If there’s one dish that wraps you in a cozy hug from the inside out, it’s this Classic Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. Imagine tender chicken swimming alongside vibrant carrots and celery, all nestled in a savory broth infused with herbs and garlic, paired perfectly with soft egg noodles. This soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a timeless comfort food that feels like home, no matter the season or mood.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white rectangular plate holds three raw, smooth, pale pink pieces of chicken in the center. Around it are various small white bowls and wooden bowls containing ingredients: bright orange carrot slices in a wooden bowl at the bottom right, light green celery slices in a white bowl at the top right, chopped white onions in a wooden bowl near the top center, a small white bowl with minced garlic to the right, and another with light brown dried herbs just below it. Below the plate are yellowish uncooked egg noodles in a white bowl, and to the bottom left are salt and black pepper in small wooden and white bowls respectively. There is also a bunch of fresh green parsley near the bottom left, two dried bay leaves nearby, a yellow spice mix in a white bowl, a stick of butter wrapped in paper, and a clear glass measuring jug filled with light golden broth. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role to build layers of flavor, color, and texture. While the list is surprisingly simple, each element contributes something essential to the heartwarming character of this classic favorite.

Olive oil or butter: Provides a flavorful base and helps soften the vegetables without overpowering the broth.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, which becomes the backbone of the soup’s flavor.
Carrots: Bring a subtle natural sweetness and vibrant color to the pot.
Celery: Offers a slight bitterness and crunch that balances the sweetness of carrots and onion.
Garlic: Infuses a fragrant kick that awakens the senses without stealing the show.
Chicken broth: The soul of the soup; using a good quality or homemade broth means richer, more comforting results.
Chicken breasts or thighs: Tender and juicy proteins that make the soup hearty and filling; bone-in adds extra flavor to the broth.
Bay leaves: Subtle herbal notes that sneak in background complexity.
Dried thyme: Earthy and fragrant, pairing beautifully with the chicken and vegetables.
Black pepper: Lightly sharpens the broth with gentle heat.
Salt: Enhances all the other ingredients, so don’t skip it or skimp.
Egg noodles: The comforting, silky noodles that give this soup its signature texture.
Fresh lemon juice (optional): Adds a bright, fresh zing that elevates the flavors just before serving.
Fresh parsley or dill: A colorful garnish that brings freshness and a touch of herbaceous charm.

How to Make Classic Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by warming olive oil or butter over medium heat in a large pot. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery, letting them cook gently for 6 to 7 minutes until softened and fragrant. This step is crucial because it releases the natural sweetness and softens the vegetables, laying down a flavorful foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Broth

Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds to bring out its aroma without burning it. Immediately pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to lift any flavor-packed bits left behind by the vegetables.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken with Herbs

Now, add your chicken pieces along with bay leaves, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Bring everything up to a boil, then lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 25 to 30 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook thoroughly while infusing the broth with rich, savory flavors.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks or your hands if cool enough. Shredded chicken spreads evenly throughout the soup, ensuring each spoonful is perfectly hearty and satisfying. Discard the bay leaves after this step.

Step 5: Add the Noodles

Return the shredded chicken back to the pot and stir in the egg noodles. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, typically about 7 to 9 minutes, until tender but not mushy. Adding the noodles last keeps them from becoming overly soft during storage or reheating.

Step 6: Final Touches

Just before serving, stir in a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice if you like a subtle brightness that cuts through the richness. Taste once more and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish generously with fresh parsley or dill to add a fresh and colorful touch that makes this Classic Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe truly sparkle.

How to Serve Classic Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Classic Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A handful of chopped parsley or dill tossed on top adds not just color but a fragrant freshness that contrasts beautifully with the warm broth. You can also add a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a few drops of lemon juice for an extra zing right at the table.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs perfectly with warm crusty bread or buttery crackers for dipping. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing crunch and balances the rich, soothing qualities of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your soup in rustic bowls with a swirl of cream or a dash of hot sauce for a personalized touch. For a cozy dinner party, place individual ramekins of soup with fresh herbs on top alongside serving boards of cheese and sliced bread to create a welcoming and satisfying experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your homemade chicken noodle soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days. The flavors actually deepen with time, but add the noodles fresh when reheating for the best texture.

Freezing

To freeze, remove the noodles beforehand since they tend to get mushy after thawing and reheating. Store the broth, chicken, and vegetables in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and cook fresh noodles to add before serving.

Reheating

Gently reheat the soup on the stove over low to medium heat to avoid overcooking the chicken and vegetables. Add fresh or pre-cooked noodles during reheating or just before serving to maintain that perfect bite and texture.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken in this soup?

Absolutely! Using cooked chicken can save time—just add it when you add the noodles and allow it to warm through without overcooking. This shortcut still results in a delicious Classic Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe.

What’s the best type of noodles to use?

Traditional egg noodles work beautifully because they cook quickly and have a tender texture that complements the broth. You can experiment with other pasta shapes, but avoid those that absorb too much broth or become mushy.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

While this recipe centers on chicken, you can create a vegetarian version by substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth and adding hearty vegetables or tofu for protein. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will change accordingly.

How do I prevent the noodles from becoming soggy?

The trick is to add the noodles at the very end of cooking and not to cook them too far in advance. If you plan to store leftovers, keep the noodles separate and add fresh noodles when reheating your Classic Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe.

Is there a secret to a richer broth?

Yes! Using bone-in chicken pieces or homemade bone broth will give you a deeper, more savory broth. Simmering the bones slowly extracts gelatin and flavor, creating soup with a luxurious mouthfeel.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace in a bowl, perfect for sharing with those you love or comforting yourself on any given day. Once you experience the rich flavors and textures developed from fresh, simple ingredients, you’ll understand why it’s a forever favorite. So grab your pot and get ready to make your kitchen smell like happiness and home.