Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

This Classic Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering a soothing and nourishing meal perfect for chilly days or when you need a little extra warmth. Loaded with tender chicken, vegetables, and hearty noodles, this soup is as satisfying as it is easy to make. Whether you’re making it from scratch or using rotisserie chicken for convenience, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite for your family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Noodle Soup is everything you want in a bowl of comfort: hearty, flavorful, and full of warmth. The combination of vegetables, tender shredded chicken, and soft noodles creates a balanced meal in one bowl. It’s simple to prepare, customizable, and quick to make. The broth is light yet satisfying, and the addition of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice elevates the flavors to make each bite refreshing and bright. It’s the perfect dish to enjoy on a cold day or when you need something comforting to lift your spirits.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced (optional, adds color and flavor)
8 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great for convenience)
2 cups egg noodles or spaghetti, broken into smaller pieces
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and red bell pepper (if using). Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, until they begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
Add Broth and Chicken
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the shredded or diced chicken, bay leaf, and dried thyme. Stir to combine.
Cook the Noodles
Add the egg noodles or broken spaghetti to the boiling soup. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking.
Season the Soup
Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. If desired, add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Serve
Remove the bay leaf and discard it. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Enjoy
Serve the soup hot, with crusty bread or crackers on the side if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Make it Heartier: Add diced potatoes, zucchini, or peas to the soup for extra vegetables and heartiness.
Chicken Variations: If you prefer, you can start with raw chicken breasts or thighs, simmer them in the broth until cooked through, then remove, shred, and return to the pot.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
Low-Carb Version: Replace the noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version of this soup.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it up on the stove.
Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra broth if it has thickened too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with other small pasta shapes like bowties, elbow macaroni, or rotini. Just keep in mind that different pastas may need slightly different cooking times.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup stores well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. You can make it a day or two ahead and refrigerate it.

3. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen carrots and celery if you don’t have fresh vegetables on hand. Simply add them to the pot as you would with fresh vegetables.

4. Can I use homemade chicken broth?

Absolutely! If you have homemade chicken broth, it will add even more depth and flavor to this soup. Just substitute it in place of the store-bought broth.

5. Can I use canned chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Yes, canned chicken can be used as a substitute for cooked chicken. Be sure to drain it before adding it to the soup.

6. How can I make this soup gluten-free?

To make this soup gluten-free, simply replace the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or use rice instead of noodles. Make sure your chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free as well.

7. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

8. Can I add more vegetables to this soup?

Yes, feel free to add more vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly for the vegetables you add.

9. How do I know when the soup is done?

The soup is done when the noodles are tender and the vegetables are softened. You can check the noodles by tasting them—if they’re soft but still al dente, the soup is ready.

10. Can I add a different herb for flavor?

Yes, you can substitute the dried thyme with other herbs like rosemary, oregano, or basil for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

This Classic Chicken Noodle Soup is everything you want in a comforting, easy-to-make meal. Full of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and soft noodles, it’s the perfect soup to enjoy on a cold day or when you need something nourishing and satisfying. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy it with a side of crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal!

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Servings and Timing

Variations

Storage/Reheating