There is nothing quite as heartwarming and restorative as a bowl of soup simmered with love, and this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is just that—a comforting classic that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Combining tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and perfectly chewy noodles, this recipe is simple yet deeply satisfying. Each spoonful bursts with flavor from savory herbs, aromatic garlic, and rich chicken broth, making it an ideal dish to soothe the soul and brighten any meal. Whether you’re battling a cold, feeding a family, or simply craving something nourishing, this soup hits all the right notes with wholesome ingredients and a delicious, timeless taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients makes this soup shine. Every element plays an essential role in developing the soup’s beautiful balance of flavors, textures, and colors—from the sweetness of the carrots to the aromatic herbs and, of course, the star of the show: the chicken and noodles.
- Butter: Adds a silky richness that helps soften and deepen the flavor of the veggies.
- Celery: Provides a subtle crunch and fresh earthiness to the soup’s vegetable base.
- Carrots: Offers sweetness, color, and a slight firmness that brightens each spoonful.
- Garlic: Brings an irresistible aroma and a mild zing that elevates the broth.
- Chicken stock or broth: The foundational liquid that infuses the soup with hearty, savory goodness.
- Salt: Essential for balancing the flavors and enhancing natural tastes.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- Dried rosemary: Offers an earthy, pine-like fragrance that complements the chicken.
- Dried thyme: Introduces a soft, herbal note that enriches the overall aroma.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Provides a subtle, warming kick without overpowering the soup.
- Egg noodles (homemade or dry): The chewy, tender noodles create perfect bite-sized pieces that marry beautifully with the broth.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken meat: Gives the soup its hearty protein and tender texture.
- Better Than Bouillon chicken flavor or bouillon granules: Adds an extra punch of savory depth if needed.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
Start by melting butter in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced celery and carrots, sautéing them until they soften just a bit, about three minutes. This step gently releases their natural sweetness and moves the flavors into high gear. Add minced garlic at the very end and cook it for just thirty seconds—this quick step ensures the garlic’s fragrance shines without turning bitter.
Step 2: Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour in ten cups of chicken stock, then season the broth with dried rosemary, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. These herbs and spices create a beautifully balanced background flavor. Taste the broth and, if you want it more savory, stir in a teaspoon or so of Better Than Bouillon or chicken bouillon granules. This customizable step lets you build the depth of flavor exactly to your liking.
Step 3: Cook Noodles
Bring the broth to a rolling boil and add your choice of noodles. Whether you opt for homemade egg noodles or a dry pasta like farfalle, cooking just until they are al dente is key. Be careful not to overcook since the noodles will continue softening off the heat. Once they reach that perfect tender-then-firm texture, remove the pot from the stove immediately.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Final Seasoning
Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken meat to warm it gently within the steaming broth, letting the protein mingle with all those sweet, herb-infused juices. Give the soup a final taste and adjust the seasoning—add more salt, pepper, or bouillon to suit your palate perfectly.
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your bowl with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill can brighten and freshen each spoonful. A few cracks of black pepper or a light sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan adds another subtle layer of flavor and texture that makes the experience extra special.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with a crusty baguette or warm dinner rolls for dipping into that golden broth. A simple green salad or steamed veggies also complement the hearty soup, balancing the meal with extra freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe in mini bread bowls to create an inviting presentation that’s perfect for entertaining. Layering colorful root vegetables on top, or swirling in a spoonful of pesto or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving, can brighten up the flavors and presentation beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, transfer your soup to airtight containers and stash them in the refrigerator. Properly stored, your soup stays fresh for four to five days—making it the perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Freezing
For longer storage, this chicken noodle soup freezes well. Keep the noodles separate if possible, as they can become mushy when frozen and thawed. Store the broth and chicken mixture in freezer-safe containers for up to three months for easy, comforting meals down the road.
Reheating
Reheat soup gently over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth or water during reheating can help loosen the soup back to its original consistency, especially if the noodles have absorbed extra liquid.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds tender, flavorful meat without the fuss of cooking chicken from scratch. It makes the Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe super convenient on busy days.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can adapt the recipe by using vegetable broth and substituting chicken with hearty vegetables or plant-based proteins like tofu or chickpeas, though it will have a different flavor profile than the classic chicken version.
What’s the best noodle to use?
Egg noodles are traditional and give the soup a lovely texture, but you can use farfalle or small pasta shapes that hold up well in broth. Homemade noodles bring extra charm but store-bought works perfectly in a pinch.
How do I keep noodles from getting mushy?
Cook noodles just until al dente and remove the pot from heat immediately. Noodles continue to soften even after cooking, so this step is key. Alternatively, cook noodles separately and add them to each bowl before serving.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Definitely! The soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just store it properly in the fridge and reheat gently before serving. Remember to add any fresh herbs or garnishes after reheating for best results.
Final Thoughts
Making this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is like creating your own bowl of comfort, full of warmth, flavor, and nostalgia. Whether you’re new to cooking soups or a seasoned pro, it’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that your friends and family will thank you for. So grab your ingredients, get that pot simmering, and dive into the cozy goodness—you won’t regret it!
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Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and homemade chicken noodle soup featuring sautéed vegetables, tender shredded rotisserie chicken, and perfectly cooked egg noodles in a flavorful chicken broth seasoned with herbs and spices. This soup is easy to make in about 40 minutes and yields 8 hearty servings.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1/2 Tablespoon butter
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 3–4 large carrots, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 10 cups chicken stock or broth
- 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary, or more to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon chicken flavor (or more as needed), or chicken bouillon granules
Noodles and Protein
- 1 batch homemade egg noodles or 4 cups dry egg noodles, farfalle, or other bite-size pasta
- 3 cups rotisserie chicken meat, shredded
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large stock pot over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the diced celery and carrots and sauté for about 3 minutes until they are slightly softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken stock. Season the broth with dried rosemary, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning by adding a spoonful of Better Than Bouillon or chicken bouillon granules as needed to enhance the flavor.
- Cook Noodles: Bring the broth to a boil. Add your choice of noodles—either homemade egg noodles or dry store-bought pasta. Cook just until the noodles are al dente, being careful not to overcook, especially if using store-bought noodles. Remove the pot from heat immediately once noodles are tender but firm, as they will continue to cook off-heat.
- Add Chicken and Final Seasoning: Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken meat. Taste the soup one last time and add any additional salt, pepper, or bouillon if needed to achieve desired seasoning.
- Serve and Store: Serve the soup hot. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days, depending on the freshness of the chicken used.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning based on your preference and saltiness of the broth.
- Homemade egg noodles provide the best texture but store-bought noodles work well too.
- Do not overcook the noodles; they will soften more after removing from heat.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage.
