This Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate feel-good dish, perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a warm, nourishing meal. With tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a rich, flavorful broth, it’s a classic recipe made entirely from scratch. Serve it with crusty bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Heartwarming and Nutritious: Packed with protein, veggies, and flavorful broth, it’s as wholesome as it is delicious.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Made from Scratch: No shortcuts here—homemade soup that’s fresh and flavorful.
Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 large carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1 cup egg noodles
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Cook the Chicken:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts or thighs, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Simmer the Soup:
Pour in the chicken broth and water, and stir in the dried thyme. Return the chicken to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Shred the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
Cook the Noodles:
Stir in the egg noodles and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Finish and Serve:
Stir in the chopped parsley and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional parsley. Serve with crusty bread or crackers.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Add More Veggies: Include diced potatoes, zucchini, or peas for added heartiness.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or rice in place of egg noodles.
Herbal Boost: Swap thyme for rosemary or add a bay leaf during simmering for extra flavor.
Creamy Version: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk for a creamy chicken noodle soup.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm the soup in a pot over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Freezing: Freeze the soup (without the noodles) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When reheating, cook the noodles fresh and add them to the thawed soup.

FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?

Yes! Shred the rotisserie chicken and add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking to heat through.

2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Add all the ingredients except the noodles to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the noodles in the last 30 minutes.

3. What can I use instead of egg noodles?

You can use any pasta, rice, or even quinoa as a substitute for egg noodles.

4. How do I make the broth richer?

Simmer the soup with a chicken bone or carcass, or add a teaspoon of chicken bouillon for extra flavor.

5. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but you’ll need to extend the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

6. What’s the best way to thicken the soup?

For a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the simmering broth.

7. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, but the soup will have a slightly different flavor profile.

8. How do I prevent the noodles from becoming soggy?

Cook the noodles separately and add them to the soup just before serving.

9. Can I make this soup dairy-free?

This recipe is already dairy-free, but ensure any optional additions like bread or crackers are dairy-free as well.

10. How do I make this soup more filling?

Add extra protein like beans, lentils, or chickpeas, or increase the vegetable quantities.

Conclusion

Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup from Scratch is a timeless classic that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re fighting a cold, warming up on a chilly day, or simply craving a hearty and flavorful dish, this recipe is a go-to favorite. Enjoy a bowl of this delicious homemade soup with some crusty bread for the ultimate comforting meal!