If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug, you simply have to try this Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. It’s the kind of soup that brightens dreary days, heals a scratchy throat, and satisfies your soul all at once. With tender shredded chicken, hearty egg noodles, and a medley of well-blended vegetables swimming in a flavorful broth, this soup is both nourishing and incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s straightforward enough for even beginners in the kitchen to whip up, making it a trusty go-to recipe you’ll want to share with friends and family time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, wholesome ingredients—you likely have most on hand already. Each one plays a crucial role: from the aromatic onion and garlic building the base, to the carrots and celery adding that classic crunch and sweetness, and of course, the star players that bring it all together.
- Olive oil: Adds a gentle richness and helps soften the vegetables without overpowering the soup.
- Onion, diced: Creates a flavorful foundation with its natural sweetness as it cooks down.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses warmth and depth to every spoonful.
- Carrots, sliced: Bring color, subtle sweetness, and a tender bite.
- Celery stalks, sliced: Offer a hint of herbal brightness and crunch.
- Chicken broth: The heart of the soup, providing savory depth and seasoning.
- Cooked, shredded chicken: Delivers hearty protein and a comforting texture.
- Wide egg noodles: Give a satisfying chewiness that pairs perfectly with the broth.
- Dried thyme: Adds a fragrant, earthy note balancing the soup’s flavors.
- Dried parsley: Enhances freshness and complexity.
- Bay leaf: Subtle aromatic lift that rounds out the soup’s profile.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that amplify all the other ingredients’ tastes.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A pop of green color and herbal brightness when garnishing.
How to Make Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it turns translucent. This step unlocks that sweet, mellow base flavor that’s absolutely essential for a comforting soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic, Carrots, and Celery
Next, add minced garlic along with sliced carrots and celery to the pot. Let everything cook together for another 3 to 4 minutes. This softens the veggies nicely and fills your kitchen with that classic soup aroma that instantly lifts your mood.
Step 3: Pour in Broth and Seasonings
Pour the chicken broth into the pot, then sprinkle in dried thyme, dried parsley, and the bay leaf. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to your taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring gently to combine all those wonderful flavors. This step is where your soup really starts to come alive.
Step 4: Simmer with Chicken
Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and add your cooked, shredded chicken. Allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavors of the broth and seasonings. This slow melding of flavors is what makes this an Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe that tastes like it’s been bubbling all day long.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
Finally, add the wide egg noodles to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8 to 10 minutes, until tender but still slightly firm. The noodles soak up just the right amount of broth without becoming mushy.
Step 6: Final Touches
Give the soup a taste, then adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf and sprinkle fresh parsley on top if you want that burst of fresh green and herbaceous aroma. Serve your steaming bowl of deliciousness hot and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience.
How to Serve Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish here. It not only adds a lively pop of color but also a gentle herbaceous brightness to balance the richness of the broth. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten the flavors if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping. A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the richness, and for something more filling, roasted vegetables or a grilled cheese sandwich are unbeatable companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a foodie twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic, cozy feel. You can also layer the noodles and chicken separately in the bowl and ladle hot broth on top just before serving to keep noodles perfectly tender and avoid sogginess.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store in an airtight container to preserve freshness and keep those flavors nice and vibrant.
Freezing
If you want to make this soup ahead for busy days, you can freeze it without the noodles. The noodles tend to get mushy during freezing, so add them fresh when reheating. Just freeze in portions and have comforting soup ready anytime you need it.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems too thick. If frozen, defrost overnight in the fridge first before warming it up. Stir occasionally to keep the soup heated evenly without losing that delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken myself?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds flavor and saves time. Just shred the meat and add it in step 4 as directed.
What type of noodles works best in this soup?
Wide egg noodles are traditional and hold up well in the soup without becoming too mushy. However, you can substitute with other pasta types like fettuccine or even small shells depending on your preference.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or rice noodles. Just keep an eye on cooking times as different noodles vary in how fast they cook.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You might also add more hearty vegetables or beans to keep it filling and flavorful.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting soggy?
To keep the noodles firm, cook and add them just before serving. If making ahead, store noodles separately and combine when reheating your soup.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is truly a kitchen treasure that delivers a bowl full of warmth and happiness every single time. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal but comforting enough to remind you of cozy family gatherings. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own staple for those moments when you need a little extra comfort and love in a bowl.
Print
Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make homestyle chicken noodle soup featuring tender shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and wide egg noodles simmered in flavorful chicken broth. Perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 2 cups wide egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and sauté onion: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add garlic and vegetables: Stir in the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook everything together for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Combine broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth. Add dried thyme, dried parsley, the bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer with chicken: Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the noodles: Add the wide egg noodles to the pot. Cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until the noodles are tender but not mushy.
- Finish and serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute wide egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice noodles.
- Adding fresh lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce can brighten up the flavors when serving.
- Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid overcooking the noodles.
