Homemade Chicken Soup with Noodles and Fresh Herbs Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a bowl of warmth wrapped in comfort, this Homemade Chicken Soup with Noodles and Fresh Herbs Recipe is exactly where your heart and taste buds want to be. It’s the kind of soup that feels like a loving embrace on a chilly day, made from scratch with simple ingredients that come together to create a rich, hearty broth brimming with tender chicken, fresh herbs, and perfectly cooked noodles. Every spoonful is a celebration of home-cooked goodness that soothes the soul and satisfies hunger like no canned version ever could.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, featuring ingredients that are humble but essential for developing depth and balance in flavor, texture, and aroma. Each component plays its role, from the tender whole chicken to the fragrant fresh herbs that brighten the final dish.

• Whole chicken (3-4 pounds): Provides the hearty, succulent base and rich broth that defines the soup’s soul.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a silky base to sauté the vegetables, enhancing their natural sweetness.
• Large onion (1, diced): Builds savory depth and a comforting aroma.
• Carrots (3, peeled and sliced): Bring a gentle sweetness and bright color.
• Celery stalks (3, sliced): Offer subtle bitterness and texture contrast.
• Garlic cloves (4, minced): Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
• Bay leaves (2): Impart delicate herbal notes that build complexity.
• Thyme (1 teaspoon): Enhances the earthiness with fresh, fragrant undertones.
• Salt and pepper: To taste; essential for balancing and bringing out flavors.
• Chicken broth (8 cups): Envelops all ingredients, creating the comforting base of the soup.
• Noodles (1 cup, egg noodles or choice): Add a tender bite and satisfying texture.
• Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Brightens and freshens with herby vibrance.
• Lemon juice (from 1 lemon): Adds a lively pop of acidity to balance richness.
• Optional diced tomatoes (1 cup): Introduce a subtle tang and richness if you want to experiment.

How to Make Homemade Chicken Soup with Noodles and Fresh Herbs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by rinsing your whole chicken under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels; this helps the seasoning stick better and keeps the flavors clean. Generously season every inch with salt and pepper – this simple step really brings out the chicken’s natural savoriness as it cooks.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large stockpot, warm your olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, celery, and minced garlic, sautéing until they soften wonderfully and release their sweet fragrances – about five minutes. This base builds the soulful flavor foundation for your soup.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Herbs

Gently place the seasoned chicken breast-side up right on top of the vegetable mixture in your pot. Tuck in the bay leaves and sprinkle the thyme over everything. These herbs will infuse subtle aromatic goodness throughout the broth as it simmers.

Step 4: Pour in the Broth and Bring to a Boil

Pour your chicken broth into the pot carefully enough to cover the chicken completely. Crank the heat up to high and bring this beautiful medley to a rolling boil. Watch as the liquid awakens with bubbling life, promising the comforting soup to come.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Once boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and let the magic happen over 1.5 to 2 hours. During this time, check on it occasionally and skim off any foam or fat that floats to the surface – this keeps your broth clear, clean, and delicious.

Step 6: Shred the Chicken

Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Let it cool just enough to handle, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones. This tender chicken will become the comforting heart of your soup.

Step 7: Cook the Noodles (and Optional Tomatoes)

Return all that shredded chicken to the simmering pot. Add your noodles and the optional diced tomatoes if you’re using them. Let the noodles cook until tender, usually about 8 to 10 minutes – this step ensures your soup has that perfect, satisfying chew.

Step 8: Brighten with Parsley and Lemon

Stir in the fresh parsley and squeeze in the lemon juice for a final burst of brightness. Taste your soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed; this last touch brings everything into harmonious balance.

Step 9: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Remove your pot from heat and allow the soup to cool slightly before ladling it into bowls. This resting lets the flavors settle, giving you the perfect, soul-soothing spoonful each time.

How to Serve Homemade Chicken Soup with Noodles and Fresh Herbs Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes elevate your bowl wonderfully without extra fuss. Try a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a few extra twists of cracked black pepper right before serving. A thin lemon wedge on the side lets everyone add a personal citrus zing, brightening the flavors further.

Side Dishes

This soup shines best with simple, cozy sides. Crisp, buttery toasted bread or warm crusty rolls are perfect for dipping and soaking up every drop of that delicious broth. A light mixed green salad offers a refreshing contrast without overpowering the comforting flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun family dinner or a special gathering, ladle soup into rustic bowls and place mini herb sprigs on top as edible décor. Serving the noodles separately keeps them nice and firm for those who prefer less broth-soaked pasta. Presentation can make the experience even more inviting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and flavor. The chicken and broth deepen in taste overnight, so leftovers can be just as gratifying as fresh bowls.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze your soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags, leaving room for expansion. It freezes well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cook the noodles fresh next time, as they tend to soften too much after freezing.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If noodles were frozen in the soup, you might want to add fresh noodles toward the end of reheating for better texture. A splash of broth or water will revive the soup if it’s thickened in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of a whole chicken?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer great flavor and tenderness and reduce cooking time, but you may lose the complex broth richness a whole chicken provides.

What type of noodles work best in this soup?

Egg noodles are classic for their tender bite and ability to soak up broth. However, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape or even thin rice noodles for a gluten-free option.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

While this recipe centers on chicken, you can create a vegetarian version by using rich vegetable broth and adding hearty veggies or plant-based protein instead of chicken.

Why add lemon juice to the soup?

Lemon juice adds a bright, fresh acidity that balances the rich broth and lifts the flavors, making the soup taste vibrant and inviting.

How do I keep the broth clear and not cloudy?

Skimming off the foam and excess fat that rises to the surface during simmering keeps the broth clear and clean in taste, which is part of what makes this soup look and taste homemade.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like the warmth and comfort of a bowl of Homemade Chicken Soup with Noodles and Fresh Herbs Recipe made from scratch. With every spoonful infused with heart and fresh flavors, it’s a dish destined to become a treasured staple in your kitchen. Give this recipe a try and savor the joy that comes from feeding yourself and those you love with something nourishing and utterly delicious.

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