Name: Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil or butter; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 8 cups chicken broth or stock; 1 bay leaf; 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh thyme); 6 oz egg noodles or wide noodles; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken noodle soup is easy to make, wholesome, and so much better than anything from a can. It’s made with simple, nourishing ingredients and can be customized to your liking. The homemade flavor of the broth, fresh herbs, and tender chicken pieces will make this your go-to recipe for chilly days or when you need a bowl of comfort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Olive oil or butter
Yellow onion, chopped
Carrots, sliced
Celery, sliced
Garlic, minced
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Chicken broth or stock
Egg noodles or wide noodles
Bay leaf
Fresh thyme or dried thyme
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Salt
Black pepper

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until slightly softened.
Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Add chicken breasts or thighs, chicken broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
Remove chicken, shred it with two forks, then return it to the pot.
Add the egg noodles and cook uncovered for 6–8 minutes, or until noodles are tender.
Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
Remove the bay leaf, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Rotisserie Shortcut: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
Low-Carb Option: Replace noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
Lemon Herb: Stir in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and extra herbs before serving.
Creamy Version: Add a splash of cream or milk at the end for a creamy chicken noodle soup.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
For freezing, leave out the noodles (as they can get mushy). Freeze the broth and chicken mixture for up to 3 months. Thaw, reheat, and add freshly cooked noodles when ready to serve.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, bone-in chicken adds more flavor to the broth. Just remove bones and shred the meat after cooking.

What type of noodles work best?

Egg noodles are traditional, but any short pasta like rotini or ditalini works well.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, then add noodles in the last 30 minutes.

How do I thicken the soup?

You can simmer it uncovered to reduce, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water for a thicker broth.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free noodles and ensure your broth is certified gluten-free.

How can I make the broth richer?

Sauté the vegetables until deeply caramelized or add a bit of bouillon or stock concentrate.

Is it okay to freeze the whole soup?

It’s best to freeze the soup without noodles to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely—try peas, corn, spinach, or green beans for added color and flavor.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just add it in after the vegetables are tender and heat through before serving.

Do I need to skim the broth?

If using bone-in chicken, skimming off foam or fat from the top of the broth can improve clarity and flavor.

Conclusion

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is a timeless recipe that brings warmth, comfort, and nourishment in every bowl. Simple to make and full of rich, savory flavors, it’s a meal the whole family will love. Whether you’re fighting off a cold or just want something cozy and satisfying, this classic soup will always hit the spot.