Chicken noodle soup has a way of showing up when we need it most. It’s not flashy or complicated, but it hits the spot like nothing else. I’ve made this soup more times than I can count, and each time, it feels like a reset. A warm, fragrant reset in a bowl.
The first time I made chicken noodle soup from scratch, I wasn’t aiming for anything special. I had leftover chicken, a half-used bag of egg noodles, some carrots and celery that needed using, and a cold wind tapping at the kitchen window. What came together was surprisingly rich and comforting. It didn’t taste like something thrown together. It tasted like care.
Since then, chicken noodle soup has become part of my personal survival kit. Whether it’s a long day, a sniffle, or just the need for something that feels like home, this recipe never fails. The best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours of prep. With just a few kitchen staples and about 45 minutes, you’ll have a pot of soup that feels both effortless and meaningful.
This isn’t the store-bought version. It’s deeper than that. It’s homemade chicken noodle soup made with real ingredients and real intention. And I promise, once you make it this way, you’ll never look at canned soup the same again.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why This Chicken Noodle Soup Works Every Time
Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 carrots peeled and sliced
- 2 celery sticks chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups uncooked egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large soup pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth and water. Add chicken breasts and Italian seasoning.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer with lid slightly ajar for 15 minutes.
- Remove the chicken, shred or chop it, and set aside.
- Add egg noodles to the pot. Simmer uncovered until noodles are tender.
- Return shredded chicken to the pot. Stir and season with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 260 kcal |
| Protein | 22 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 24 grams |
| Fat | 9 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 2 grams |
| Fiber | 3 grams |
| Sugar | 4 grams |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
A Comfort Food That Feels Real
Chicken noodle soup is one of those rare dishes that can be both nostalgic and new with every bowl. What makes this version stand out isn’t a secret ingredient or some complicated method. It’s the balance. Every component does its job quietly but perfectly. The broth is flavorful without being heavy, the noodles are just tender enough, and the chicken stays juicy without taking over the spotlight.
What I love most about this chicken noodle soup is that it feels homemade in the best sense of the word. It’s not overly polished, and it doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. It’s just honest food. The kind you make when you want to take care of someone or just slow things down for yourself.
Built for Everyday Cooking
There’s something deeply satisfying about making chicken noodle soup from scratch. You can taste the difference in every spoonful. The way the onion, carrots and celery come together as a base. How the broth carries a warmth that canned versions never quite capture. And let’s be honest when your kitchen starts to smell like this soup, everything feels a little more manageable.
If you’ve ever doubted whether a simple soup could do more than just feed you, this one will change your mind. It works because it respects your time, your ingredients and your appetite for something real.
Ingredients for a Flavorful Chicken Noodle Soup
Everyday Ingredients That Matter
Chicken noodle soup doesn’t need to be complicated to taste incredible. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With a few basic kitchen staples, you can build a soup that feels like something much more. Olive oil and butter create a rich base that carries flavor through the whole pot. Onions, carrots and celery form the classic aromatic trio that brings out warmth and depth from the very first spoonful.
Garlic adds just the right amount of savory intensity, and chicken broth brings the body and soul of the dish together. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here because they cook quickly and shred easily. Of course, if you prefer darker meat or want more richness, chicken thighs are a perfectly tasty alternative.
Choosing the Right Noodles and Herbs
For this chicken noodle soup, egg noodles are a favorite. They hold their texture in broth and carry flavor well without falling apart. You can also use other pasta shapes if needed. Short cuts like rotini or broken spaghetti work in a pinch.
Seasoning doesn’t need to be complex. A bit of Italian seasoning gives a gentle herbal balance. Salt and pepper adjust the depth, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley at the end brings color and freshness that ties everything together.
The ingredients may be humble, but when combined with care, they make a soup that feels anything but ordinary.
How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup Step by Step
A Simple Process with Familiar Steps
Making chicken noodle soup from scratch might sound like a weekend project, but it’s surprisingly fast and manageable. Start by warming olive oil and butter in a large soup pot. Once hot, add the chopped onion, carrots and celery. Let them soften and release their aroma. This is where the base flavor of your soup begins to build.
Add minced garlic once the vegetables have started to caramelize slightly. Stir for about thirty seconds, just enough for the garlic to bloom without burning. Then pour in your chicken broth and water. Nestle the raw chicken breasts into the liquid and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Turn up the heat and bring everything to a gentle boil.
Cooking the Chicken and Finishing the Soup
Once the soup is bubbling, lower the heat and partially cover the pot. Let it simmer for fifteen minutes, which is just enough time for the chicken to cook through. Carefully remove the chicken and set it aside. Add your egg noodles to the pot and let them cook until they are tender but still firm.
While the noodles finish cooking, shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the pot and stir everything together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Finish with fresh parsley for color and a little lift in flavor.
This method is straightforward and forgiving. Even if you’re new to making chicken noodle soup, following these steps will guide you to something warm, flavorful and satisfying.
If you love hearty soups like this, you’ll also enjoy our baked comfort dish Chicken Rice Casserole Fall — warm, creamy, and perfect for cozy dinners.
Watch how to make this classic chicken noodle soup step by step in this helpful video guide
Variations and Substitutions for Chicken Noodle Soup
Adapting to What You Have
One of the best things about chicken noodle soup is how flexible it can be. You can swap ingredients without losing the comforting essence of the dish. If you don’t have chicken breasts, chicken thighs are a great substitute. They offer more flavor and are less likely to dry out during cooking. Already have leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken? Just add it at the end to warm through without overcooking.
When it comes to vegetables, feel free to improvise. Leeks can add sweetness, while baby spinach stirred in at the end gives a fresh, vibrant twist. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the broth if you want something with a bit more lift.
Playing with Noodles and Seasoning
Although egg noodles are a classic choice, other types of pasta work just as well. You can use fusilli, orzo or even broken pieces of lasagna. If you need a gluten-free option, rice noodles or chickpea pasta are worth trying. The texture may change slightly, but the soul of the soup remains.
Seasonings can be tailored too. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, try dried thyme, a pinch of rosemary or even a bay leaf during simmering. You can add heat with a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little spice.
Chicken noodle soup is forgiving, adaptable and always welcoming to a personal touch. Whether you are using what’s in your pantry or experimenting with new combinations, it will still wrap you in warmth.
Serving Ideas and Storage Tips for Chicken Noodle Soup
How to Serve It for Maximum Comfort
Chicken noodle soup is a complete meal on its own, but a few thoughtful additions can elevate the experience. A thick slice of crusty sourdough or a warm piece of garlic bread makes a perfect companion to soak up every last drop of broth. If you’re craving something lighter on the side, a simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a fresh contrast.
This soup also works beautifully as part of a casual lunch spread. Serve it in wide bowls, let the steam rise and pair it with a cup of tea on a rainy afternoon. It’s the kind of meal that doesn’t need a lot of extras to feel special.
Storing and Reheating with Care
When stored properly, chicken noodle soup can last up to five days in the refrigerator. Keep it in an airtight container, and you’ll find the flavors deepen slightly over time. Just know that the noodles tend to absorb the broth as the soup sits, so you might want to add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to bring it back to its original texture.
For longer storage, consider freezing the soup without the noodles. The broth and chicken freeze well, but noodles can become too soft once thawed. Simply cook a fresh batch of pasta and add it to the reheated soup when ready to serve.
Handled with a little care, your chicken noodle soup will be just as good if not better the second time around.
Why Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Is Worth It
The Difference You Can Taste
There’s something undeniably special about a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. It’s not just about flavor, though the flavor is deeper and more layered than anything from a can. It’s the way everything tastes fresher, cleaner and more balanced. You control the salt, the tenderness of the chicken, the bite of the noodles and the strength of the broth.
Each step in the process adds intention. You’re not just tossing ingredients into a pot. You’re building warmth, one layer at a time. The result is more than a meal. It’s an experience that feels personal, even when made in a hurry.
A Quiet Act of Care
Making chicken noodle soup from scratch is also a gesture. It says something to yourself, to someone else, even to a passing day that needed a little more kindness. There’s a quiet power in knowing you can create something comforting out of ordinary ingredients.
This kind of cooking is where connection happens. It’s why so many of us have memories tied to a parent or grandparent making soup when we were sick or tired or simply in need of a little comfort. That memory lives in the recipe. It lives in the steam rising from the bowl. And once you’ve made it yourself, you start building your own version of that comfort, one pot at a time.
Nutrition Information for Chicken Noodle Soup
A Balanced Bowl of Comfort
Chicken noodle soup is not only comforting, it can also be part of a nourishing, balanced meal. Thanks to the lean protein from chicken, the complex carbs from noodles and the essential vitamins from vegetables, this soup offers both satisfaction and substance without being heavy.
A typical serving of homemade chicken noodle soup contains a moderate number of calories and a good mix of macronutrients. Unlike many store-bought versions, this recipe is lower in sodium and free of preservatives, giving you more control over what goes into your body.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 260 kcal |
| Protein | 22 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 24 grams |
| Fat | 9 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 2 grams |
| Fiber | 3 grams |
| Sugar | 4 grams |
| Sodium | 420 milligrams |
These values are approximate and can vary based on your ingredient choices. Using chicken thighs instead of breast, or adding extra noodles or broth, may shift the totals slightly. You can also reduce sodium by using unsalted broth or boosting veggies for added fiber.
Homemade chicken noodle soup gives you not just comfort, but control which makes each bowl both nourishing and satisfying.
Nutrition values are based on standard ingredient data from the USDA FoodData Central
Final Thoughts on Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup isn’t just another recipe to add to your collection. It’s the kind of dish that shows up in quiet moments and stays with you long after the bowl is empty. Whether you’re making it for someone you care about or simply for yourself after a long day, it offers something deeper than flavor. It gives warmth. It gives pause. It reminds you that cooking can be simple and still mean something.
What makes this chicken noodle soup special isn’t just what’s in it. It’s the feeling it creates. The comfort of familiar ingredients. The quiet satisfaction of stirring a pot and knowing exactly what you’re making and why. And once you’ve made it once, it becomes second nature.
So the next time the day feels heavy, or you just want something that feels like home, you’ll know exactly what to reach for. A pot. A spoon. And your favorite recipe for chicken noodle soup.
More Cozy Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for more warm and satisfying meals for the season?
- Chicken and Wild Rice Soup – Hearty, earthy, and comforting with every spoonful.
- Butternut Squash Casserole Healthy – Creamy, wholesome, and perfect for fall dinners.
- Honey Mustard Chicken and Carrots – A family favorite with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
FAQs About Chicken Noodle Soup
1. Can I freeze chicken noodle soup?
Yes, but with one adjustment. If you plan to freeze it, it’s best to leave out the noodles and add them fresh when reheating. Cooked noodles tend to get mushy after freezing and thawing. The broth and chicken, however, freeze beautifully and hold their flavor well.
2. What can I use instead of egg noodles in chicken noodle soup?
If you don’t have egg noodles, you can substitute them with small pasta like orzo, rotini, or even broken spaghetti. For a gluten-free version, rice noodles or lentil-based pasta are also great options. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you use.
3. How do I keep the chicken tender and not overcooked?
The key is to simmer the chicken gently and avoid boiling it for too long. Using a meat thermometer is helpful. Chicken is fully cooked at 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Once it reaches that point, take it out, shred it and return it to the soup right before serving.
4. Can I make chicken noodle soup in advance?
Absolutely. In fact, many say it tastes even better the next day. Just keep in mind that the noodles will absorb some of the broth overnight, so you may want to add a bit of extra chicken broth when reheating to bring back the original consistency.
5. What herbs work best in chicken noodle soup?
Italian seasoning is a convenient all-in-one option, but you can also use dried thyme, parsley, or a bay leaf. Fresh herbs added at the end like chopped parsley or dill can brighten the overall flavor and add a fresh finishing touch.
