Chicken Noodle Soup
Looking for a quick and easy chicken noodle soup that actually tastes homemade? This 30-minute chicken noodle soup is the answer. Made with juicy chicken, tender egg noodles, and the classic trio of onion, carrot, and celery—it’s everything you want in a comforting bowl, without hours on the stove.
Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just want something cozy and nourishing, this recipe delivers flavor, speed, and simplicity. One pot. No stress. Just pure comfort.
Soup weather in the fall is the perfect time to cozy up with a warm bowl of comforting chicken noodle soup. As the leaves change color and the air becomes crisp, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of a simmering pot of homemade soup to fill your home with a sense of warmth and contentment. This is precisely why this chicken noodle soup recipe stands out as the best – it satisfies your taste buds and creates a comforting ambiance that perfectly complements the season.
What Is Chicken Noodle Soup?
Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food made with chicken, broth, vegetables, and noodles. The soup is typically simmered to develop flavor and often includes aromatics like garlic and herbs. It’s warm, hearty, and believed to have soothing, even healing qualities—especially during cold and flu season.
This version is made quickly on the stovetop using pre-chopped chicken and egg noodles, making it easy and satisfying without sacrificing flavor.
Why you’ll love this soup
- Ready in 30 Minutes – From fridge to table fast—no long simmering required.
- One-Pot Wonder – Minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Classic Flavors – Onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and fresh herbs make it rich and aromatic.
- Customizable – Use thighs, breasts, rotisserie chicken, or leftover roast chicken.
- Kid-Approved + Freezer-Friendly – Great for families and make-ahead meals.
Ingredients and substitutes
- Olive Oil – Or butter for a richer flavor.
- Garlic + Onion – The aromatic base. Yellow onion or white both work.
- Carrots + Celery – The classic soup duo for sweetness and crunch.
- Chicken Broth – Homemade or store-bought, low-sodium. Add stock powder if using water.
- Chicken – Use thighs for richness, breasts for leaner soup. Boneless or bone-in.
- Bay Leaves + Thyme + Rosemary + Parsley – Fresh herbs add depth. Dried versions are fine too.
- Noodles – Egg noodles are classic, but any short pasta or even rice works.
- Salt + Pepper – Season to taste, gradually.
Step-by-step: Chicken noodle soup
1. Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
2. Add Chicken and Broth
Pour in chicken broth and add chopped chicken pieces. Toss in the bay leaves, rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Bring to a gentle boil.
3. Simmer
Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Avoid overcooking to maintain texture.
4. Add Noodles
Add egg noodles (or your preferred pasta) and cook until just tender—usually 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally.
5. Season and Finish
Remove herbs and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust broth or water if needed for consistency.
Tips for Success
- Use chicken thighs for the juiciest texture, or shredded rotisserie chicken for speed.
- For more flavor, add a dash of chicken bouillon powder or a splash of soy sauce.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh dill for brightness.
- If prepping ahead, store the noodles separately to avoid sogginess.
- Want thicker soup? Simmer uncovered slightly longer or mash a few carrots.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread or butter rolls.
- Add a side salad or simple grilled cheese sandwich.
- Garnish with extra parsley, cracked pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Storage and Freezing Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze without noodles for best results, up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently on stovetop, adding broth as needed.
Frequently asked questions
Absolutely! While homemade chicken broth adds a unique depth of flavor, store-bought broth can be a convenient substitute. Just make sure to choose a high-quality brand that complements the other ingredients in your soup.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts work best. You can also use rotisserie chicken or leftover roast chicken.
Yes, you can! Chicken noodle soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it before serving. You may need to add extra broth if the soup thickens overnight.
Properly stored, chicken noodle soup can last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. If you notice any off smells or changes in texture, it’s best to discard the soup.
Absolutely. Try peas, spinach, zucchini, or even corn for variation.
The choice of noodles is a matter of personal preference. Classic egg noodles work well and add a comforting texture to the soup. However, you can also use other pasta shapes like rotini or fusilli for a fun twist. Just be mindful of the cooking time and adjust accordingly.
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta or rice instead of egg noodles.
Cook the noodles just until al dente, and don’t simmer the soup too long after adding them. You can also cook noodles separately and add them just before serving.
Yes, but for the best texture, freeze the soup without noodles and add fresh-cooked noodles when reheating.
Chicken Noodle Soup
Are you ready to elevate your soup game to a whole new level? If you've ever dreamt of making the absolute best chicken noodle soup from scratch, then get ready to embark on a culinary journey like no other.
Video
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) Olive oil
- 2 large Garlic cloves
- 1 large Onion diced
- 2 large Carrots diced or sliced
- 2 sprigs Celery sticks sliced
- 4 cups (950 ml) Chicken broth
- 1 lb (450 g) Chicken Thighs and breast or whole chicken
- 2 Bay leaves
- 2 sprigsq fresh thyme
- 2 large fresh rosemary
- 2 sprig Parsley
- 2 sprigs Celery leaves (optional)
- 2 cups (120 g) Noodles Egg or flat noodles
- ½ tsp Kosher salt
- ½ tsp Black pepper powder
Method
- Sauté veggies – Begin by heating oil or butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add garlic, diced onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté them until they become tender and fragrant. These aromatic vegetables will form the flavorful base of your soup.2 tbsp Olive oil , 2 large Garlic cloves, 1 large Onion, 2 large Carrots, 2 sprigs Celery sticks
- Chicken – Next, pour in the chicken broth and chopped chicken pieces. Add the bay leaves and fresh herbs and bring it to a boil. Cover the pot and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing them to cook until tender.1 lb Chicken Thighs and breast, 2 Bay leaves, 2 sprigsq fresh thyme , 2 large fresh rosemary, 2 sprig Parsley , 2 sprigs Celery leaves, 4 cups Chicken broth
- Flavor – Season with salt and pepper. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasoning choices and tailor them to your taste preferences. Don’t overcook so the vegetables can retain their vibrant colors and crispness.½ tsp Kosher salt, ½ tsp Black pepper powder
- Noodles – Now it’s time to add in the noodles. You can use any noodles, whether classic egg noodles, tender rice noodles, or even hearty whole wheat noodles. Cook until the noodles are just tender.2 cups Noodles
- Finish – Taste and adjust seasoning and consistency, adding more water or broth as necessary.
Notes
Tips for Success
- Use chicken thighs for the juiciest texture, or shredded rotisserie chicken for speed.
- For more flavor, add a dash of chicken bouillon powder or a splash of soy sauce.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice or sprinkle of fresh dill for brightness.
- If prepping ahead, store the noodles separately to avoid sogginess.
- Want thicker soup? Simmer uncovered slightly longer or mash a few carrots.
Nutrition
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This chicken noodle soup was the perfect dish to bring in the colder temps. So easy to make with wholesome ingredients.
I LOVE a good chicken noodle soup, but I haven’t ever made it myself before. I have got to try this recipe, thank you so much for sharing 🙂
This chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food. We love it!
Loved the smell of this cooking. The flavor was perfect.
I loved this chicken noodle soup! Definitely brought back memories and so soothing. Thank you!
I love chicken noodle soup. It’s an easy, delicious and a healthy soup. Perfect to serve during cold weather, especially if you got colds.
Superb dish for when you’re not feeling 100%. Made it over the weekend and it’s now my favourite chicken noodle soup recipe ever!
This chicken noodle soup is the comfort food I am craving. Simple to prepare, and the delicious addition of the fresh herbs is lovely. A beautiful soup recipe!
Thank you for this recipe. This is similar to my moms recipe. The chicken thighs and chicken breast add the best flavor. Great for cooler weather days.
A cozy classic 🙂 I made this with plant-based chicken and it was delicious.