There is something deeply soothing about a warm bowl of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup: A Comforting Classic Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you up in savory, fragrant hugs with every spoonful. Loaded with tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a melody of sautéed vegetables swimming in rich broth, this soup is not just about satisfying hunger—it’s about reviving the soul and reminding you of home. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving that classic comfort, this recipe delivers a timeless blend of flavor and coziness that never fails.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup: A Comforting Classic Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen for how it builds layers of flavor, texture, and heartiness, creating that perfect bowl everyone loves.
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps soften the vegetables without overpowering their natural flavors.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Brings subtle sweetness and depth to the broth as it cooks down.
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced: Offers a touch of earthiness and a lovely splash of color.
- 2 celery stalks, diced: Adds a mild, refreshing crunch and balances the sweetness from the carrots.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with a warm, aromatic base that wakes up every ingredient.
- 8 cups chicken stock or broth (preferably low-sodium): The heart of the soup, providing a savory, comforting liquid that ties everything together.
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded): Tender and flavorful, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver here.
- 2 cups egg noodles (or other noodles of choice): Delivers satisfying bite and soaks up the broth beautifully.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and rounding out the flavors.
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh thyme sprigs): Adds an herbal note that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 2 bay leaves: Impart subtle depth and a slight earthiness during the simmering process.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): Brightens the finished soup with fresh, grassy tones.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional): A little zing that lifts and refreshes the whole bowl right before serving.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup: A Comforting Classic Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables to Start Your Flavor Base
Begin by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion, carrots, and celery. Stir these gently as they soften over 5 to 7 minutes—their natural aromas will start building a comforting base that sets the tone for the entire soup. This part is key because releasing the sweetness and textures here ensures every spoonful is layered with heartwarming goodness.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasoning
Next, stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaves. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic turns fragrant, being careful not to let it brown. These herbs and spices infuse the broth with those subtle undertones that make the soup taste like it’s been simmering for hours, even when you’re on a time crunch.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Chicken
Now it’s time to bring it all together. Pour in your chicken stock and bring the pot to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, add the shredded chicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then let everything mingle for another 10 to 15 minutes. This simmering stage is when the flavors deepen and harmonize, making that broth unforgettable.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles to Perfection
Finally, stir in the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions—usually about 7 to 9 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the noodles from sticking to the bottom. The noodles soak up the flavorful broth and offer the chewy, tender bite that transforms this dish from soup to soul food.
Step 5: Finish and Serve Your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup: A Comforting Classic Recipe
When the noodles are tender, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaves, then stir in fresh chopped parsley and a splash of lemon juice if you want a bright, fresh finish. Ladle into bowls, and get ready to dive in—because this is comfort in its most delicious form.
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup: A Comforting Classic Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your bowl dramatically. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or dill on top for a burst of color and freshness. A few cracks of black pepper or a tiny drizzle of good olive oil can add even more depth. If you like a little zest, a thin lemon wedge on the side allows everyone to customize their soup experience.
Side Dishes
Since the soup itself is hearty, light and crispy sides complement it perfectly. Think rustic garlic bread, warm crusty rolls, or even a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. These accompaniments provide crunch and contrast, making your meal feel complete and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy gathering, serve the soup in charming individual crocks or mugs for an inviting presentation. You could even hollow out a round sourdough loaf to use as an edible bowl—creatively soaking the crust with broth as you enjoy the soup inside. It’s fun, unexpected, and makes the eating experience extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup: A Comforting Classic Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve all that rich flavor and freshness—just give it a quick stir before reheating to redistribute the ingredients evenly.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, but for best texture, store the broth, chicken, and vegetables separately from the noodles. Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. When it’s time to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove, adding fresh noodles before serving.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to keep everything hot and evenly warmed. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup feels too thick. If you’ve frozen the noodles separately, cook them fresh before serving to keep that perfect tender bite intact.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and texture without extra cooking time. Just shred the meat and toss it in during the simmering stage.
What type of noodles work best?
Egg noodles are traditional and offer a tender, hearty bite, but feel free to swap in any small pasta like ditalini or even broken spaghetti pieces. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
You can! Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, leave out the chicken, and add extra veggies or plant-based proteins like tofu or chickpeas. Just season to taste for a delicious vegetarian-friendly twist.
How can I make the soup more flavorful?
For deeper flavor, use homemade chicken broth if you have it, or add a splash of dry white wine when cooking the vegetables. Fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice at the end also brighten and amplify the taste.
Is it okay to use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables can work in a pinch, especially if fresh ones aren’t available. Just add them during the simmering step and cook until tender. Fresh veggies will deliver the best texture, though.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sitting down with a steaming bowl of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup: A Comforting Classic Recipe after a long day. It’s simple, nourishing, and endlessly satisfying—a timeless favorite for good reason. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s the perfect way to bring a little warmth and joy to your table anytime you need a comforting lift.
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Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup: A Comforting Classic Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is a warm and comforting classic recipe featuring tender shredded chicken, hearty egg noodles, and a flavorful broth enriched with sautéed vegetables and aromatic herbs. Perfect for chilly days or when needing a soothing meal, this soup combines simple ingredients for a nourishing and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced (½-inch pieces)
- 2 celery stalks, diced (½-inch pieces)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken stock or broth (preferably low-sodium)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh thyme sprigs)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded, rotisserie chicken works well)
- 2 cups egg noodles (or other noodles of choice)
Finishing Touches
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for a fresh finish)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and release their flavors.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaves. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Add Broth and Chicken: Pour the chicken stock into the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, add the shredded cooked chicken. Season with salt and pepper to your preference. Let the soup cook for 10-15 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
- Cook Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the simmering soup and cook according to the package instructions, usually 7-9 minutes, until the noodles are tender. Stir frequently to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom.
- Finish and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaves. Stir in the fresh parsley and, if you like, the lemon juice for a bright, fresh finish. Serve the soup hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels.
- Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option to save cooking time.
- Fresh thyme can be substituted for dried thyme for a more vibrant herb flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute egg noodles with gluten-free noodles or spiralized vegetables.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving for added brightness and depth.
