Nothing compares to the warm embrace of classic comfort food, especially a homemade chicken noodle soup recipe. This timeless dish offers more than just a meal; it brings warmth, nostalgia, and incredible flavor. Forget bland canned versions. This recipe delivers the ultimate soothing and satisfying experience, perfect for any day you crave something truly special and comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Noodle Soup
This chicken noodle soup recipe is truly a game-changer for your kitchen.
- Hearty, comforting, and flavorful. Each spoonful offers a rich, savory broth and tender ingredients.
- Easy, quick weeknight meal. It comes together faster than you think, ideal for busy evenings.
- Perfect for meal prep or freezing. Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or save for later.
- Healthy and packed with nutrients. Filled with wholesome vegetables and lean protein, it’s a nourishing choice.
- Kid-friendly and customizable. Adjust ingredients to suit even the pickiest eaters, ensuring everyone loves it.
Ingredients
Making this delicious chicken noodle soup recipe begins with fresh, quality ingredients. You’ll combine tender chicken with vibrant vegetables and a rich broth, all seasoned to perfection. This simple list ensures maximum flavor with minimal fuss, bringing comfort straight to your bowl.
- 1/2 Tablespoon butter
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 3-4 large carrots, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 10 cups chicken stock or broth
- 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary, or more, to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 batch homemade egg noodles, or 4 cups dry egg noodles, farfalle or other bite-size pasta
- 3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 teaspoon better than bouillon chicken flavor (or more, as needed), or chicken bouillon granules
Notes & Substitutions
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken makes this chicken noodle soup recipe incredibly fast. Alternatively, you can use raw chicken breast or thighs, cooking them directly in the broth until done, then shredding.
- Broth: Homemade chicken stock offers the richest flavor. For convenience, a good quality store-bought broth works wonderfully. Enhance store-bought options with bouillon for added depth.
- Noodles: Homemade egg noodles are divine. If short on time, choose store-bought dry egg noodles, farfalle, or rotini. Any small pasta shape holds up well.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add diced onions at the sauté stage or frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking for more nutrition.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free noodles for a dietary-friendly version. Ensure your broth is also gluten-free.
Equipment
Gathering your equipment beforehand makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. You won’t need anything fancy to prepare this incredible chicken noodle soup recipe.
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven: Essential for simmering the generous quantity of soup.
- Sharp knife: For efficiently dicing vegetables and shredding chicken.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for all your chopping needs.
Instructions
Creating the perfect chicken noodle soup recipe is straightforward with these easy-to-follow steps. Pay attention to each stage to build layers of flavor. This method ensures a delicious, comforting soup every time.
- Prep Vegetables: Dice your celery and carrots into uniform, bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic finely. Uniform cuts ensure even cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add butter to a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the diced celery and carrots. Sauté for about 3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic. Cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
- Pour in Broth: Pour in the 10 cups of chicken stock or broth into the pot.
- Season Broth: Stir in the dried rosemary, dried thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Remember to taste the broth before adding more salt.
- Bring to Boil: Increase the heat to bring the broth to a rolling boil. This step is crucial before adding noodles.
- Add Noodles: Once boiling, stir in your noodles. Use either your uncooked homemade egg noodles or the dry store-bought pasta.
- Cook Noodles: Cook just until the noodles are al dente. Follow package directions for store-bought pasta, but keep a close eye on them.
- Avoid Overcooking: If using store-bought noodles, be cautious not to overcook them! Remove the pot from heat as soon as they are just barely tender. The noodles will continue to cook once you remove the pot from the heat, and you don’t want them mushy.
- Add Chicken: Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken meat. It only needs to heat through.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the broth again. If needed, add more bouillon chicken flavor, or additional salt and pepper to achieve your desired taste. This is the heart of any good chicken noodle soup recipe.
- Serve Hot: Ladle the steaming chicken noodle soup recipe into bowls and enjoy immediately with your favorite accompaniments.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Ensure your chicken noodle soup recipe turns out perfectly every time with these helpful hints.
- For Richer Broth: For an even deeper flavor, simmer a rotisserie chicken carcass with extra vegetables and herbs to create a homemade stock. This adds incredible depth.
- Perfect Noodles: To prevent soggy noodles, especially with dry pasta, cook them separately to al dente, then add them to individual bowls just before serving. This ensures they maintain their texture.
- Seasoning Layers: Taste and adjust seasonings multiple times throughout the cooking process. Build flavor gradually, adding salt and herbs until it tastes just right.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish bowls with fresh chopped parsley or dill just before serving. Fresh herbs elevate the aroma and brightness.
- Spice Level: Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your preference. Add more for a gentle kick, or omit if you prefer no heat.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This simple chicken noodle soup recipe offers delicious possibilities for serving, storing, and customizing.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your homemade soup with warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls for dipping. A light side salad also complements the meal beautifully.
- Storage Instructions: Allow any leftover soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly and consume within 4-5 days, depending on the chicken’s freshness.
- Freezing Instructions: For longer storage, freeze cooled soup (preferably without the noodles, or with undercooked noodles) in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
- Recipe Variations:
- Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a richer, creamier texture.
- Extra Veggies: Enhance nutrition by adding corn, baby spinach, or chopped kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Spicier: For more heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the seasonings.
- Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like a bay leaf during simmering or a pinch of dried oregano for a different aromatic profile.
Nutrition Information
This homemade chicken noodle soup recipe offers a nutritious and wholesome meal. It’s often lower in sodium and preservatives compared to store-bought versions. Packed with lean protein from chicken, vitamins from vegetables, and comforting carbs from noodles, it provides sustained energy and supports overall well-being. Enjoy knowing you’re fueling your body with goodness.
Recent studies highlight the soothing benefits of chicken noodle soup, noting its ability to help clear nasal congestion and ease cold symptoms. Research on the health benefits of chicken noodle soup suggests it can be a comforting and effective remedy.
| Component | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250-300 kcal |
| Total Fat | 8-12g |
| Saturated Fat | 2-4g |
| Cholesterol | 40-60mg |
| Sodium | 600-800mg |
| Total Carbs | 25-35g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2-4g |
| Sugars | 3-5g |
| Protein | 18-22g |
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is homemade chicken noodle soup healthier?
Yes, homemade soup typically contains less sodium and fewer artificial ingredients than store-bought options. You control the quality of all ingredients.
What are the best noodles for chicken noodle soup?
Egg noodles are traditional and popular for this chicken noodle soup recipe. Small pasta shapes like farfalle, rotini, or even alphabet pasta also work beautifully.
Can I use raw chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Cook raw chicken breasts or thighs directly in the simmering broth until thoroughly cooked. Remove, shred, then add back to the soup.
How do I prevent my noodles from getting mushy?
Cook noodles just until al dente, then immediately remove the pot from heat. For best results, cook noodles separately and add them to individual bowls just before serving.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes, both appliances work well. For a slow cooker, combine ingredients (except noodles and cooked chicken) and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add noodles and chicken during the last 30 minutes.
How can I make the broth thicker?
For a thicker broth, create a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and stir it into the simmering soup until thickened.
Conclusion
This chicken noodle soup recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for any occasion. It proves that delicious, comforting food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple steps and fresh ingredients, you can create a hearty, flavorful soup that warms the body and soul. Don’t hesitate to bring this ultimate comfort food to your table tonight – your family will thank you!
