If you are searching for a soul-satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a medley of fresh vegetables all simmered in a fragrant, herb-infused broth, it’s the type of comfort food that never goes out of style. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving something cozy, this recipe brings simple ingredients together to create a bowl of pure goodness that’s both nourishing and incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe calls for everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and fridge. Each item plays a starring role, bringing balance in flavor, texture, and color to create a soup that’s vibrant and deeply satisfying.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables, adding a subtle richness and helping the flavors meld beautifully.
- Onion, diced: Provides a savory base with a hint of sweetness when softened.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses a warm aromatic punch that brightens the broth.
- Carrots, sliced: Add a touch of natural sweetness and lovely orange color.
- Celery stalks, sliced: Give a mild, refreshing crunch that balances the soup perfectly.
- Chicken broth (8 cups): The heart of the soup, creating a flavorful and comforting liquid base.
- Cooked, shredded chicken (2 cups): The protein that adds substance and makes the soup satisfying.
- Wide egg noodles (2 cups): Tender, chewy noodles that soak up all the delicious broth.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Brings a subtle earthy fragrance that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Dried parsley (1 teaspoon): Adds a hint of herbaceous freshness and color.
- Bay leaf (1): Infuses gentle depth and complexity during simmering.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance every flavor.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Perfect for garnish to brighten and finish the soup with a fresh note.
How to Make Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and tender. This step unlocks the sweetness and builds a flavorful foundation for our soup.
Step 2: Soften the Vegetables
Next, toss in the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook them together for another 3 to 4 minutes. As the vegetables soften, they’ll release their natural flavors, making your soup vibrant in both taste and texture.
Step 3: Add Broth and Herbs
Pour in the chicken broth along with dried thyme, dried parsley, and the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Bring everything to a gentle boil, allowing the herbs and broth to mingle and create that signature homestyle flavor.
Step 4: Simmer with Chicken
Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked, shredded chicken to the pot. Let everything simmer together for 10 minutes. This gentle simmering helps the chicken absorb the aroma of the herbs while keeping it tender and juicy.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
Stir in the wide egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8 to 10 minutes, until they are perfectly tender. The noodles soak up the broth’s flavors while adding a pleasant chewiness that makes this soup so comforting.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Garnish
Before serving, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with a bit more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf, and sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like a bright, fresh finish to your bowl. Your homemade masterpiece is now ready to serve and enjoy.
How to Serve Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of color and a mild herbal brightness that lifts the whole dish. For a bit more zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can be delightful additions to customize each bowl.
Side Dishes
This soup shines wonderfully alongside warm crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls for dipping into every last drop. A light green salad or roasted vegetables create a complete meal perfect for lunch or dinner—comfort food without the heaviness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls, making for an edible and impressively hearty presentation. Or, layer the soup over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa for a grain-forward variation that adds extra texture and heartiness to the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover soup into airtight containers and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy this Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe again with minimal effort. Just be aware that the noodles may absorb some broth during storage, so you might want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup to enjoy months down the line. For best results, freeze the broth and chicken separately from the noodles because pasta can become mushy when frozen and reheated. When ready to eat, simply thaw and combine everything, warming through gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat your soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help loosen the noodles and restore the broth’s comforting consistency. Avoid microwaving for best flavor and texture retention.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut that adds great flavor without much prep. Just shred the chicken and toss it in during the simmering step.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can add extra vegetables or beans for protein to keep it hearty and delicious.
What type of noodles work best?
Wide egg noodles are traditional and perfect here, but you can also try smaller pasta shapes like shells or elbow macaroni depending on your preference.
How long does the cooking process take?
This Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe only takes about 35 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or quick comfort food.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes! Fresh thyme and parsley can be used but add them later in the cooking process to preserve their bright flavors and delicate texture.
Final Thoughts
There is truly nothing like a bowl of homemade soup made with love, and the Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe captures that feeling perfectly. It’s the kind of meal that warms the heart, satisfies hunger, and brings a smile no matter the season. I hope you find as much joy making and eating this soup as I do sharing it with friends and family.
Print
Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting and hearty soup made with tender shredded chicken, wide egg noodles, and a flavorful blend of vegetables and herbs. Perfect for a chilly day or whenever you need a warm, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth
Protein
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
Pasta
- 2 cups wide egg noodles
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent, which develops the base flavor for the soup.
- Add Vegetables: Add minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the vegetables to soften and become fragrant.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth. Stir in dried thyme, dried parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer with Chicken: Reduce the heat to low, bringing the soup to a simmer. Add the cooked, shredded chicken and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Cook Noodles: Add the wide egg noodles to the soup and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until tender.
- Final Adjustments and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken for convenience.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute wide egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice noodles.
- Adjust vegetables as desired—adding peas or corn can add sweetness and texture.
- For a richer broth, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
