Description
This Classic Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is a warm and comforting dish made from scratch using tender chicken, hearty vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, and perfectly cooked egg noodles in a flavorful chicken broth. It’s an ultimate comfort food that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or whenever you need a cozy, nourishing meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1½ pounds bone-in or boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the oil and soften vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Cook for 6–7 minutes until the vegetables become softened and fragrant.
- Add garlic: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional 30 seconds until the garlic releases its aroma but does not brown.
- Add broth and chicken: Pour in 8 cups of low sodium chicken broth. Add the chicken breasts or thighs, 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and salt to taste.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 25–30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Discard the bay leaves.
- Return chicken and add noodles: Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Add 2 cups of egg noodles and cook according to package instructions, about 7–9 minutes, until noodles are tender.
- Add lemon juice: Stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice if using, to brighten the flavors.
- Adjust seasoning and garnish: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or dill before serving.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken for a richer, deeper broth flavor.
- Add egg noodles just before serving to avoid soggy noodles.
- For extra richness, homemade bone broth can be used in place of store-bought broth.
- Store leftover soup in the refrigerator for 4–5 days.
- Freeze the soup without noodles for the best texture upon reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
