There’s something incredibly satisfying about a pot of homemade Chicken Noodle Soup simmering on the stove. This has become a staple in my kitchen—not just because it’s cozy and nourishing but because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. I first fell in love with Chicken Noodle Soup when my grandmother shared her recipe with me. Watching her patiently stir the broth while telling stories reminded me that good food is just as much about love and care as it is about technique.
Over time, this Chicken Noodle Soup has made its way into my weekly rotation. It’s the go-to comfort food recipe when I want something satisfying but don’t have hours to fuss in the kitchen. I appreciate how approachable the ingredients and steps are—perfect when life’s busy, but you still want a homemade meal that warms the heart and soul. There’s a special kind of joy in creating that rich chicken broth noodles soak up, and knowing you made it all from scratch feels pretty amazing.
If you’re a home cook like me, who loves dishes that are both dependable and delicious, I’m excited to invite you into my kitchen. This recipe cuts through the fuss and shines with simple, classic flavors. It’s a classic chicken recipe that’s easy soup preparation at its best. I promise, once you try it, this Chicken Noodle Soup will become a family favorite that you reach for time and again.
What You’ll Need for This Chicken Noodle Soup:
Here’s the list of ingredients to make your Chicken Noodle Soup both straightforward and tasty. I keep things simple because good cooking should feel accessible to everyone.
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (Rotisserie chicken works great if you’re short on time)
- 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought – you’ll want low sodium so you can control the saltiness)
- 2 cups wide egg noodles (plain or whole wheat are both delicious)
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (fresh is lovely if you have it)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional but adds a nice touch)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Don’t have celery? No problem! I’ve swapped in fennel or even extra carrots to keep the crunch. If you’re out of egg noodles, try any pasta shape you like. I’ve used small shells or even broken spaghetti in a pinch, and it’s always a winner.

You can find these ingredients easily at most grocery stores and farmers’ markets. This Chicken Noodle Soup is economical because it uses staples like broth, chicken, and veggies, which are often on hand or easy to stock up on.
Quick prep tip: Chop your veggies ahead or buy pre-diced for an even quicker turnaround. I always keep a bag of frozen chopped carrots and celery on hand for busy days.
For storage, keep your chicken broth in the fridge or freezer, depending on when you’ll use it next. Cooked chicken freezes wonderfully—just portion it out so you can grab what you need for easy meals like this comforting Chicken Noodle Soup.
One little secret I always include in my Chicken Noodle Soup is an extra clove of garlic—just enough to give a subtle lift without overpowering. It’s those small touches that make this classic chicken recipe mine.
How to Make This Chicken Noodle Soup:
Let’s get cooking together—this Chicken Noodle Soup is easier than you think, and I’ll guide you step by step.
- Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the veggies soften. Your kitchen will start smelling like that homemade chicken soup you crave.
- Add the garlic, thyme, and parsley. Cook another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. This is where your Chicken Noodle Soup builds a flavorful base.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. While waiting for it to boil, you can clean up your cutting board or prep your noodles—that’s easy soup preparation at work.
- Once boiling, add the shredded chicken and the egg noodles. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the noodles are tender, roughly 7-9 minutes. If your Chicken Noodle Soup looks too thick at this point, just add a bit more broth or water until you get the consistency you like.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper. This step lets you adjust the flavor perfectly. I like to try a spoonful before deciding how much salt it needs.
- Remove the pot from heat and let the soup rest a few minutes before serving. This pause helps flavors meld beautifully.
From start to finish, this Chicken Noodle Soup takes about 40 minutes—perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner without rushing. The steps can feel like catching up with an old friend. Plus, leftovers reheat beautifully for easy lunches.
If you want to cut time, you can use pre-cooked shredded chicken and pre-chopped veggies. I’ve done this many times, and it still comes out just as comforting and delicious.
This is the step where patience pays off with your Chicken Noodle Soup—the aromas filling your kitchen are part of the magic, signaling something wonderful is coming.
Serving Your Chicken Noodle Soup:
This Chicken Noodle Soup truly shines when served with crusty bread or buttery crackers. The warm broth is perfect for dipping!

I love to top mine with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice to add brightness. Even a few dots of hot sauce can kick things up if you’re in the mood.
This soup is a family favorite at chilly evenings or when someone’s under the weather. It’s a classic comfort food recipe that never fails to bring smiles.
For sides, simple green salads or roasted vegetables make a great match—they add freshness to the meal’s warmth.
Leftovers? No problem. You can reheat your Chicken Noodle Soup on the stovetop or in the microwave. Sometimes I turn the leftover soup into a casserole by layering it with cheese and baking it. It’s a fun twist that dinner guests have loved.
Seasonally, I’ve swapped in butternut squash instead of some carrots in the fall, and added fresh dill in the spring. These little variations make this classic chicken recipe feel new and exciting while staying reliable.
Friends and family often ask me for this recipe after tasting it, which always warms my heart. It’s one of those dishes that brings people together, and I hope it feels that way for you and yours.
Common Questions About This Chicken Noodle Soup:
Can I make parts of this Chicken Noodle Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the broth and veggies a day in advance. Just add the noodles and chicken when you’re ready to eat to keep them from getting mushy.
What’s a good substitute for egg noodles?
Any pasta you have on hand works fine. I have used broken spaghetti or small shells with great results in my Chicken Noodle Soup.
How do I adjust the recipe for more or fewer people?
This recipe scales well. For fewer servings, halve the ingredients. For a crowd, double everything and use a bigger pot.
Can I freeze homemade chicken soup?
Yes! Freeze before adding noodles, which tend to get soggy after thawing. Add fresh noodles when reheating.
How do I keep the noodles from getting mushy?
Add noodles right before serving if possible. If you plan to have leftovers, store noodles separately and mix them back into your Chicken Noodle Soup when reheating.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can make an easy swap by using vegetable broth and skipping the chicken. Add more hearty veggies or tofu for protein, and you have a cozy, meat-free comfort food recipe.
Is homemade broth necessary?
While homemade broth adds depth, good-quality store-bought broth works fine and saves time. I often use it myself on busy nights.
If you’re curious about other versions of Chicken Noodle Soup, sites like Truly Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup – Tastes Better From Scratch and Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe offer great inspiration. There’s also a fantastic take on homemade chicken noodle soup at Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup – Belly Full.
Final Thoughts on This Chicken Noodle Soup:
This Chicken Noodle Soup has a special place in my recipe collection. It’s dependable, comforting, and flexible—a recipe that feels like an old friend you can always count on.
My Top Tips for This Chicken Noodle Soup:
- Use good-quality chicken broth for the richest flavor.
- Don’t add noodles until just before serving or store them separately to avoid mushiness.
- Adjust seasoning bit by bit, tasting as you go—simple but powerful.
Some of my favorite variations include swapping in fresh herbs like rosemary or dill, adding a pinch of turmeric for color and a health boost, or making it heartier with root vegetables like parsnips.
The version that gets requested most often is the classic one—plain, simple, and packed with the comforting flavors everyone loves. It’s the kind of dish that brings family to the table every time.
I hope you’ll make this Chicken Noodle Soup your own, tweaking and tasting as you go. There’s no wrong way to make a meal that feels like home.
For more comforting chicken recipes, you might enjoy my Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew, or if you’re in the mood for something crispy and spicy, try the Buffalo Chicken Taquitos. Another family favorite to check out is my Chicken Shepherd’s Pie.
Thank you for cooking along with me. Remember, this Chicken Noodle Soup is all about being satisfying and doable. Enjoy every warm, comforting spoonful.
Chicken Noodle Soup
A comforting and nutritious classic chicken noodle soup made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and homemade broth, perfect for any season.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add egg noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually about 7–8 minutes.
- Stir in shredded chicken, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot.
Notes
For extra richness, add a splash of lemon juice or sprinkle chopped fresh parsley when serving.

