Nothing says comfort like homemade chicken noodle soup. This recipe yields a rich, flavorful broth filled with tender chicken, soft noodles, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Ingredients for Chicken Noodle Soup
For the Soup Base
- 1 whole chicken breast or 2–3 bone-in chicken thighs (about 1–1.5 pounds)
- 8 cups (2 liters) chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 2 tablespoons fresh parsley)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Noodles
- 2 cups egg noodles or your favorite pasta
- Optional: additional parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Noodle Soup
1. Prepare the chicken
If using raw chicken, rinse and pat dry. Season lightly with salt and pepper. For extra flavor, you can sauté the chicken in olive oil for 3–4 minutes per side until lightly browned.
2. Sauté the aromatics
In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until softened and fragrant. This builds a flavorful base for your soup.
3. Add broth and chicken
Pour in the chicken broth and add the chicken. Stir in bay leaf, thyme, and parsley. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
4. Remove and shred the chicken
Remove the chicken from the soup and let it cool slightly. Shred the meat using two forks and discard any bones if using bone-in chicken. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
5. Cook the noodles
Add the egg noodles to the soup and simmer for 6–8 minutes (or according to package instructions) until tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Season the soup
Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs as needed. For extra freshness, add a sprinkle of chopped parsley before serving.
7. Serve
Ladle the chicken noodle soup into bowls while hot. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a comforting meal.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup
- Use homemade broth for maximum flavor, or enhance store-bought broth with sautéed vegetables.
- Don’t overcook noodles: Add them toward the end so they stay tender.
- Shred chicken carefully: Larger chunks give texture; smaller bits distribute throughout the soup.
- Customize vegetables: Add peas, corn, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Optional seasoning: A squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of crushed red pepper adds brightness.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat. Avoid boiling for too long to prevent the noodles from becoming mushy.
- Soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months; add noodles fresh when reheating.
Why This Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Works
This homemade chicken noodle soup combines a rich, aromatic broth with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles. It’s comforting, healthy, and easy to make, making it a classic favorite for families and meal prep.
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