Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
If you’ve ever wanted a comforting bowl of homemade goodness that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s packed with tender chicken, hearty egg noodles, and vibrant vegetables simmered in a savory broth that’s as simple as it is satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just craving a little cozy comfort food, this soup delivers every bit of that classic, timeless flavor that makes chicken noodle soup a lifelong favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe comes from straightforward, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one plays an essential role in layering the taste, building the texture, and adding that perfect pop of color that makes the soup so inviting.
- Olive oil: Adds a gentle richness and helps soften vegetables without overpowering their natural flavors.
- Onion, diced: Creates a sweet, aromatic base that brings depth to the broth.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the soup with a subtle, savory warmth.
- Carrots, sliced: Provide natural sweetness and a splash of color, plus a satisfying bite.
- Celery stalks, sliced: Adds a slight crunch and earthy flavor to balance the soup.
- Chicken broth: The heart and soul of the soup, giving it a rich, savory foundation.
- Cooked, shredded chicken: Offers tender protein that makes the dish hearty and filling.
- Wide egg noodles: Give the soup body and a comforting, chewy texture.
- Dried thyme: Brings an earthy herbal note that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Dried parsley: Adds a bright, fresh undertone to the broth.
- Bay leaf: Infuses subtle depth and warmth while simmering.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors and make them pop.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A vibrant garnish that adds a fresh, green finish.
How to Make Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until it turns translucent and sweet-smelling. This step is key to developing a deep, flavorful base for your soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Vegetables
Next, add the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Let these soften and mingle with the onions for another 3 to 4 minutes. This not only builds the flavor but also helps the vegetables release their natural sweetness into the broth.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Herbs
Pour in all 8 cups of chicken broth, stirring to combine. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried parsley, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil; this allows the herbs to release their lovely aromas and the broth to become infused with all those savory notes.
Step 4: Simmer with Chicken
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add your shredded cooked chicken. Allow the soup to simmer for about 10 minutes so the chicken absorbs the herb-infused broth and stays tender and juicy with every spoonful.
Step 5: Cook the Egg Noodles
Add the wide egg noodles directly into the simmering soup. Let them cook according to package instructions, usually between 8 and 10 minutes, until they reach that perfect tender-but-not-mushy texture that complements the broth beautifully.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf to avoid any bitter notes. For an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and serve your Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe piping hot.
How to Serve Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish that not only brightens the look of your soup but also adds a layer of vibrant flavor. For a little zing, you can also offer lemon wedges on the side to squeeze into the broth. A dash of cracked black pepper on top gives a nice hint of spice and aroma.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with hearty crusty bread or garlic toast, perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop of broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the warm soup with some refreshing crunch and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch, serve your Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe in individual rustic bowls with a sprinkle of herbs and a swirl of olive oil. You can also ladle it into mini bread bowls for a fun, edible presentation that’s sure to impress guests at your next cozy dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your soup, let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, often tasting even better the next day.
Freezing
Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe freezes well, but for best texture, consider freezing the broth and chicken mixture separately from the noodles. Noodles tend to get softer after freezing and reheating, so add them fresh if possible. Freeze in meal-sized portions for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat until steaming hot, stirring occasionally. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Adding a splash of broth or water may help restore the soup’s perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful shortcut that works wonderfully in this Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. Just shred it up and add it to the simmering broth for tender, ready-to-eat chicken.
What’s the best type of noodles to use?
Wide egg noodles are classic and hold up well in the soup’s broth, giving a satisfying texture. However, feel free to use any noodles you prefer, such as thin egg noodles, pasta shells, or even gluten-free options for dietary needs.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip the chicken. Add extra hearty vegetables like mushrooms or beans for protein, and your Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe becomes a delicious vegetarian-friendly meal.
How do I keep the noodles from getting mushy?
The best tip is to cook the noodles separately and add them to your bowls just before serving, or add them towards the end of cooking and watch closely. This helps maintain their perfect bite and prevents mushiness.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
You certainly can! If you have fresh thyme and parsley on hand, just increase the quantity—about three times the dried amount—for more vibrant flavor. Add fresh herbs towards the end of cooking to retain their bright aroma.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is one of those few meals that can truly brighten a day and warm weary souls. It’s simple, familiar, and endlessly adaptable, making it a treasured staple in any kitchen. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I love sharing it—because nothing beats a bowl of soup made with love and a few simple ingredients that turn into something magical.
Print
Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting and hearty classic made with shredded chicken, wide egg noodles, and a medley of fresh vegetables simmered in flavorful chicken broth. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a soothing meal, it combines simple ingredients for a quick and satisfying homemade soup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 2 cups wide egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent, creating a flavorful base.
- Add Aromatics and Vegetables: Add minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and develop their flavors.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth. Stir in dried thyme, dried parsley, the bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer with Chicken: Reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Add the cooked, shredded chicken and let it cook for about 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Cook Noodles: Add the wide egg noodles to the pot and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
- Finish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve the soup hot.
Notes
- Use leftover roasted or boiled chicken for convenience and flavor.
- Wide egg noodles can be substituted with any pasta shape you prefer.
- For richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth.
- Ensure not to overcook noodles to avoid mushiness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
