Incredibly Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

This chicken noodle soup recipe is the kind of meal that just hits differently—especially when you need a little warmth, comfort, or a cure for the sniffles. Forget the canned stuff—once you make it from scratch, you’ll never go back!

I love good soups , and these two are easily some of my favorites. Grandma’s Chicken Soup reminds me of the kind of cozy, homemade meals I grew up with—rich, hearty, and full of warmth. And if I’m craving something a little creamier, Marry Me Chicken Soup always hits the spot with its velvety texture and bold flavors!

I used to think homemade chicken noodle soup took hours to make, but trust me, it’s easier than you think—and totally worth it. With tender chicken, perfectly seasoned broth, and just the right amount of noodles, this soup means a lot for me .

— ❖ —

— ❖ —

What Type of Noodles Work Best?

I grew up eating chicken noodle soup with homemade egg noodles, and to this day, it’s my favorite. But the best part about this soup is you can use any kind of noodles you have on hand!

Homemade Egg Noodles are soft and hearty, and they come together in just five minutes with simple ingredients like flour, salt, eggs, and milk.

Farfalle (Bowtie Pasta) – Holds up well in broth and adds a fun shape to the soup.

Elbow Macaroni – A great option if you want smaller, bite-sized pasta.

Rotini – Its spiral shape grabs onto the broth, making every bite flavorful.

Whatever noodles you choose, just be sure to cook them until just al dente, especially if you want to store or freeze the soup. Overcooked noodles can become mushy!

— ❖ —

Why Homemade Chicken Stock Is Best

If you’re wondering whether to use homemade chicken stock or store-bought broth, let me tell you—homemade is 100% worth it.

I always use a rotisserie chicken, not just for the meat, but because the carcass and bones make the most flavorful broth. Just simmer them with water, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and seasonings, and you’ll have a rich, deep-flavored stock that takes this soup to another level.

But if you’re short on time, a good-quality store-bought chicken broth works too. You can boost the flavor and add a little chicken bouillon or “Better Than Bouillon” paste if needed.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Chicken Noodle Soup

I love using fresh, wholesome ingredients to make this Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe taste amazing:

Chicken – I prefer using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts because they add so much flavor to the broth. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works, too!

Egg Noodles – These are classic, but you can also use shells, ditalini, or any pasta you love.

Carrots, Celery, and Onion – The holy trinity of soup! They add a rich, savory base.

Garlic – A little garlic boosts the flavor and adds warmth.

Chicken Broth – I always go for low-sodium broth so I can control the salt. If you have homemade broth, that’s even better!

Bay Leaf & Thyme – Essential herbs that give the soup a deep, comforting flavor.

Salt & Pepper – Simple seasonings that make all the difference.

Lemon Juice (Optional): I love adding a squeeze of fresh lemon at the end, which brightens up the soup beautifully.

Butter or Olive Oil – A little fat helps sauté the veggies and adds richness to the broth.

— ❖ —

How to Make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Check out the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full ingredient list and step-by-step instructions.

Sauté the Veggies

In a large stockpot, melt some butter over medium heat. Add diced celery and carrots, and you cook for about 3 minutes, until they start to soften. You stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the Broth & Seasonings

Pour in your homemade chicken stock (or store-bought broth). Season with salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Always taste the broth before adding more salt—it’s easy to adjust later!

Cook the Noodles

Once the broth comes to a boil, you add your noodles of choice. If you’re using homemade egg noodles, they’ll cook quickly in just a few minutes. If using store-bought pasta, be careful not to overcook them—remove the soup from heat as soon as the noodles are al dente, since they’ll continue softening in the hot broth.

Add the Chicken

Shred the rotisserie chicken, then stir it into the soup. Let everything simmer together for a couple more minutes so the flavors meld.

Taste & Serve

Give the broth one last taste—adjust the seasonings if needed. And ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy!

— ❖ —

Is Chicken Noodle Soup Healthy?

Yes! Homemade chicken noodle soup is healthier than canned versions, which are often loaded with sodium, preservatives, and artificial flavors. Chicken broth (especially homemade) is packed with vitamins, minerals, and immune-boosting properties. Even if you use store-bought broth and noodles, it’s still a nutritious, wholesome meal.

What to Serve with Chicken Noodle Soup

This Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is delicious on its own, but I love pairing it with crusty bread, homemade biscuits. If you want something extra cozy, serve it with grilled cheese or a warm dinner roll—perfect for dipping into the broth!

— ❖ —

Make-Ahead & Freezing Instructions

To Make Ahead:

If you plan to make this soup in advance, I recommend using homemade egg noodles since they don’t get soggy. If using store-bought noodles, prepare the broth first and cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve.

To Store:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in fridge for 4–5 days (depends on the freshness of your chicken).

To Freeze:

Let Chicken Noodle Soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer safe container and freeze for 2–3 months. If using store-bought noodles, slightly undercook them before freezing so they don’t become mushy when reheated. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat over medium heat on the stovetop.

How to Fix Bland Chicken Noodle Soup

If your chicken noodle soup tastes bland, don’t worry—it’s easy to fix! Start by adding a little more salt, then boost the flavor with a spoonful of chicken bouillon. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can add depth, while a squeeze of lemon juice brightens everything up. For extra richness, stir in a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. If you have time, let it simmer a bit longer so the flavors can develop. A few quick tweaks, and your soup will taste warm, cozy, and packed with flavor!

— ❖ —

Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Variations & Substitutions

• Low-Carb Option – Swap the noodles for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
• Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup – Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk also if you want a richer texture.
• Spicy flavor – If you want, Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free noodles or rice instead of egg noodles.

Equipment Needed

Making chicken noodle soup recipe at home is super easy, but having the right tools makes the process even smoother. Here’s what I always use:

— ❖ —

FAQs About Chicken Noodle Soup

— ❖ —

Growing up, this chicken noodle soup recipe was my mom’s go-to for everything—rainy days, sick days, or just when we needed something cozy. Now, it’s one of those recipes I make all the time, and every bowl feels like a little taste of home.

And if you have leftovers? They’re even better the next day.

Print