Chicken Noodle Soup is more than just a warm meal; it’s a time-tested remedy that comforts the soul while speeding up recovery. This beloved dish combines savory broth, tender chicken, nourishing noodles, and fresh veggies all in one bowl, delivering healing benefits that soothe your body quickly. Whether you’re fighting a cold or just need a cozy pick-me-up, Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food packed with ingredients that boost immunity, hydrate, and replenish nutrients to help you bounce back faster.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Immunity Booster: Loaded with vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables and chicken to support your immune system naturally.
Hydrating and Soothing: The warm broth keeps you hydrated and comforts irritated throats with every sip.
Easy to Digest: Gentle on the stomach, making it perfect when you’re feeling under the weather or need a light meal.
Comforting Flavors: The aromatic herbs and spices deliver nostalgic tastes that make you feel cared for instantly.
Quick to Prepare: Ready in under an hour, great for busy days or last-minute wellness boosts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chicken Noodle Soup recipe keeps things simple and wholesome, letting each ingredient shine while contributing to flavor, texture, and healing power. Every element has a purpose that enhances the dish’s comforting effect.

Chicken: Use bone-in, skin-on for richer flavor and more nutrients that help rebuild strength.
Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and a boost of beta-carotene to support immune health.
Celery: Provides crunch, fiber, and essential vitamins perfect for balance and taste.
Egg Noodles: Soft, tender noodles that soak up the broth beautifully and provide gentle carbohydrates.
Garlic and Onion: These powerhouse aromatics have natural antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Thyme): Bright herbs that elevate flavor and add antioxidants.
Chicken Broth: The healing base filled with minerals, collagen, and hydration benefits.
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning that highlights all natural flavors.

Variations for Chicken Noodle Soup

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize ingredients based on what you have on hand, dietary preferences, or mood. Making it your own is a breeze!

Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional egg noodles with rice noodles or gluten-free pasta.
Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth for a plant-based twist.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or fresh ginger to bring some gentle heat and added anti-inflammatory qualities.
Extra Veggies: Toss in spinach, kale, or mushrooms for more nutrition and texture.
Slow Cooker Style: Let it simmer all day for deeper flavors without much hands-on time.

How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by simmering bone-in chicken pieces in water with a pinch of salt, onion, and garlic until tender, about 30-40 minutes. This is the foundation of your flavorful broth.

Step 2: Strain the Broth and Shred Chicken

Remove the chicken from the pot, strain the broth to remove solids, and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, saving the broth for the soup.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, lightly sauté diced carrots, celery, onions, and garlic in a bit of oil until softened, unlocking their vibrant flavors.

Step 4: Combine Broth and Vegetables

Add the strained broth back into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Bring it to a simmer and season with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper.

Step 5: Cook the Noodles

Add egg noodles to the simmering soup and cook until tender, usually about 6-8 minutes depending on the noodle type.

Step 6: Add Shredded Chicken and Fresh Herbs

Return the shredded chicken to the pot and toss in freshly chopped parsley just before serving for an herbal bright finish.

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Noodle Soup

Use Homemade Broth: For the richest flavor and the most healing benefits, always start with homemade chicken broth.
Don’t Overcook Noodles: Add noodles last to avoid mushy texture, preserving that perfect bite.
Fresh Herbs Matter: Stir in fresh parsley or thyme right before serving to maintain their aromatic impact.
Adjust Salt Gradually: Taste as you go since different broths vary in saltiness.
Skim the Fat: Remove excess fat from simmered broth for a cleaner, lighter soup that’s easier on the stomach.

How to Serve Chicken Noodle Soup

Garnishes

Top your bowl with freshly cracked black pepper, chopped green onions, or a squeeze of lemon for added brightness and zing.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside crusty bread, warm crackers, or a simple green salad to create a complete, nourishing meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the soup in a bread bowl for a rustic presentation or layer the ingredients in clear glass jars for meal prep convenience and visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Chicken Noodle Soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring all ingredients are cooled before sealing to keep flavors fresh.

Freezing

Freeze soup without the noodles to prevent them from becoming soggy; add fresh noodles when reheating for best texture and taste.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, and add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for Chicken Noodle Soup?

Yes, pre-cooked chicken can speed up preparation, but be sure to add it in the last few minutes of cooking to keep it tender and avoid drying out.

Is Chicken Noodle Soup good for colds?

Absolutely, the warm broth hydrates and soothes the throat, while the nutrients from chicken and vegetables help support immune function.

Can I make Chicken Noodle Soup vegan?

Yes, substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth to create a delicious vegan version that still comforts and nourishes.

How do I prevent noodles from getting mushy?

Add noodles only when you’re close to serving and cook just until tender to maintain their texture; avoiding letting them sit in the soup helps too.

What are the best herbs for Chicken Noodle Soup?

Parsley, thyme, and bay leaves are classic choices that provide bright flavors and aromatic depth without overpowering the dish.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Chicken Noodle Soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day or when you’re feeling under the weather. With its simple, wholesome ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a fantastic recipe to keep in your back pocket for healing and comfort. So, grab your pot and cozy up with a bowl—you’ll feel the warmth and care with every spoonful.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Print Recipe

Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting and nourishing classic made with a savory homemade broth, tender bone-in chicken, fresh vegetables, and soft egg noodles. This immune-boosting soup hydrates, soothes sore throats, and replenishes essential nutrients, making it perfect for colds or anytime you need a warm, wholesome meal.

Author: Elena
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Soups
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free noodles)

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Broth

Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (about 2-3 pounds)
Water (enough to cover chicken in pot)
Salt, a pinch
1 onion, peeled and halved
3 cloves garlic, peeled

Vegetables and Aromatics

2 carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh thyme sprigs (about 2 teaspoons fresh minced or 1 teaspoon dried)
Fresh parsley, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)

Noodles and Seasoning

2 cups egg noodles
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking oil (for sautéing)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Begin by simmering bone-in chicken pieces in water with a pinch of salt, a halved onion, and whole garlic cloves until tender, about 30-40 minutes. This creates the flavorful broth base.
Strain the Broth and Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot, strain the broth to remove solids, then shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, reserving the broth for the soup.
Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat and lightly sauté diced carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
Combine Broth and Vegetables: Pour the strained broth back into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Bring to a simmer and season with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
Cook the Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the simmering soup and cook until tender, approximately 6-8 minutes depending on noodle size.
Add Shredded Chicken and Fresh Herbs: Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stir to combine, and toss in freshly chopped parsley just before serving for a bright, herbal finish.

Notes

Use homemade chicken broth whenever possible for richer flavor and healing benefits.
Add noodles last to prevent them from becoming mushy; cook just until tender.
Fresh herbs like parsley and thyme enhance aroma and flavor—stir in right before serving.
Adjust salt gradually as broths vary in salt content.
Skim excess fat from broth for a cleaner, lighter soup.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 180
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 5 g
Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 15 g
Cholesterol: 60 mg

Keywords: chicken noodle soup, immune boosting soup, comfort food, homemade broth, easy soup recipe, healing soup, cold remedy