Chicken Noodle Soup

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When the air turns crisp or you’re nursing a cold, nothing beats a steaming bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup. It’s a timeless American dinner staple—simple yet nourishing, soothing yet flavorful. With tender chicken, cozy egg noodles, and a medley of aromatic vegetables, every spoonful feels like a warm hug.

Growing up, my mother made this soup from scratch anytime someone in the house was under the weather. She’d let it simmer all afternoon, filling the house with the kind of smell that made you want to curl up with a blanket and a big bowl in hand.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Noodle Soup

• Classic Homemade Flavor
  Rich broth, tender chicken, and hearty noodles bring back all the comforting memories.
• Loaded with Veggies
  Carrots, celery, onions, and garlic for that perfect flavor base.
• Customizable and Forgiving
  Use chicken breasts or thighs, and toss in your favorite herbs or extra vegetables.
• Meal-Prep Friendly
  Make a big batch and enjoy it for days—it stores and reheats beautifully.
• Perfect for Cold Season
  Whether you’re sick or just cold, this soup is the ultimate comfort food remedy.

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Ingredients

Serves 6

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken (breasts or thighs)
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups egg noodles
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

How to Make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

• Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces or leave thighs whole for a more rustic presentation.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or saucepan over medium heat.
• Add chicken pieces and sear until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
• Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

• In the same pot, add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery.
• Sauté for 5 minutes, until vegetables are soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Add Broth and Seasoning

• Pour in chicken broth and water.
• Add bay leaf, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
• Stir well to combine.

Step 5: Simmer

• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
• This allows the flavors to meld into a savory, rich broth.

Step 6: Cook the Noodles

• While the soup simmers, boil egg noodles separately according to package directions.
• Drain and set aside.

Step 7: Return Chicken to the Pot

• Add the cooked chicken back into the soup.
• Simmer for an additional 10 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

• Remove bay leaf.
• Stir in the cooked noodles.
• Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup

• Separate noodles prevent sogginess—add only when ready to serve.
• Use bone-in thighs for extra flavor, then shred and discard bones.
• Fresh herbs? Even better! Use a handful of chopped parsley or thyme for brightness.
• Make it creamy by adding a splash of cream or milk at the end.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Skip the searing step and add shredded rotisserie chicken during the final 10-minute simmer.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store noodles separately to keep them firm.

Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but freeze without the noodles. Add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.

What are some good variations?
Add spinach, kale, or a squeeze of lemon for a fresh twist.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Noodle Soup is everything a comforting dinner should be—nourishing, hearty, and full of flavor. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just want to warm up on a cold night, this soup will always deliver a spoonful of comfort.

Share Your Bowl

Made this recipe? Show us your steaming bowl of homemade goodness with #ChickenNoodleSoup—we’d love to see your version!