance of hearty, comforting, and nutritious. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any meal. Whether you’re in need of a quick dinner or a warm bowl to soothe a cold, this recipe will become a go-to favorite.
Print
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food that’s warm, hearty, and packed with flavor. This easy homemade version features tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and egg noodles in a flavorful broth. Perfect for cozy dinners or when you’re feeling under the weather, this soup is a must-try!
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups diced celery
- 2 cups diced carrots
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 tsp dried thyme leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, combine chicken breasts, chicken broth, celery, carrots, and onions.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F), about 20-30 minutes.
- Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
- Stir in thyme, garlic, salt, pepper, bay leaves, egg noodles, and water.
- Bring to a boil again, then reduce heat and cook for about 10 minutes until noodles are tender.
- Remove bay leaves and serve hot.
Notes
- Creamy Version: Add 1 cup of heavy cream or whole milk in the last 5-10 minutes.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace egg noodles with diced potatoes or cooked rice.
- Flavor Boost: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
