If you’ve ever longed for a warm, comforting bowl that feels like a hug in a bowl, then you’re going to adore this Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. It’s the kind of soup that brings memories of cozy family dinners and chilly nights spent wrapped in a blanket. Every spoonful is brimming with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles swimming in a fragrant broth that’s both soothing and delightfully savory. This recipe is not just a soup; it’s an experience that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and your heart with genuine comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe thrives on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create a memorable dish. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the savory broth that forms the base, the tender chicken adding protein and texture, or the fresh vegetables that brighten each bite with color and crunch.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps sauté the vegetables perfectly without overpowering flavors.
- Yellow onion, diced: Brings a mild sweetness and depth to the soup’s flavor profile.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses the broth with a warm aroma and savory undertone that makes the soup irresistible.
- Carrots, peeled and sliced: Offer a natural sweetness and vibrant color that lifts the entire dish.
- Celery stalks, sliced: Provide a subtle, refreshing crunch and enhance the broth’s complexity.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful backbone of the soup, keeping it hearty yet balanced.
- Shredded cooked chicken: Whether from rotisserie or poached, this tender protein is the heart of the soup.
- Egg noodles: Tender, comforting, and perfectly shaped to soak up all the savory broth.
- Dried thyme: Adds a fragrant, herbal note that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Dried rosemary: Introduces an earthy depth that pairs wonderfully with thyme.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing every element without overpowering.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A bright, fresh finish that adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Lemon juice (optional): A splash of acidity that lifts and brightens every spoonful.
How to Make Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat—this gentle warmth will coax out the flavors in your aromatics. Add diced onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté them for about 5 to 6 minutes, or until you see the vegetables just beginning to soften. This step develops the base flavor that your entire soup relies on, so don’t rush it; let your kitchen fill with those inviting scents.
Step 2: Add Broth and Herbs
Next, pour in the low-sodium chicken broth along with the dried thyme and rosemary. The broth provides a comforting richness, while the herbs add a warm, earthy layer to the soup. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, allowing the flavors to mingle and intensify. This bubbling moment is where the magic starts to deepen.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Once boiling, stir in the egg noodles. These noodles are excellent at soaking in flavor while maintaining just the right amount of chewiness. Cook them for about 8 to 10 minutes until tender but not mushy. This timing ensures every bite has perfect texture and that the noodles remain a welcome bite among the soft vegetables and succulent chicken.
Step 4: Stir in the Chicken and Simmer
Add your shredded cooked chicken into the pot and let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes. This step warms the chicken through without drying it out, blending the flavors harmoniously throughout the soup. You’ll start to notice how the broth becomes even more infused with that homemade goodness.
Step 5: Season to Perfection
Before serving, taste your soup and season with salt and pepper to make the flavors pop. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice here brightens the whole dish, lifting that rich broth and bringing balance to each spoonful. This little fresh addition is the secret trick that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a splash of color and fresh herbal aroma. Ladle your steaming, comforting soup into bowls and get ready to enjoy a timeless classic!
How to Serve Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks — it adds a pop of herbal brightness that complements the rich flavors in the soup beautifully. A little cracked black pepper on top also adds a subtle kick. For a bit of zest, don’t hesitate to add a lemon wedge or a few chili flakes for those who love a mild heat.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with a buttery crusty bread or warm dinner rolls that soak up every last drop of broth. A light green salad on the side can add freshness and balance, making it a meal that feels both hearty and wholesome. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside roasted vegetables or a simple grilled cheese sandwich.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe in charming rustic bowls to emphasize its comforting, homestyle nature. For an extra special touch, add a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top. You could also present it in individual cups for a charming appetizer at dinner parties, making every single portion feel special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover soup to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen and meld as it rests, so leftovers can taste even better the next day. Just be mindful that the noodles might soak up quite a bit of broth, so consider adding a splash of broth or water when reheating.
Freezing
This Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe freezes really well if you want to make it in advance. For the best texture, freeze the soup without the noodles and add them fresh when reheating to avoid them becoming mushy. Store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months—perfect for those busy days when you crave a homemade meal quickly!
Reheating
To reheat, warm your soup gently on the stove over medium heat until steaming hot. Add fresh or cooked noodles at this stage if you froze the soup without them. Stir occasionally to reheat evenly, adjusting seasoning if needed. Avoid microwaving for long periods to keep the soup’s textures just right and flavors vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use different types of noodles in this soup?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are classic, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer, like small shells or fusilli. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken or use plant-based protein substitutes. You can add hearty vegetables like mushrooms or tofu to keep it satisfying.
How do I make this soup if I don’t have pre-cooked chicken?
No worries. You can poach raw chicken breasts right in the broth before adding the noodles. Simply simmer chicken breasts for 10–15 minutes until cooked through, then shred them and continue with the recipe.
What can I do to make the soup more flavorful?
Using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought can elevate the taste significantly. Also, fresh herbs instead of dried ones (added towards the end) will brighten the flavors. Don’t skip the lemon juice, as it adds a lovely pop of brightness.
Can I cook this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté the vegetables first, then add all ingredients except noodles to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Add noodles and chicken near the end, cooking until noodles are tender.
Final Thoughts
This Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is truly one of those timeless dishes that never fails to bring comfort and joy. Whether you’re under the weather, hosting family dinner, or just craving a warm bowl of goodness, it has your back. Give it a try, and you’ll understand why this simple yet flavorful soup holds a special place in so many hearts, including mine.
Print
Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This comforting Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup is a classic, hearty meal perfect for warming up on cooler days. Made with tender shredded chicken, wholesome egg noodles, and a medley of sautéed vegetables simmered in flavorful low-sodium chicken broth, it’s an easy-to-make soup that satisfies and nourishes. The addition of fresh herbs and a hint of lemon juice adds brightness, providing a well-balanced and delicious bowl of homemade comfort.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Proteins & Pasta
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 2 cups egg noodles
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften, releasing their flavors and aromas.
- Add Broth and Herbs: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, then stir in the dried thyme and dried rosemary. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil to meld the flavors together.
- Cook Noodles: Stir the egg noodles into the boiling broth and cook for about 8–10 minutes or until the noodles are tender but not mushy.
- Add Chicken and Simmer: Add the shredded cooked chicken to the pot and reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat the chicken through and allow flavors to blend.
- Season and Brighten: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. If desired, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor and give it a fresh finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for added color and herbal freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting bowl of homestyle chicken noodle soup.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness of your soup.
- Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience, but leftover poached or roasted chicken can be used as well.
- Feel free to substitute egg noodles with gluten-free pasta if desired.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon juice at the end enhances the soup’s brightness and complements the herbs.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
