Name: Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter); 3 ribs celery (diced); 3 large carrots (diced); 1 medium onion (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 10 cups chicken broth; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste); 4 cups dry egg noodles; 3 cups rotisserie chicken meat (or cooked chicken breasts)

If you’ve been searching for the ultimate comfort in a bowl, Chicken Noodle Soup is about to become your new best friend. Picture tender shreds of chicken, hearty noodles, and a melody of colorful veggies, all mingling together in a broth so soothing it feels like a warm hug. Whether you need to chase away a chill or offer a little TLC to friends and family, this Chicken Noodle Soup delivers every time. It’s easy to whip up, packed with nourishing ingredients, and brimming with cozy, homemade flavor.

Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a mile-long grocery list to create amazing Chicken Noodle Soup! These simple, familiar ingredients each play a crucial role—think vibrant veggies for depth, chicken for richness, and noodles to soak up every bit of that golden broth.

Olive oil (or butter): Provides a silky starting base for sautéing veggies, adding richness and flavor.
Celery (diced): Brings earthy crunch and classic soup aroma to each spoonful.
Carrots (diced): Add subtle sweetness and a gorgeous pop of orange color.
Onion (diced): Delivers essential savory undertones that make the broth taste homemade.
Garlic (minced): Just a couple cloves add irresistible depth and fragrance.
Chicken broth: The liquid gold that carries all the flavors—choose low sodium to control saltiness.
Italian seasoning: This blend infuses the soup with a herby, aromatic warmth.
Salt & black pepper: Essential for balancing flavors—taste as you go for that perfect seasoning.
Dry egg noodles: Classic for Chicken Noodle Soup; they absorb flavors and keep the broth hearty.
Rotisserie chicken meat (or chicken breasts): Speeds things up while adding tender, flavorful protein.

How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start your Chicken Noodle Soup magic by heating olive oil (or butter) in a big, sturdy pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced celery, carrots, onion, and garlic. Let them sizzle and soften for about 6 to 7 minutes, giving the veggies a chance to sweeten, mellow out, and lay the flavorful foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Next, pour in the chicken broth—watch the colors swirl as it hits the veggies! Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, then adjust the salt and black pepper to your liking. Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then drop the heat so it settles into a gentle bubble. This is where all those flavors start to meld and create the backbone of your Chicken Noodle Soup.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles (and Chicken, if Using Raw)

Stir in the dry egg noodles. If you’ve chosen to use raw chicken breast instead of rotisserie chicken, nestle it into the bubbling broth alongside the noodles. Let everything cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or just until those noodles hit that perfect al dente texture. If you added raw chicken, remove it once cooked, chop it up, and get ready to add it back in.

Step 4: Finish with Chicken and Serve

After you’ve checked that your noodles are just right, turn off the heat and add in the rotisserie chicken or your cooked, chopped chicken breast. Stir it through for even distribution. Just like that, you’re ready to ladle out warm, homemade Chicken Noodle Soup to family and friends!

How to Serve Chicken Noodle Soup

Garnishes

Garnishing is your chance to add a personal touch to every bowl. Fresh chopped parsley or a twist of cracked black pepper brightens the whole dish. For extra richness, a sprinkle of parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice can work wonders.

Side Dishes

Classic pairings work best here. Warm, buttery rolls or slices of crusty baguette are perfect for soaking up the broth. A crisp green salad tossed simply with olive oil and vinegar also balances the heartiness of Chicken Noodle Soup beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl or with homemade croutons on top. If you want to make it extra inviting for kids or guests, add fun-shaped pasta or set up a make-your-own-garnish bar for everyone at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover Chicken Noodle Soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—just know that the noodles will continue absorbing some broth and may become a bit softer over time.

Freezing

If you’d like to prepare a batch for later, freeze the soup before adding the noodles (as they tend to get mushy after thawing). Simply make the base with vegetables, broth, seasoning, and chicken—then cool, portion, and freeze. When ready to use, thaw gently and add freshly cooked noodles before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the noodles have soaked up a lot of broth, feel free to pour in a splash of extra chicken broth to loosen things up. You can also reheat individual bowls in the microwave for a quick, cozy meal.

FAQs

Can I use other types of noodles in Chicken Noodle Soup?

Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional, feel free to use any short pasta you have on hand—rotini, fusilli, or even broken spaghetti all work nicely in this soup.

What’s the best way to make Chicken Noodle Soup if I don’t have rotisserie chicken?

Raw chicken breasts or thighs can be added to the simmering broth alongside the noodles, then shredded or diced once cooked. It infuses even more chicken flavor into your soup!

Can I make Chicken Noodle Soup vegetarian?

Yes—simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use your favorite plant-based protein instead of chicken. Tofu or chickpeas work great for a vegetarian spin.

How can I add deeper flavor to my soup?

Try sautéing your veggies just a bit longer until they get a hint of color. You can also add a splash of white wine or a bay leaf with the broth to amp up the flavor profile.

Why are my noodles absorbing all the broth?

Noodles love soaking up liquid as they sit. If planning to store leftovers, consider cooking and storing the noodles separately, then adding them to the hot broth just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re making it as a weeknight staple or delivering a bowl to someone in need of a pick-me-up, Chicken Noodle Soup really is the heartwarming classic everyone needs in their kitchen repertoire. Try it for yourself and discover how easy, cozy, and utterly satisfying this dish can be!