If you’re looking for a warm, comforting bowl that feels like a hug in a spoon, this Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a beloved dish that brings together tender chicken, hearty noodles, and vibrant vegetables all simmered in a savory broth. Whether you’re chasing away a cold or simply craving that nostalgic taste of home, this soup delivers soul-soothing flavors with every sip.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to crafting an unforgettable soup. Each one offers a unique touch — from the sweetness of carrots to the depth of homemade broth, everything plays a vital role in creating that perfect bowl.
- Chicken: Use bone-in pieces for more flavor or boneless if you’re short on time.
- Onion: Adds a mild sweetness and a foundational depth to your broth.
- Carrots: Bring a gentle sweetness and a pop of color to the pot.
- Celery: Provides a subtle Earthy flavor that balances the sweetness of carrots.
- Egg noodles: Classic choice that softens perfectly without falling apart.
- Chicken broth: The heart of the soup—rich, flavorful, and cozy.
How to Make Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables Until Tender
The first step unlocks the base of your soup’s flavor. Gently sauté the chopped onions, carrots, and celery until they become soft and aromatic, which helps build a rich taste foundation that elevates the entire dish.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Broth, Then Simmer
Next, add your chicken along with the chicken broth to the pot. Let everything simmer patiently until the chicken is fully cooked through. This slow cooking lets the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a broth that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
Step 3: Shred Chicken and Return to Pot
Once the chicken is tender, remove it to shred into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring it in so the meat mingles with the flavorful broth and vegetables.
Step 4: Add Noodles and Cook Until Tender
Finally, toss in the egg noodles and cook them just until they’re tender. This step needs a bit of attention because overcooked noodles can get mushy, but perfectly cooked ones provide that satisfying, chewy texture that makes this Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe so special.
How to Serve Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a pinch of cracked black pepper can brighten up your soup wonderfully. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil adds richness, while a squeeze of fresh lemon can balance all the warmth with a touch of zest.
Side Dishes
Serve your soup alongside a crispy slice of toasted bread or homemade crackers to soak up every drop of that delicious broth. A light green salad or roasted vegetables can round out the meal, making it both nourishing and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in bread bowls or mini crocks that add charm and keep the soup warm longer. You can also layer the ingredients in clear glass mugs for an inviting, colorful presentation that shows off all those beautiful textures and colors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your soup, store any leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate them promptly. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a quick grab-and-go lunch or dinner for busy days.
Freezing
Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe freezes beautifully — just hold off on adding noodles before freezing, as they can become mushy. Freeze the soup in portions, then add fresh noodles when reheating for the best texture experience.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium heat until steaming hot. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Stir occasionally to keep the flavors blended and the ingredients evenly heated.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works wonderfully in this soup and saves time, while still infusing the broth with plenty of flavor.
What type of noodles work best?
Egg noodles are classic for their perfect balance of tenderness and chewiness, but you can use other pasta shapes like rotini or small shells if you prefer.
Can I make the soup vegetarian?
You can substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables or beans and use vegetable broth instead to create a delicious vegetarian version of this soup.
How do I keep the noodles from getting mushy?
To avoid mushy noodles, cook them separately or add them to the soup just before serving, especially if you plan to store leftovers.
Is this soup good for cold weather?
It’s perfect for chilly days — the warmth and nourishing ingredients make it a go-to comfort food anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is more than just a meal — it’s a cozy companion for quiet nights or a trusted friend when you’re feeling under the weather. Don’t wait to make it part of your kitchen repertoire. Once you try it, I promise it will become a cherished favorite as it has for me.
Print
Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A classic chicken noodle soup recipe that’s the ultimate comfort food. Tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and egg noodles combine in a flavorful chicken broth, making it perfect for chilly days or when you need a soothing meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups chicken broth
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
Noodles
- 2 cups egg noodles
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This step helps build a rich base flavor for the soup.
- Add chicken and broth: Place the chicken breasts into the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a low simmer. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring to combine with the broth and vegetables.
- Cook noodles: Add the egg noodles to the simmering soup. Continue to cook until the noodles are tender but not mushy, about 6-8 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can sauté the vegetables in a bit of butter instead of oil.
- Leftover cooked chicken can be used in place of raw breast meat to shorten cooking time.
- Customize with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added aroma.
- Use gluten-free noodles if gluten sensitivity is a concern.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and freeze beautifully.
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