Few meals are as comforting as a warm bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup.
This classic recipe combines tender chicken, carrots, celery, onion, egg noodles, fresh herbs, and a flavorful chicken broth.
It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but satisfying enough for a cozy weekend meal.
The vegetables provide natural sweetness, the herbs add freshness, and the noodles make the soup hearty enough to serve as a complete meal.
Best of all, you don’t need complicated ingredients or advanced cooking skills.
Everything comes together in one large pot.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Noodle Soup
- Easy to make: The recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- One pot: Everything cooks in a single pot for easy cleanup.
- Comforting: A warm bowl is perfect for chilly evenings.
- Family friendly: The mild flavors work well for the whole family.
- Customizable: Add more vegetables, herbs, or noodles according to your preference.
- Meal prep friendly: Leftovers can be refrigerated for easy lunches.
- Freezer friendly: The soup can be frozen with a few simple adjustments.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, optional
How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup
1. Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and prepare all of your vegetables.
Dice the onion.
Peel and slice the carrots.
Slice the celery into small pieces.
Mince the garlic.
Preparing everything before you begin cooking makes the recipe much easier to follow.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the onion, carrots, and celery.
Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes.
The vegetables should begin to soften but don’t need to be completely cooked.
3. Add the Garlic
Add the minced garlic.
Cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
4. Add the Broth and Chicken
Pour the chicken broth into the pot.
Add the chicken breasts or thighs.
Add the bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, and salt.
Stir gently.
5. Simmer the Chicken
Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
Reduce the heat and allow it to cook until the chicken is fully cooked.
Depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces, this can take approximately 15–20 minutes.
Check the chicken with a food thermometer for the most reliable indication of doneness.
6. Remove and Shred the Chicken
Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the pot.
Place it on a clean plate or cutting board.
Allow it to cool slightly.
Shred the chicken using two forks or cut it into bite-sized pieces.
7. Add the Noodles
Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Add the egg noodles.
Cook according to the package directions until the noodles are tender.
Avoid overcooking them because they will continue absorbing liquid as the soup sits.
8. Finish the Soup
Remove the bay leaves.
Taste the broth.
Add additional salt or black pepper if needed.
Stir in the fresh parsley.
For a brighter flavor, add a small amount of fresh lemon juice.
9. Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
Garnish with additional fresh parsley.
Serve immediately with crusty bread or crackers.
Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup
Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Flavor
Chicken thighs contain more fat than chicken breasts and can provide a richer flavor.
They also tend to remain tender during simmering.
Chicken breasts work perfectly well if you prefer a leaner option.
Don’t Overcook the Noodles
One of the most common problems with homemade chicken noodle soup is mushy noodles.
Cook them just until tender.
If you know you’ll have leftovers, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them to individual bowls.
Use Good Chicken Broth
The broth makes up a large portion of the recipe, so its flavor matters.
Use a good-quality chicken broth or stock.
You can also use homemade chicken stock when available.
Taste Before Serving
Broths vary considerably in salt content.
Taste the soup near the end and adjust the seasoning gradually.
Add Lemon for Freshness
A small squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the entire soup without making it taste strongly of lemon.
Chicken Breast vs. Chicken Thighs
Both work well.
Chicken Breast
Chicken breast creates a lighter soup and is easy to shred.
It’s a good choice if you prefer lean meat.
Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are more forgiving and tend to remain juicy.
They also add a slightly richer flavor.
Choose whichever you prefer.
Best Noodles for Chicken Noodle Soup
Egg noodles are the classic choice.
However, you can use other types of pasta.
Good options include:
- Wide egg noodles
- Extra-wide egg noodles
- Rotini
- Small shells
- Ditalini
- Orzo
- Spaghetti broken into smaller pieces
- Bow-tie pasta
Different pasta shapes absorb different amounts of broth, so adjust the liquid if necessary.
Chicken Noodle Soup Variations
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Add ½–1 cup of heavy cream near the end of cooking.
Keep the heat low and stir gently.
Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup
Increase the fresh lemon juice and add extra lemon zest.
Fresh dill also pairs beautifully with this version.
Vegetable Chicken Soup
Add additional vegetables such as:
- Green beans
- Corn
- Peas
- Potatoes
- Zucchini
- Spinach
Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup
Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a little hot sauce.
Garlic Herb Chicken Soup
Increase the garlic and add fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley.
Chicken Rice Soup
Replace the noodles with cooked rice.
Add the rice toward the end so it doesn’t become overly soft.
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken?
Yes.
Using cooked rotisserie chicken is one of the fastest ways to make chicken noodle soup.
Simply prepare the vegetables and broth as directed.
Add shredded cooked chicken toward the end and simmer until heated through.
Because the chicken is already cooked, you don’t need to simmer it for the full cooking time.
Can I Use Leftover Chicken?
Absolutely.
This is a great recipe for leftover roasted or baked chicken.
Shred the cooked chicken and add it near the end.
It’s an easy way to turn leftovers into a completely different meal.
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables?
Yes.
Frozen peas, corn, carrots, and mixed vegetables can all be added to the soup.
Frozen vegetables usually need less cooking time than fresh vegetables.
Add them according to their size and cooking time.
How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup Ahead of Time
If you’re preparing the soup ahead, consider cooking the noodles separately.
Store the noodles and soup separately in the refrigerator.
When you’re ready to serve, warm the soup and add noodles to each bowl.
This helps prevent the noodles from absorbing too much broth and becoming soft.
How to Store Chicken Noodle Soup
Allow the soup to cool appropriately before transferring it to airtight containers.
Store it in the refrigerator and use within a few days.
Keep in mind that the noodles will continue absorbing broth while refrigerated.
If the soup becomes too thick, add additional chicken broth when reheating.
How to Reheat Chicken Noodle Soup
Pour the soup into a saucepan.
Heat gently over medium-low heat until thoroughly warmed.
Add a splash of broth or water if necessary.
Avoid aggressively boiling the soup during reheating.
Can You Freeze Chicken Noodle Soup?
Yes, but noodles can become soft after freezing and thawing.
For the best results, prepare and freeze the soup without noodles.
Cook fresh noodles when you’re ready to serve.
If freezing the complete soup, use a freezer-safe container and leave some room for expansion.
Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What to Serve With Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup is satisfying on its own, but a few simple sides can turn it into a larger meal.
Crusty Bread
A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the broth.
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread adds extra flavor and makes the meal more filling.
Dinner Rolls
Soft dinner rolls are another classic pairing.
Green Salad
A fresh salad provides a crisp contrast to the warm soup.
Grilled Cheese
A grilled cheese sandwich alongside chicken noodle soup makes an especially comforting meal.
How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup More Flavorful
If your soup tastes a little flat, try adding:
- Fresh parsley
- Fresh thyme
- A squeeze of lemon
- Extra garlic
- Black pepper
- A small amount of Parmesan
- Better quality chicken broth
- Freshly chopped celery leaves
Remember to add salt gradually because many chicken broths already contain sodium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. Chicken thighs are an excellent choice and tend to stay very tender.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes. Add shredded rotisserie chicken near the end of cooking and heat it through.
What noodles are best for chicken noodle soup?
Egg noodles are the classic option, but other small pasta shapes can also work.
How do I stop the noodles from getting mushy?
Cook the noodles separately if you’re planning to store leftovers.
Add them to individual servings when reheating.
Can I make chicken noodle soup without celery?
Yes.
You can leave it out or replace it with another vegetable such as zucchini or additional carrots.
Can I add potatoes?
Yes.
Small diced potatoes work well in chicken soup.
Add them early enough that they have time to become tender.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes.
Cook the chicken, broth, vegetables, and seasonings in the slow cooker according to your appliance’s instructions.
Add noodles toward the end to prevent them from becoming overly soft.
Can I make chicken noodle soup with cooked chicken?
Yes.
Cooked chicken can be added near the end of cooking.
Can I freeze chicken noodle soup?
Yes, although the noodles may become softer after thawing.
For the best texture, freeze the soup without noodles and add freshly cooked noodles when serving.
Why is my chicken noodle soup bland?
The broth, seasoning, and cooking time all affect the final flavor.
Taste the soup before serving and adjust salt, herbs, pepper, and lemon juice as needed.
Can I add lemon juice?
Yes.
A small amount of fresh lemon juice can brighten the broth.
Is chicken noodle soup a complete meal?
It can be.
Chicken provides protein, noodles provide carbohydrates, and vegetables add additional nutrients.
You can serve it with bread or salad if you want a more substantial meal.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition will vary depending on the chicken, broth, noodles, serving size, and other ingredients used.
For accurate nutrition information, calculate the recipe using the exact ingredients and brands you purchase.
Final Thoughts
This homemade chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food that’s easy enough for everyday cooking.
Tender chicken, soft vegetables, flavorful broth, and hearty noodles come together in one warm and satisfying bowl.
The recipe is also incredibly flexible.
Use chicken thighs or breast, swap noodles for rice, add extra vegetables, or make it creamy for a completely different version.
It’s the kind of recipe that’s worth having in your collection because it’s simple, comforting, and easy to adapt.
Recipe Card
Easy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, optional
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Add chicken broth and chicken.
- Add bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken and shred it.
- Return the chicken to the pot.
- Add egg noodles.
- Cook until the noodles are tender.
- Remove bay leaves.
- Stir in fresh parsley and optional lemon juice.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve hot.
Food-safety note: Cook chicken thoroughly and use a food thermometer for the most reliable check.