There is something truly heartwarming about a classic bowl of chicken soup, and this Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe delivers that comforting hug in a bowl with minimal fuss. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked egg noodles, and a vibrant medley of veggies swim in a flavorful broth that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly day. Whether you’re nursing a cold, craving a homemade meal, or simply want a cozy dinner, this recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels both nourishing and soul-satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it relies on straightforward, fresh ingredients that you likely have in your pantry or fridge. Each element plays a key role in building layers of flavor, from the aromatic sautéed vegetables to the silky egg noodles and juicy chicken breasts.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps sauté the vegetables evenly.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Brings richness and depth to the flavor base.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): Provides sweetness and a savory foundation.
- 2 medium carrots (peeled & sliced): Adds vibrant color and natural sweetness.
- 2 sticks celery (chopped): Offers a pleasant crunch and fresh flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses a fragrant warmth that’s essential in any good soup.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The heart of the soup, delivering a rich, savory liquid.
- 2 cups water: Balances the broth to create the perfect seasoning.
- 1.5 pounds uncooked chicken breasts (boneless skinless): The tender protein that makes this dish hearty.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds a subtle herbal note that brightens the broth.
- 2 cups uncooked egg noodles: The comforting, tender noodles that soak up all the flavors.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for enhancing every ingredient’s natural flavors.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped): A fresh, vibrant finish that adds a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Base
Begin by warming the olive oil and butter in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté these until they become tender and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes—this simple step awakens the vegetables’ natural sweetness and forms a flavorful base for your soup.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for roughly 30 seconds. Garlic cooks quickly and releasing its aroma now will build a rich, inviting flavor without becoming bitter or overpowering.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Add Chicken
Next, pour in your chicken broth and water, then add the chicken breasts along with the Italian seasoning. This combination starts creating the soul of your soup. The chicken will slowly cook and infuse the broth with savory goodness.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Turn the heat to high and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low so it can simmer with the lid slightly ajar. Let everything cook together for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
Remove the lid and stir in the uncooked egg noodles. Keep the soup at a gentle boil (you might need to adjust the heat) and cook the noodles for 8 more minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This is where your soup transforms into the comforting, noodle-filled perfection we all crave.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
Take out the chicken breasts, shred or chop them into bite-sized pieces, and return them to the pot. Ensure the chicken is cooked through—chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If needed, let it cook for a few more minutes to reach that safe haven.
Step 7: Season and Finish with Parsley
Season the soup generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Adding fresh parsley at the very end not only brightens the soup but also introduces a lovely pop of green to make the presentation as inviting as the taste.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but you can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness or a dash of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Some crispy croutons or a swirl of cream can take the soup to the next level, adding texture and indulgence.
Side Dishes
Serve your soup alongside a crusty baguette, buttery garlic bread, or a fresh green salad to round out the meal. These simple sides complement the warmth of your chicken noodle soup and make it perfect for a nourishing lunch or dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe in individual bread bowls, or top each bowl with a handful of crispy fried onions for extra crunch. You could also add a few roasted vegetables for color or stir in some spinach for added nutrition at the end of cooking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making the next-day leftovers even tastier.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup, but it’s best to keep the noodles separate if possible, as they can become mushy. Freeze the broth and chicken mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and cook fresh noodles when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup seems too thick after refrigeration.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Simply add shredded rotisserie chicken after the broth is simmered to save time and still enjoy a rich flavor.
What type of noodles work best in this soup?
Egg noodles are classic because they hold up well without turning mushy. However, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like shells or ditalini if you prefer.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes, swap the egg noodles for a gluten-free pasta or use spiralized vegetables like zucchini noodles for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. Add hearty vegetables like mushrooms or beans to add protein and texture.
How can I make the broth more flavorful?
Roasting the chicken or vegetables before simmering them enhances the depth of flavor. Additionally, letting the soup simmer a bit longer with added herbs like thyme or bay leaves helps create a deeper broth.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the cozy comfort of a homemade bowl of soup, and this Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is one to keep close to your repertoire. It’s simple, full of flavor, and satisfying every single time. Grab your pot, gather those fresh ingredients, and dive into this classic that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. You’ll find yourself coming back for seconds and sharing it with everyone you love.
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Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This easy chicken noodle soup recipe is a comforting and flavorful homemade classic, perfect for cozy nights. Made with tender chicken breasts, fresh vegetables, and egg noodles, it cooks on the stovetop in just under an hour. The combination of sautéed aromatics, savory broth, and fresh herbs delivers a wholesome and satisfying meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 sticks celery, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds uncooked chicken breasts, boneless skinless
- 2 cups uncooked egg noodles
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: In a soup pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
- Add liquids and chicken: Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add the chicken breasts and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low-medium, cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar, and simmer for 15 minutes to cook the chicken through.
- Cook noodles: Add the uncooked egg noodles to the pot and cook uncovered for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking. Adjust heat to maintain a gentle boil if necessary.
- Shred chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot, shred or cut them into bite-sized pieces, then return them to the soup. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature), simmer longer if needed.
- Season and garnish: Taste and season the soup with salt and pepper generously. Stir in fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn for extra nutrition.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Use gluten-free noodles if a gluten-free version is preferred.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
