Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food for Any Day

There’s something about a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup that instantly makes everything feel better.

Whether it’s a cold winter day, under the weather, or just needing something hearty and cozy, this Easy Chicken Noodle Soup hits all the right spots. It’s simple, quick, and full of that classic flavor we crave.

And the best part? It’s so easy to make! You don’t need fancy equipment or hours in the kitchen – just a few ingredients and a little time to prepare something satisfying.

Here’s how to make this timeless comfort food at home.

Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Ingredients

Before cooking, let’s grab everything we need for this recipe. Many of these ingredients are pantry staples and can easily be found at your local grocery store. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste!

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for a richer flavor)
  • 6 cups chicken broth (you can use vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian version)
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups egg noodles (or any noodles you like)
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Preparation Time & Serving Size

This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. It can be ready in just about 30 minutes. It makes around 4-6 servings, depending on how hearty you want your bowls to be.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we’ve got everything ready let’s get started! Here’s how you can make this delicious chicken noodle soup.

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by cooking the chicken. You can either boil it in water or broth for about 15-20 minutes until fully cooked or use pre-cooked chicken if you’re looking to save time. If you want a richer flavor, try pan-searing the chicken in a little olive oil and then chopping it into bite-sized pieces after it’s cooked through.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

While the chicken is cooking, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté them for 5-7 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. Don’t rush this step—the aroma of these vegetables cooking sets the stage for the soup’s rich flavor.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Simmer

Once the veggies are softened, pour in the chicken broth, followed by the minced garlic, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for another 10 minutes so the flavors can meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Add the Noodles and Chicken

Now, it’s time to prepare the soup. Add the cooked chicken and noodles to the pot. Let everything simmer for another 5-7 minutes or until the noodles are tender and have absorbed all that savory goodness.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning as needed—more salt, pepper, or a touch more thyme can make it perfect. If you like a little extra freshness, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top just before serving.

This adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh flavor to balance out the rich broth.

Tips and Variations

While this easy chicken noodle soup is already amazing, you can customize it in a few ways!

  • Make It Heartier: Add extra vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans. You can also add a potato or two for a more filling soup.
  • Swap the Chicken: If you’re feeling adventurous, swap the chicken for other proteins like turkey or rotisserie chicken. This can also be a great way to use leftover turkey after a holiday.
  • Go Gluten-Free: Swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free version. Plenty of good gluten-free noodles are available that still hold up beautifully in this soup.
  • Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary, parsley, or dill can take the flavor up a notch. Just toss them in at the end to maintain that fresh, vibrant taste.

Storage & Leftovers

Got leftovers? No problem! This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container and reheat it gently on the stove when ready to enjoy it again.

If you want to make a bigger batch and store it for later, this soup freezes well, too! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container, and it will last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready, thaw and reheat!

Conclusion

This Easy Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food – warm, savory, and satisfying with just a few ingredients.

It’s a classic that never goes out of style, and with a few simple tweaks, you can make it work for any dietary preference or craving. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or just need something to lift your spirits, this soup will be delivered every time.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time! It actually tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had more time to meld together. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container.

Q: Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Definitely! Turkey is a great substitute, and leftover rotisserie chicken makes an even quicker meal. For a vegetarian option, add tofu or load up on extra vegetables.

Q: What’s the best way to make the soup gluten-free?

To make this soup gluten-free, swap regular egg noodles for gluten-free pasta. Plenty of varieties are available, and they work wonderfully in this recipe.

Q: Can I add more veggies to the soup?

Absolutely! This soup is very versatile. You can add peas, green beans, corn, or even spinach. Feel free to throw in whatever you have on hand.

Q: How long does this soup last in the fridge?

This soup will last about three days in the fridge. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Now you’re ready to make your own cozy, homemade chicken noodle soup! Enjoy every spoonful of this simple, hearty dish that brings warmth and comfort to any day. Happy cooking!

Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

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