If you’ve been searching for a soul-soothing, hearty bowl to warm your heart and satisfy your hunger, look no further than this Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. It’s everything you want in a classic comfort meal—tender shredded chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked egg noodles swimming in a rich, savory broth that hugs you from the inside out. Whether it’s a chilly day, you’re feeling under the weather, or you simply want a wholesome, homemade meal, this recipe delivers that cozy feeling every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe relies on simple, familiar ingredients that come together effortlessly to create an unforgettable depth of flavor. Each ingredient plays a vital role in balancing the taste, texture, and color of the soup, making it wholesome and wonderfully inviting.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps soften the vegetables to release their sweetness.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Provides a savory base full of natural sweetness once cooked down.
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced: Bring a pleasant pop of color and natural sweetness.
- 2 celery stalks, sliced: Add a subtle earthiness and crisp texture to the broth.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Inject vibrant, aromatic depth that lingers in every spoonful.
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The heart of the soup, it carries all the flavors and keeps it light yet hearty.
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken: Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for tender, protein-packed bites.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Infuses a fragrant herbaceous note that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1 bay leaf: Adds subtle warmth and complexity to the broth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing every ingredient.
- 2 cups egg noodles: Soft and comforting, they soak up all that luscious broth effortlessly.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the soup with a fresh, vibrant touch.
- Optional: lemon juice for brightness: A little squeeze lifts all the flavors and adds a lovely zing.
How to Make Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until they soften and release their natural sweetness—about 5 to 6 minutes. This step builds the flavor foundation for your soup and creates that irresistible aroma that sets the tone for a warm meal.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Broth
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook it just for 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to let it burn. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, which will carry all the flavors forward and make your soup satisfyingly soupy and rich.
Step 3: Simmer with Chicken and Herbs
Add the shredded cooked chicken, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes. This simmering time lets all those beautiful flavors meld together into one harmonious, comforting broth.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Once the broth is ready, add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions—typically around 6 to 8 minutes—until tender but still a little firm to the bite. The noodles soak up the broth, giving you every spoonful packed with flavor and texture.
Step 5: Finish with Herbs and a Touch of Lemon
Remove the bay leaf, then stir in fresh parsley for a vibrant pop of color and freshness. If you like, add a small squeeze of lemon juice—it brightens all the flavors and gives your Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe a delightful finishing touch that’s simply irresistible.
How to Serve Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your soup elevates the experience and adds dimension. Try sprinkling more fresh parsley or even a few chopped chives to brighten the bowl. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a handful of crushed black pepper can add a subtle richness and gentle spice, turning your everyday meal into something special.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with simple sides. A crusty piece of freshly baked bread or a buttery biscuit is perfect for dipping into the savory broth. For a lighter option, a crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the hearty soup and balances the meal beautifully without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or make a weeknight dinner feel extraordinary? Serve the soup in charming mason jars for a rustic vibe, or ladle it into vibrant, patterned bowls to bring color and cheer to your table. Adding a thin lemon slice on top or a sprig of fresh thyme can make it look as delightful as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is a good problem to have), store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days. To keep the noodles from getting mushy, consider storing the noodles separately and combining them just before reheating.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully, making it a fantastic meal prep option. Freeze it without the noodles, as they tend to become soggy. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge, then cook fresh noodles to add in after reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the soup slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat to preserve its delicate flavors. If the broth seems too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth or water to bring it back to the perfect consistency. Add the noodles last to avoid overcooking them.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! This Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover rotisserie or roasted chicken, making the cooking process quicker without sacrificing flavor.
What can I substitute for egg noodles?
You can swap egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or even rice for a tasty variation that fits your dietary preferences without losing that comforting feel.
Is there an easy way to deepen the soup’s flavor?
Yes! Simmering the soup with a leftover chicken carcass before adding the noodles infuses the broth with rich, deep flavor that makes your soup taste extra special.
Can this soup be made dairy-free?
Definitely. This hearty soup is naturally dairy-free, so no adjustments are needed to enjoy it even if you’re avoiding dairy products.
How can I make the soup more vibrant?
Add a splash of fresh lemon juice right before serving. It adds a fresh zing that brightens all the flavors and lifts the whole dish to a new level of deliciousness.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like a bowl of homemade soup to make you feel cared for and comforted, and this Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe does just that with every spoonful. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for any day you want to enjoy a taste of classic home cooking. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for that ladle again and again, eager for the warmth and flavor only a homemade chicken noodle soup can bring.
Print
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
Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup is a classic comfort food featuring tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and egg noodles simmered in a rich, savory low-sodium chicken broth. This wholesome soup is perfect for chilly days, soothing colds, or whenever you crave a comforting, homemade meal with fresh herbs and a hint of lemon brightness.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Protein & Broth
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (from rotisserie or leftover chicken)
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Seasonings & Herbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: lemon juice for brightness
Carbohydrates
- 2 cups egg noodles
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook and stir for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to release its aroma without burning.
- Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Then add the shredded cooked chicken, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the soup mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 10–15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Cook Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions—usually 6–8 minutes—until the noodles are tender but not mushy.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf, then stir in the fresh chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. For a refreshing finish, add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve the soup warm and enjoy the comforting flavors.
Notes
- For a richer, deeper flavor, simmer the soup with a leftover chicken carcass before adding the noodles.
- Egg noodles can be substituted with gluten-free pasta or rice to suit dietary preferences.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth to loosen the soup if it has thickened.
