The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 90 mins | Total: 105 mins | Serves: ['8', '8 1.5 cups each'] | Cuisine: American
Warm, comforting, and downright delicious—this is the best homemade chicken noodle soup you're ever going to make! Packed with the nostalgic flavors that remind you of Grandma’s kitchen, this recipe combines tender chicken, savory veggies, and aromatic herbs for a bowl of goodness that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a medium yellow onion, garlic cloves, fresh carrots, and celery, you’ll create a vibrant base that brings the whole dish to life.
The simplicity of olive oil, dried basil, and thyme enhances the taste without overwhelming it, making this soup a go-to for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. As you let it simmer, the inviting aroma fills your home, making it hard to resist. Whether you're nursing a cold or simply craving comfort, this homemade chicken noodle soup is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your soul. So grab your ingredients and let’s celebrate the timeless joy of homemade cooking!
The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Instructions
Step 1
Before we get started on our warm and comforting chicken noodle soup, let’s gather everything we need. Head to your pantry and fridge to collect 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 4 cups of chicken broth, 2 cups of water, and 1 cup of egg noodles. Don’t forget to grab 1 medium onion, 2 carrots, and 2 stalks of celery — fresh veggies will add a lovely flavor. Finally, have some fresh herbs on hand, like parsley and thyme, along with salt and pepper for seasoning. Once you have everything ready, we can move on to crafting this delicious soup!
Step 2
Start by dicing the onion into small pieces; this will add a lovely sweetness to your soup. Next, mince the garlic cloves finely, releasing their wonderful aroma that will infuse the broth. Take your carrots, peel them, and then dice them into small, bite-sized pieces—about a quarter-inch thick is perfect. Now, grab the celery and chop it into similar-sized dice to match the carrots. Finally, mince the fresh parsley; this will be a bright, fresh addition to the finished soup. Make sure to set the parsley aside for later—it’ll add a lovely pop of flavor right before serving.
Step 3
To kick off our delicious chicken noodle soup, start by drizzling a couple of tablespoons of olive oil into your large soup pot. Place the pot over medium heat and let the oil warm up for a minute. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the onion becomes translucent. You’ll know they’re ready when the kitchen starts to fill with that wonderful aroma!
Step 4
Now it’s time to bring those beautiful aromatics to life! Add the minced garlic, dried basil, dried thyme, bay leaf, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt to your pot. Stir everything together to coat the vegetables in those fragrant spices. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is fragrant and slightly softened. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen is filled with that delicious herby aroma—, it’s a good sign!
Step 5
Now it's time to add your chicken breasts to the pot. Gently place them in, ensuring they’re nestled comfortably among the vegetables. Once the chicken is in, pour the chicken broth over everything, making sure the broth completely covers the chicken. You want those lovely flavors to meld together, so if the broth doesn’t quite reach the top, feel free to add a splash of water. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer over medium heat, and let it bubble away for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. You’ll know it's ready when the chicken is firm to the touch and registers 165°F on a meat thermometer. This is where the magic begins!
Step 6
Once your soup is all set with the chicken and veggies, it’s time to get it bubbling! First, place a lid on your pot to help trap the heat. Turn the burner to high and wait for the soup to come to a lively boil, which usually takes just a few minutes.
As soon as you see those big, rolling bubbles, reduce the heat to low. This will keep the soup simmering gently, so you’ll want to adjust the heat as necessary to maintain that gentle bubbling. It’s important to keep an eye on it for the full hour; if it starts to lose that simmer, the chicken won’t shred as easily later. After an hour, your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll be ready for the next step!
Step 7
After your soup has simmered for an hour, it’s time to take out the chicken. Carefully lift the chicken pieces from the pot using tongs and place them on a cutting board. Let them cool for a few minutes until they’re comfortable to handle. With two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding any skin or bones.
Next, give your broth a taste. You might find it’s just right, but if you feel it needs a little extra seasoning, start by adding a teaspoon of salt, stirring well to combine. Taste again before adding more, as the bouillon can already provide a good amount of saltiness. Enjoy the comforting aroma as you finish this step!
Step 8
Once your broth is bubbling away, it’s time to add the star of the show: the egg noodles! Toss them into the pot and raise the heat to high, bringing everything to a rolling boil. Let those noodles cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender but still have a little bite to them—you’ll know they're ready when they’re soft but not mushy.
After the noodles have reached that perfect tenderness, gently fold the shredded chicken back into the pot. This is where your soup really comes together! Give it a taste, and don’t hesitate to sprinkle in a little extra salt if you think it needs it. Each spoonful should feel cozy and comforting, just like a warm hug on a chilly day.
Step 9
Once your soup has simmered to perfection, it's time to add a sprinkle of freshness. Grab a handful of fresh parsley, roughly chop it, and stir it into the soup for a burst of color and flavor. This little touch will brighten up the dish and enhance its comforting aroma. Serve the soup hot, ladling generous portions into bowls, and watch as everyone gathers around, eager to dig in. Enjoy each warm spoonful, knowing you’ve created something special!
Nutrition Information
calories: 213 kcal
fat: 7 g
carbohydrate: 21 g
protein: 17 g
fiber: 2 g
servingSize: 1 Serving
My Tip
To enhance the flavor of your chicken noodle soup, sauté the diced onion in olive oil until it's just starting to caramelize before adding the garlic. This will deepen the base flavor and give your soup a lovely richness that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Leftovers
To store your delicious chicken noodle soup, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Make It Your Own
For a delightful twist, try swapping out the chicken for chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian version. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep that comforting flavor while catering to plant-based diets.
