This comforting chicken noodle soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! With tender chicken, soft noodles, and veggies swimming in a flavorful broth, it’s perfect for any day.
Whenever I make this soup, my home fills with a cozy smell that brings smiles all around. It’s so easy to whip up, and leftovers are even better—if they last that long! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil or Butter: Both work well to sauté vegetables, but olive oil gives a lighter flavor. If you’re dairy-free, stick with olive oil. You can also use coconut oil for a slight hint of sweetness.
Onion: Yellow onions add sweetness and depth. If you’re short on onions, shallots or even leeks can be used as a substitute. They’ll give you a slightly different flavor—still delicious!
Carrots and Celery: These are traditional veggies in chicken noodle soup. If you don’t have them, frozen mixed vegetables or parsnips can make a nice alternative, adding a slightly different taste.
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth is best if you have the time! If not, opt for low-sodium store-bought. Vegetable broth also works, especially if you want a lighter flavor.
Cooked Chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken for its convenience. If you have leftover chicken, it’s perfect! You could even use shredded rotisserie turkey if you want a twist.
Egg Noodles: They’re classic, but any pasta works! Try whole wheat, gluten-free noodles, or even dumplings for a fun change-up.
How Do I Cook the Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup?
The key to making a cozy chicken noodle soup is layering flavors. Start with sautéing the vegetables to develop sweetness. Cooking them for just 5-7 minutes is crucial to getting them tender!
- Heat olive oil or butter, then add onion, carrots, and celery. Stir occasionally.
- Once they soften, add garlic and cook briefly to keep it from burning. This step adds wonderful depth.
- Add chicken broth, along with thyme, parsley, and the bay leaf, then bring everything to a gentle boil.
- After adding the shredded chicken and letting it simmer, remember to cook noodles separately and add them right before serving. This prevents them from getting mushy!
- Finish with salt and pepper to taste. Taste as you go for the best flavor!
Remember, the fresher the ingredients, the better the soup! Enjoy making this family-favorite dish and feel free to adjust it to make it your own.
How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2-3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade or low sodium)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 2 cups egg noodles or your preferred noodle type
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus extra fresh for garnish)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes to cook, making a total of 45 minutes. Just enough time for the flavors to come together in a warm, cozy dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté the mixture for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the onion becomes translucent.
2. Add Garlic:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. This will make your kitchen smell amazing!
3. Mix in the Broth and Herbs:
Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme, dried parsley, and bay leaf. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil.
4. Simmer with Chicken:
Add the shredded cooked chicken to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let everything cook together for about 10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Cook the Noodles:
While the soup is simmering, cook the egg noodles in a separate pot according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. Final Touches:
Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Right before serving, add the cooked noodles to the soup to keep them from getting too soft.
7. Season and Serve:
Season your soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if you wish.
8. Enjoy Your Creation!
Serve your delicious chicken noodle soup hot and enjoy the comforting warmth it brings on a chilly day!
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen carrots and celery can be added directly to the pot without thawing. They might take a couple more minutes to cook, so just adjust your simmer time accordingly.
How Can I Make This Soup Creamy?
If you prefer a creamy chicken noodle soup, stir in about 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving. This will give it a rich and velvety texture.
Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember that the noodles can absorb broth, so you might need to add a bit of broth when reheating to restore the soup’s consistency.
What Other Types of Noodles Can I Use?
You can use almost any pasta in this soup! Feel free to try wide egg noodles, fusilli, or even whole grain or gluten-free options. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the noodle type you choose!