There’s nothing more comforting or universally loved than a warm bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. It’s the kind of recipe that brings instant comfort on a cold day, soothes when you’re feeling under the weather, and fills the kitchen with aromas that feel like home. This Chicken Noodle Soup from Easy Dinner Ideas captures everything people adore about the classic: tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, fresh vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth that tastes like it simmered all day—even though it comes together surprisingly quickly.

One of the best things about this recipe is its balance of simplicity and depth. With ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen—chicken, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, herbs, and broth—you can create a soup that is wholesome, nourishing, and incredibly satisfying. The vegetables soften just enough to release their sweetness, the chicken becomes tender and juicy, and the noodles absorb the savory flavors of the broth. Whether you use homemade stock or store-bought broth, the result is a soup that feels hearty yet light, comforting yet refreshing.

This recipe is also wonderfully flexible. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, add extra veggies for more nutrition, or swap the noodles for your favorite pasta shape. It’s a fantastic make-ahead meal because it reheats beautifully, and you can even freeze the broth separately for quick meals during busy weeks. For families, it’s a go-to recipe that kids and adults both love; for home cooks, it’s an essential dish that never goes out of style.

Whether you’re craving something cozy or need a nourishing bowl of soup that warms you from the inside out, this Chicken Noodle Soup is a recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation year-round.

Why This Chicken Noodle Soup Is a True Comfort Classic

Few dishes are as universally comforting as a warm, homemade bowl of chicken noodle soup. It’s a recipe that transcends seasons and generations, offering nourishment, flavor, and a sense of home in every spoonful. This version delivers everything people love about the classic: tender chicken, soft yet sturdy noodles, vegetables cooked to perfection, and a broth that’s rich, savory, and aromatic. Whether you’re craving something cozy, recovering from a cold, or feeding the whole family, this soup hits the right balance of lightness and heartiness.

What makes this recipe stand out is how effortless it is. With simple, wholesome ingredients and a straightforward cooking method, you can create a deeply flavorful soup without hours of simmering. The vegetables soften and sweeten, the chicken becomes juicy and tender, and the noodles absorb just enough broth to become satisfying without turning mushy. The result is a bowl of soup that tastes like it’s been passed down for generations.

Ingredients & What Makes Them Work

This chicken noodle soup is built on classic, reliable ingredients. Onion, carrots, celery, and garlic form the aromatic foundation, releasing flavor as they cook and infusing the broth with sweetness and depth. Chicken adds protein and richness, whether you’re using boneless breasts, thighs, or leftover rotisserie chicken. The broth—homemade or store-bought—soaks up the flavors of the vegetables and herbs, creating a warm, comforting base.

Egg noodles are traditional and ideal for this recipe because they remain tender while retaining their structure. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme brighten the soup, adding freshness to each bowl. A squeeze of lemon or a pinch of black pepper can elevate the flavors even further.

How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup (Step-by-Step)

Start by sautéing the vegetables in a bit of oil or butter until they begin to soften. This builds flavor and ensures they cook evenly in the broth. Add garlic and stir until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. At this stage, add the chicken breasts or thighs and allow them to cook through.

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the pot and shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the simmering broth. Add the egg noodles and cook until tender. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. If you enjoy a brighter flavor, stir in a splash of lemon juice just before serving.

The soup is ready when the noodles are tender, the chicken is juicy, and the broth is rich and flavorful. Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers for a complete, comforting meal.

Flavor Variations & Customizations

This classic recipe is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adapt to your preferences. For a creamier version, add a splash of heavy cream or stir in a spoonful of sour cream. For extra nutrients, toss in spinach, kale, peas, or corn. If you want a heartier soup, replace noodles with rice, barley, or diced potatoes.

For a richer broth, simmer the soup with a parmesan rind or add a small amount of chicken bouillon. To make the soup spicier, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Fresh dill, rosemary, or bay leaves can also enhance the flavor beautifully.

Vegetarians can swap the chicken for chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead. The beauty of chicken noodle soup is its adaptability—there’s no wrong way to make it your own.

How to Store, Freeze & Reheat

Chicken noodle soup stores extremely well, making it ideal for meal prep. Keep leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The noodles will continue to absorb the broth, so add a splash of stock when reheating.

To freeze, it’s best to store the broth and noodles separately, as noodles can become mushy when frozen. Freeze the broth and chicken mixture in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, reheat on the stove, and add freshly cooked noodles.

For quick reheating, warm individual portions on the stovetop or in the microwave, adjusting the consistency as needed.

What to Serve With Chicken Noodle Soup

This soup shines on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can turn it into a complete meal. Fresh bread, rolls, garlic toast, or biscuits make perfect companions for soaking up the broth. A simple side salad adds freshness and balance to the meal.

For a more filling menu, pair the soup with grilled cheese sandwiches, roasted vegetables, or a light pasta dish. On colder days, serve it alongside mashed potatoes or a warm grain bowl for extra comfort.

Chicken Noodle Soup

A comforting, classic chicken noodle soup made with tender chicken, soft noodles, and a rich, savory broth. Easy, nourishing, and perfect for cold days, busy weeknights, or whenever you need a warm, soothing meal.

Print Recipe

Calories: 260

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion diced
3 carrots sliced
3 celery stalks sliced
3 cloves garlic minced
8 cups chicken broth
1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs
1 teaspoon salt more to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 tsp fresh
2 cups egg noodles
2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Optional: splash of lemon juice

Method

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.
Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and add chicken, salt, pepper, and thyme.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes until chicken is cooked.
Remove chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
Add egg noodles and cook for 8–10 minutes until tender.
Stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning.
Add a splash of lemon juice if desired and serve warm.

Notes

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.
2. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth and add chicken, salt, pepper, and thyme.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes until chicken is cooked.
5. Remove chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
6. Add egg noodles and cook for 8–10 minutes until tender.
7. Stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning.
8. Add a splash of lemon juice if desired and serve warm.

Approx nutrition per serving: Protein 22g – Carbs 28g – Fat 7g – Fiber 3g

🔸 Times & Servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 260 per serving

Final Thoughts

Chicken noodle soup is more than just a recipe—it’s a tradition, a comfort, and a universal remedy for busy days and chilly evenings. This version is simple yet rich in flavor, easy to prepare yet deeply satisfying. With tender chicken, flavorful broth, and perfectly cooked noodles, it brings warmth to any table and comfort to anyone who tastes it.

Whether you’re making it for your family, delivering it to a friend, or preparing a batch for the week ahead, this Chicken Noodle Soup delivers consistency, nourishment, and the timeless pleasure of a homemade classic. Once you make it, it will become a staple in your kitchen throughout the year.