Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe – Classic Comfort Food
If you’re looking for the best homemade chicken noodle soup recipe, you’ve found it. This classic comfort food is warm, hearty, and perfect for cold days or when you need a cozy, nourishing meal. Made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, flavorful herbs, and soft egg noodles, this soup is not only delicious but also easy to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Noodle Soup
- Healthy and comforting – perfect for colds, flu season, or chilly weather.
- Easy to make – ready in under an hour with simple ingredients.
- Family-friendly – a timeless recipe kids and adults both love.
- Customizable – use chicken breasts or thighs, add more veggies, or make it gluten-free with alternative noodles.
Ingredients for Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Chicken – 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Chicken broth – 8 cups (low-sodium preferred)
- Water – 2 cups
- Carrots – 2 medium, peeled and sliced
- Celery – 2 stalks, sliced
- Onion – 1 medium, diced
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Bay leaf – 1
- Thyme – 1 teaspoon dried
- Parsley – 1 teaspoon dried (fresh parsley for garnish if desired)
- Salt and black pepper – to taste
- Egg noodles – 2 cups
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- If using chicken breasts, cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- For chicken thighs, you can keep them whole or cut into chunks.
2. Brown the Chicken
- Heat 1–2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven.
- Add chicken and cook for 5 minutes, until lightly browned.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.
- Cook for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Build the Soup Base
- Pour in chicken broth and water.
- Add bay leaf, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Cook the Noodles Separately
- While the soup simmers, cook egg noodles according to package directions.
- Drain and set aside to prevent sogginess.
6. Finish the Soup
- Add the browned chicken back into the pot.
- Simmer another 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove bay leaf.
- Stir in cooked egg noodles before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish with fresh parsley or dill for extra flavor.
- Serve with warm crusty bread, cornbread, or homemade biscuits.
- For a lighter version, use whole wheat noodles or zoodles (zucchini noodles).
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze without noodles for up to 3 months. Add fresh noodles when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave.
Final Thoughts
This classic chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re under the weather, craving something cozy, or looking for a family-friendly dinner, this recipe always hits the spot. It’s simple, hearty, and tastes even better the next day.
👉 Try this easy chicken noodle soup recipe and enjoy a bowl of homemade warmth and comfort!