If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, the Fresh Herb Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is perfect for you. This is not just any chicken noodle soup — it’s packed with a vibrant blend of fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, rosemary, parsley, dill, and basil that elevate every spoonful. Tender chicken breasts meet golden sautéed vegetables and rich, savory broth to create a heartwarming meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just want something cozy, this recipe brings fresh, wholesome flavors together effortlessly.

Fresh Herb Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting your ingredients right is key to the Fresh Herb Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. The list is simple yet thoughtfully selected to build layers of flavor, beautiful color, and delicious texture. Each ingredient plays an important role, from the tender chicken to the fragrant herbs that brighten the broth.

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs): Choose fresh chicken breasts for a tender and juicy protein base.
3 cups unsalted chicken broth: Provides the rich, savory liquid that carries all the flavors.
3-4 fresh thyme sprigs: Adds a subtle earthiness and depth to the broth.
2 fresh oregano sprigs: Offers a sweet, slightly peppery note that complements the thyme.
1 rosemary stalk: Gives a pine-like aroma that enhances the soup’s herbal bouquet.
2 garlic cloves, crushed: Infuses a warm, pungent flavor that wakes up the palate.
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt: Balances all the flavors and seasons perfectly.
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Adds just the right amount of spice and complexity.
2 tbsp olive oil: Used to sauté the vegetables, adding richness and depth.
1 yellow onion, finely diced: Brings sweetness and body to the soup.
2 large carrots, peeled and chopped: Contribute a gentle sweetness and vibrant color.
3 celery stalks, chopped: Add crunch and a mild, fresh flavor.
3 cups unsalted chicken broth (additional): This extra broth is added later for a perfectly balanced soup consistency.
1/2 cup parsley, chopped: Offers fresh, bright notes that lighten the soup at the end.
1/4 cup dill, chopped: Adds a unique, citrusy-herb punch.
5-6 fresh basil leaves, chopped: Provides a sweet, aromatic finish.
Cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread for serving: These make a satisfying accompaniment to the soup.

How to Make Fresh Herb Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Herbs

Begin by placing the chicken breasts, 3 cups of chicken broth, thyme sprigs, oregano sprigs, rosemary stalk, crushed garlic, salt, and pepper into a large pot. Set it over medium heat, allowing the chicken to poach gently. This slow cooking infuses the broth with herbal freshness while keeping the chicken juicy and tender. Once cooked through, remove the chicken and herbs from the pot and reserve the broth.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

In a separate large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, chopped carrots, and celery. Sauté until they are softened and fragrant, roughly 5 to 7 minutes. This step releases the natural sweetness of the vegetables and builds an essential flavor base for the soup.

Step 3: Combine Broth and Vegetables

Pour the reserved chicken broth through a fine mesh sieve into the pot with the sautéed vegetables, discarding the herbs and garlic. Add the additional 3 cups of chicken broth to boost the soup’s volume and richness. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer to marry the flavors and soften the vegetables further.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Add Herbs

While the soup simmers, shred the poached chicken breasts using two forks or your hands. Add the shredded chicken back into the pot along with chopped parsley, dill, and basil. Stir gently to distribute the fresh herbs evenly, which adds vibrant color and enhances the soup’s garden-fresh aroma.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serving Options

At this point, you can add cooked pasta or rice directly into the soup, warming it through until piping hot. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. The soup is now ready to be ladled into bowls and enjoyed with your favorite crusty bread for a complete meal experience.

How to Serve Fresh Herb Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herb garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a few basil leaves can brighten the bowl and add an extra pop of flavor right before serving. A squeeze of lemon juice or a twist of black pepper also works beautifully to awaken the palate.

Side Dishes

Pairing this soup with crusty bread makes for a classic and comforting combo, perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious broth. Alternatively, a light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can offer a refreshing contrast to the warm, herbaceous soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, serve the soup in rustic bowls and top each serving with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a small dollop of herbed yogurt. You could also use colorful pasta shapes to add a playful touch, turning this homey meal into a delightful feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Fresh Herb Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the freshness of the herbs and vegetables. Before refrigerating, it’s best to keep the pasta or rice separate so they don’t become mushy.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this soup later, freezing is a great option. Freeze the broth with chicken and vegetables only—hold off on adding fresh herbs and pasta until reheating. This way, the soup maintains its bright flavors and perfect texture when thawed and reheated.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, adding fresh herbs and pre-cooked pasta or rice as it warms through. This keeps everything tasting fresh and avoids overheating the delicate herbs so they retain their bright flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give the soup a richer flavor and tender meat, but be sure to adjust cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through compared to breasts.

What types of noodles work best in this soup?

Classic egg noodles are a favorite, but you can also use small pasta shapes like shells or elbows. If you want a lighter option, rice or even spiralized vegetables can work beautifully with the Fresh Herb Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

While this recipe centers around chicken, you can easily substitute vegetable broth and skip the chicken to make a vibrant vegetable noodle soup with the fresh herbs still shining through.

How do fresh herbs change the flavor compared to dried herbs?

Fresh herbs provide a bright, lively, and more complex flavor profile compared to dried. They add a garden-fresh aroma that complements the soup’s warmth and makes each bite feel vibrant and comforting.

Is this soup good for freezing with noodles included?

It’s best to freeze the soup without noodles as they tend to become mushy after freezing and reheating. Cook and add noodles fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats a homemade bowl of the Fresh Herb Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe when you want comfort, flavor, and a touch of freshness all in one. This soup is simple to make but somehow feels luxurious, thanks to the handful of fresh herbs and tender chicken nestled in every spoonful. I hope you’ll give it a try and let it become one of your go-to recipes for those cozy moments when you crave something heartwarming and homemade.

Fresh Herb Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

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3.9 from 220 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Fresh Herb Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting and flavorful homemade soup featuring tender chicken breasts simmered with fresh thyme, oregano, rosemary, garlic, and a medley of fresh herbs. Combined with hearty vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion, this soup is perfect for a cozy meal. Serve it with cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread to make it even more satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Broth

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
3 cups unsalted chicken broth
3–4 fresh thyme sprigs
2 fresh oregano sprigs
1 rosemary stalk
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Vegetables and Herbs

2 tbsp olive oil
1 yellow onion, finely diced
2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
3 cups unsalted chicken broth
1/2 cup parsley, chopped
1/4 cup dill, chopped
5–6 fresh basil leaves, chopped

To Serve

Cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread

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Instructions

Prepare the Aromatics and Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic cloves and diced yellow onion; cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the chicken breasts and sear lightly on both sides for 2-3 minutes to develop flavor.
Add Herbs and Broth: Place the thyme sprigs, oregano sprigs, and rosemary stalk into the pot along with the chicken broth and kosher salt. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add Vegetables: Add the chopped carrots and celery to the pot. Continue to simmer the soup gently, uncovered, for about 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and vegetables are tender.
Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in the chopped parsley, dill, and basil leaves to the soup, allowing their flavors to infuse for about 5 minutes over low heat. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.

Notes

You can substitute the fresh herbs with dried herbs, using about one-third of the amount specified.
For a gluten-free option, serve with rice or gluten-free pasta instead of bread.
To speed up cooking time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken but reduce simmering time accordingly.
Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors, if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American