If you’re craving something comforting, nourishing, and bursting with classic flavors, this Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is exactly what your soul needs. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, hearty noodles, and vibrant vegetables simmered in a fragrant broth that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re nursing a chilly day or just want a dish that’s both satisfying and simple to make, this soup brings that cozy, homemade goodness right to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the sweetness of sautéed onions and the earthiness of fresh carrots to the savory depth of homemade broth, every item is essential for that authentic, comforting taste.
- Olive oil: Use this to gently sauté the vegetables, adding a subtle richness without overpowering the soup.
- Onion: Diced for a foundational sweetness that mellows as it cooks, enhancing the broth’s flavor.
- Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse a gentle kick and aromatic warmth throughout the soup.
- Carrots: Sliced to lend natural sweetness and a delightful bite with every spoonful.
- Celery stalks: Sliced thin to provide a fresh, crisp contrast to the softened vegetables.
- Chicken broth: The soul of the soup, this 8-cup base delivers deep, savory notes that tie everything together.
- Cooked, shredded chicken: Adds protein and hearty texture, making the soup satisfying and filling.
- Wide egg noodles: Soft and tender, these noodles absorb the broth beautifully and add just the right chewiness.
- Dried thyme: Brings an earthy, slightly minty aroma that enhances every savory bite.
- Dried parsley: Adds gentle herbaceous notes and a pop of color within the broth.
- Bay leaf: Simmered in the soup for a subtle layer of woodsy flavor, removed before serving.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, seasoning the soup perfectly so each flavor shines without overpowering.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Chopped for garnish, delivering a bright, fresh burst as the final touch.
How to Make Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and cook them gently until they become translucent, softening enough to release their natural sweetness. This step builds the soup’s aromatic foundation and sets the stage for all the other flavors to develop beautifully.
Step 2: Add Garlic, Carrots, and Celery
Next, stir in the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Cooking them for a few minutes allows their flavors to meld, softening the vegetables while keeping a bit of their body and texture. This creates a wonderful mixture that balances sweetness with a fresh crunch.
Step 3: Pour in Chicken Broth and Spices
Once the vegetables have slightly softened, pour in the chicken broth. Then, add garlic, thyme, parsley, a bay leaf, plus salt and pepper for seasoning. Bring everything to a lively boil to kickstart the melding of flavors before slowing the heat down for a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Simmer with Shredded Chicken
Reduce the heat so the soup simmers softly. Stir in the shredded chicken and let all the ingredients mingle for around 10 minutes. This step warms the chicken through and allows it to soak up those beautiful broth flavors, making every bite tender and tasty.
Step 5: Cook the Egg Noodles
Add the wide egg noodles last since they cook quickly. Follow the package instructions—usually 8 to 10 minutes—until they become tender and inviting. This ensures the noodles are perfectly cooked without turning mushy and that they soak up just enough broth.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Garnish
Before serving, taste the soup and add more salt and pepper if needed. Don’t forget to fish out the bay leaf. For a pop of freshness and color, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve your bowl hot, filled with comforting warmth and homemade love.
How to Serve Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but you can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of cracked black pepper to elevate the flavors. A few freshly grated Parmesan shards on top can also add a delightful richness if you want to get a little fancy without complicating the dish.
Side Dishes
Pair your soup with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple green salad for a perfectly balanced meal. The soup’s warmth and heartiness go hand in hand with sides that add texture contrasts, like crunchy bread or a crisp salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the soup in rustic bread bowls for a charming touch that doubles as an edible side. For a more casual twist, ladle it into mason jars for an on-the-go lunch or pack it up for a picnic. Either way, this soup always tastes like a warm hug, however you choose to present it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store the soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so the next-day version can taste even better. Just be sure to keep the noodles separate if you want to avoid them becoming mushy before reheating.
Freezing
This Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve texture and flavor integrity.
Reheating
Warm your soup gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If the noodles have absorbed too much broth during storage, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the soup to your preferred consistency.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken myself?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds plenty of flavor and saves cooking time. Just shred it and add it during the simmer step as described in the recipe.
What type of noodles work best in this soup?
Wide egg noodles are ideal because they cook quickly and hold up well in the broth. However, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like bowtie or small shells depending on your preference.
How can I make the soup gluten-free?
Simply swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or even spiralized vegetables like zucchini noodles to keep it light and suitable for gluten-free diets.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken or use plant-based chicken substitutes. Load up on hearty veggies to keep it filling and delicious.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can sauté the veggies first on the stove as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, add noodles during the last 30 minutes, and you’ll have a rich, comforting soup with minimal hands-on time.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is the kind of dish that never goes out of style and always hits the spot when you want something heartwarming and homemade. It’s simple to pull together, packed with fresh ingredients, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Trust me, once you make it, this soup will become your cozy go-to anytime comfort food craving strikes.
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
This Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting and hearty classic made with tender shredded chicken, wide egg noodles, and a flavorful broth enriched with fresh vegetables and herbs. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a soothing meal, this homemade recipe is simple to prepare and serves 6 people, delivering warmth and nourishment in every bowl.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 2 cups wide egg noodles
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant, setting a flavorful base for the soup.
- Add garlic and vegetables: Stir in minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, then add dried thyme, dried parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer with chicken: Lower the heat to a simmer. Add the shredded cooked chicken to the pot and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to warm through.
- Cook noodles: Add the wide egg noodles to the simmering soup and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the noodles are tender but not mushy.
- Finish and serve: Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth or low-sodium broth to control salt content.
- Substitute wide egg noodles with other pasta shapes or gluten-free noodles if preferred.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- For an even heartier soup, add diced potatoes or green beans along with the carrots and celery.
- Ensure the shredded chicken is fully cooked before adding to the soup; rotisserie chicken works well.
