Description
This homemade chicken noodle soup recipe is cozy, hearty, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Tender chicken, flavorful broth, and perfectly cooked noodles come together in this easy, nourishing recipe. Perfect for cold days, quick dinners, or when you need a bowl of comfort!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Soup:
- 1 lb chicken (bone-in, skin-on thighs or breasts, or rotisserie chicken)
- 8 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 cups egg noodles (or pasta of choice)
- 3 carrots (sliced)
- 3 celery stalks (chopped)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, for brightness)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Extra lemon wedges
Instructions
- Sauté the Veggies: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced celery, carrots, and onion, cooking for about 3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the Broth & Seasonings: Pour in chicken broth, then add bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring to a gentle boil.
- Cook the Noodles: Once the soup is boiling, add egg noodles and cook until al dente (about 6–8 minutes). If using homemade noodles, they will cook in just a few minutes.
- Add the Chicken: Shred cooked or rotisserie chicken and stir it into the soup. Let it simmer for another 3–5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Taste & Finish: Adjust seasoning if needed. Stir in lemon juice (if using) for extra brightness. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve & Enjoy! Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or extra black pepper. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.
Notes
- For Extra Flavor: Sauté the veggies in butter instead of oil.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream at the end for a richer broth.
- For More Protein: Add white beans or chickpeas for a protein boost.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze without noodles for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg