Name: Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter); 3 ribs celery, diced; 3 large carrots, diced; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 10 cups chicken broth; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste); 4 cups dry egg noodles; 3 cups rotisserie chicken meat (or cooked chicken breasts)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 87 reviews

If you’ve ever craved a cozy, soul-soothing bowl of comfort food, this Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is just the ticket. It’s a classic that brings together tender chunks of chicken, perfectly cooked egg noodles, and vibrant vegetables simmered in a flavorful chicken broth. Every spoonful offers warmth and nostalgia, making it a go-to for chilly days, when you’re feeling under the weather, or simply need a heartfelt homemade meal. This recipe is easy to follow, quick to make, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eight ingredients placed neatly on a white marbled surface. On the left, a white bowl is filled with bright orange chopped carrots, next to it is a white bowl of pale yellow egg noodles. Below the noodles, a white bowl holds fresh green diced celery, while beside it, a white bowl contains cooked light beige chicken. To the right of the chicken, a white bowl is filled with a clear brown broth. At the top right, a whole yellow onion sits next to two unpeeled garlic cloves. Around the onion are three small clear bowls, one with green dried herbs, one with coarse black pepper, and one with white salt. At the center near the top right, a small clear bowl holds golden olive oil. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe lies in its straightforward, humble ingredients. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s adding texture, depth, or a burst of color to the pot. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious, hearty soup:

2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter): This is your cooking fat, which gently sautés the veggies to unlock their sweetness.
3 ribs celery (diced): Adds a subtle crunch and a fresh, green note that balances the richness.
3 large carrots (diced): Provides natural sweetness and a vibrant splash of color.
1 medium onion (diced): Builds the savory foundation with its earthy, aromatic depth.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Elevates the flavor with a fragrant punch that hits you just right.
10 cups chicken broth: The heart of the soup, delivering rich, savory liquid gold.
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A simple blend that adds herbal warmth and complexity.
1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing all those wonderful flavors.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste): Adds a subtle, comforting spice that perks up the broth.
4 cups dry egg noodles: These tender noodles soak up the broth with a lovely chewy bite.
3 cups rotisserie chicken meat (or chicken breasts): The protein star that brings heartiness and moistness to every spoon.

How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, toss in the diced celery, carrots, onions, and minced garlic. Sauté these together for 6 to 7 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. This step is crucial because cooking the vegetables first helps build a flavorful base for the entire soup.

Step 2: Add Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil, then immediately lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. This simmering not only melds the flavors beautifully but keeps everything tender and well-balanced.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles (and Chicken If Raw)

Stir in the dry egg noodles. If you’re using raw chicken breast instead of rotisserie meat, add it to the pot now as well. Cook the noodles and chicken (if raw) for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente and the chicken is fully cooked through. If using raw chicken, remove it once cooked, shred it, and then return it to the pot.

Step 4: Finish with Chicken Meat

Remove the soup from heat and stir in your shredded rotisserie chicken meat. This keeps the chicken tender and juicy. At this point, your Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is ready to warm you up with every delicious spoonful. Serve it immediately and enjoy the comforting goodness.

How to Serve Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

A silver pot filled with clear broth that has small bubbles on top, floating mixed vegetables including diced orange carrots and light green celery. The vegetables are spread evenly across the surface in the broth inside the pot. The pot is placed on a white stove burner, and the pot’s glass lid is leaning against the white tiled wall behind it. The background surface is white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes is a fun way to bring your soup to life and personalize it. Fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper makes an elegant finish. For a pop of brightness, squeeze a little lemon juice on top just before serving. Some folks love a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or even a dash of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with simple, crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping into that savory broth. A light, crisp side salad with a citrus vinaigrette can balance the meal beautifully, or try buttery garlic bread to turn this into a soulfully satisfying feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming twist, serve this soup in a rustic bread bowl, which makes the presentation inviting and adds edible fun. Another idea is to lighten it up by serving the broth separately with noodles and chicken on the side, allowing everyone to customize their bowl just the way they like. Mason jars or mini cocottes also add a homely, Instagram-worthy touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chicken noodle soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have marinated, but the noodles can sometimes soak up too much broth. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Keep the noodles and broth separate if you want to preserve the noodle texture, combining them when reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze this Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe, but it’s best to freeze the broth and chicken separately from the noodles. The noodles tend to become mushy when frozen and thawed. Store the components in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months for a quick warm-up meal anytime you need it.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If you kept noodles separate, add them after the broth is hot to avoid overcooking. You can also microwave individual portions, just cover them to retain moisture and heat evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken in this Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! If using raw chicken breasts, add them to the broth when you add the noodles, cook until fully done, then shred or chop and return to the soup. This keeps things simple and delicious.

What type of noodles work best in chicken noodle soup?

Egg noodles are traditional and offer the perfect balance of tenderness and chewiness. However, you can also use thin pasta like vermicelli or even small shell pasta, depending on your preference.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

To make this Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe gluten-free, simply swap the egg noodles for a gluten-free pasta variety or even spiralized vegetables like zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

Is it okay to use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen veggies can be a convenient alternative. Just add them during the sauté step and cook a little longer to soften. The soup may have a slightly different texture but will still be tasty.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can! Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip the chicken, or add tofu or beans for protein. You’ll still capture the comforting spirit of the Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a little bowl of happiness and warmth waiting to brighten your day. From the fragrant veggies to the tender chicken and comforting noodles, it’s a timeless dish that’s surprisingly easy to master. So, gather your ingredients and give it a try—you’ll soon understand why this soup feels like a hug in a bowl!

Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need