ew dishes offer the same comforting warmth and nostalgic flavor as a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. It’s the ultimate remedy for chilly days, a soothing solution when you’re feeling under the weather, and a deliciously simple meal that brings the whole family together. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles simmered in a flavorful broth, this classic soup is wholesome, hearty, and satisfying. Let’s walk through how to make the perfect bowl of chicken noodle soup right in your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the soup base:
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2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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3 medium carrots, sliced into rounds
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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8 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
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2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed, from breast or thigh)
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1 ½ teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
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1 bay leaf
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
For the noodles:
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2 cups egg noodles (or your favorite type of pasta)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil or butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the onions, carrots, and celery. These three vegetables—often called the holy trinity of soups—form the foundation of flavor. Sauté them for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and the vegetables begin to soften. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, stirring well to deglaze the pot and lift any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Add the salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine all the ingredients. This mixture forms the base of your soup’s flavor profile—light yet deeply comforting. Bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. This simmering time allows the vegetables to soften completely and the broth to absorb all the wonderful aromatics.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
While the soup simmers, you can prepare the chicken. If you’re using leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken, simply shred it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re starting from raw chicken, you can poach it directly in the soup. Add the chicken pieces to the simmering broth and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Next, add the egg noodles to the pot. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually 6 to 8 minutes, until they’re tender but not mushy. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together. If you plan to store leftovers, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them to individual bowls. This keeps them from absorbing too much broth and getting soggy later.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Once the noodles are cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to match your preference. For a touch of freshness, stir in a handful of chopped parsley just before serving. Remove the bay leaf, and your soup is ready to enjoy.
Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup
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Use homemade broth if possible:
While store-bought broth works fine, homemade chicken stock adds unmatched depth and richness to your soup. Simmering chicken bones with onions, carrots, celery, and herbs for a few hours creates a flavorful base that elevates every spoonful. -
Choose the right chicken:
A mix of white and dark meat offers the best balance of flavor and tenderness. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut that adds great taste without extra effort. -
Don’t overcook the noodles:
Noodles continue to absorb broth as they sit, so cooking them just until tender ensures they maintain the right texture. -
Add vegetables of your choice:
Feel free to toss in extras like peas, corn, spinach, or diced potatoes for added flavor and nutrition. -
Make it creamy (optional):
For a creamier twist, stir in half a cup of heavy cream or milk toward the end of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your chicken noodle soup steaming hot with a slice of buttery crusty bread, garlic toast, or homemade biscuits. For a lighter meal, pair it with a green salad or a side of crackers. It also freezes beautifully—just cool it completely, store in airtight containers, and reheat when needed for a quick, heartwarming meal.
