Name: Chicken Noodle Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion chopped (about 1 cup); 2 teaspoons minced garlic about 2 cloves; 3 medium carrots cut into 1/8-inch rounds (about 1 1/2 cups); 2 stalks celery cut into 1/8-inch half moons (about 1 cup); 1 inch round 1/8-inch thick ginger optional; 6 cups chicken broth; 3/4 lb chicken tenderloin; 1 sprig fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme; 4 ounces medium egg noodles; Kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper; Freshly minced flat leaf parsley for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

Warm, comforting, and always a hit, chicken noodle soup is the kind of dish that wraps you in a cozy embrace. It’s that quintessential American soup, often associated with home, love, and cherished memories. Each spoonful brings together tender chunks of chicken, soft noodles, and a medley of vibrant vegetables, all simmered together to create a delightfully aromatic broth that beckons you to take just one more bite.

Pin this for later!

For many of us, chicken noodle soup isn’t just a recipe; it’s a remedy for the soul. The aroma of sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger pulls you into a world where stress seems to evaporate. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving the comforts of home, this quick and easy chicken noodle soup recipe promises to restore warmth and harmony to your day. It’s not just simple to make; it’s a delightful dish to share with family and friends. So why not grab your favorite pot and give this delightful homemade version a try? You won’t regret it!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Chicken Noodle Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just about 50 minutes! Perfect for those nights you want something warm and filling without hours in the kitchen.
Irresistible Flavor: The fragrant blend of sautéed vegetables and hearty chicken brings rich, comforting flavors with every spoonful.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Colorful carrots and vibrant parsley add a delightful contrast to the golden broth, making it both delicious and attractive.
Flexible Serving: Great anytime! Enjoy it as a light lunch, satisfying dinner, or comforting snack.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free with special noodles or dairy-free by omitting certain ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing vegetables, giving a smooth richness to the soup. Any light oil would work in a pinch.
1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup): Adds sweetness and depth; yellow onions are perfect for this recipe.
2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 cloves): Enhances flavor; fresh garlic is recommended for a brighter taste.
3 medium carrots, cut into 1/8-inch rounds (about 1 1/2 cups): Bring a subtle sweetness and color. Feel free to use baby carrots if preferred.
2 stalks celery, cut into 1/8-inch half moons (about 1 cup): Provides a crunchy texture and a fresh taste; you can substitute with fennel for a different twist.
1-inch round ginger, cut into 1/8-inch thick (optional): Adds a warm, zesty flavor. If you don’t have ginger, leaving it out is fine, but it does enhance the depth.
6 cups chicken broth: It serves as the flavorful base; low-sodium broth is an excellent choice for better control of sodium levels.
3/4 lb chicken tenderloin: Perfect for quick cooking—feel free to substitute with shredded rotisserie chicken for even faster prep!
1 sprig fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers an aromatic herbal note; if you don’t have thyme, rosemary or parsley works well too.
4 ounces medium egg noodles: These noodles soak up the broth wonderfully, but any small pasta shape works in a pinch.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: For seasoning and adjusting flavors as needed.
Freshly minced flat-leaf parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished soup!

How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup

Sauté the Vegetables: In a Dutch oven or a large soup pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-low heat. Toss in the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 4 minutes. Add in 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, along with the 3 medium carrots and 2 stalks of celery. Stir and let them cook until the celery begins to soften, around 5 minutes. If you’re using ginger, toss that in as well during this step.
Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth, raising the heat to bring it to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it gently simmer. Add in 3/4 lb of chicken tenderloin and a sprig of fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme, allowing everything to meld together. Simmer partially covered for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and set it on a plate. With two forks, shred it into bite-sized pieces or just cut it up with a knife—whichever works for you.
Cook the Noodles: Bring the broth back to a rolling boil and toss in 4 ounces of medium egg noodles. Cook until they are just tender, which should take about 7-8 minutes. Once cooked, return the shredded chicken to the pot and give everything a good stir. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly minced flat-leaf parsley. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy the rich flavors and comforting warmth with family or friends.

Storing & Reheating

After enjoying your chicken noodle soup, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep well for about 3-4 days. If you prefer to freeze it, transfer the cooled soup into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. Keep in mind the texture of the noodles may soften upon reheating, so you might consider adding a splash more broth if needed.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure your vegetables are evenly cut for consistent cooking throughout the soup.
If the soup seems too thick, add extra chicken broth or water during the reheating process to reach your desired consistency.
For an extra flavor boost, you can sauté your garlic for a shorter time until fragrant before adding the broth—this intensifies its lovely aroma.
Consider swapping the chicken with turkey for a post-holiday meal twist!
Don’t forget to season throughout the cooking process—tasting as you go will build layers of flavor.

There’s something undeniably comforting about a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup. It’s not just about hunger; it’s about warmth, nourishment, and homespun love. Each ingredient contributes to a rich narrative penned within every simmering pot and shared among loved ones. Feel free to experiment with the ingredients or the herbs you use. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, embrace the moments shared around the table as you serve this delicious dish.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred the cooked chicken and add it to the soup in the last few minutes of cooking to just warm it through.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

You can easily make this soup gluten-free by substituting regular egg noodles with gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as gluten-free noodles may cook faster or slower.

Is it possible to add more vegetables?

Of course! This soup is very flexible. Feel free to add in peas, spinach, or even green beans for added nutrition and color. Just make sure to add them at the appropriate time during the cooking process for perfect doneness.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover chicken noodle soup in the refrigerator, ideally in an airtight container. It will keep fresh for 3-4 days. This soup also freezes well for up to three months, perfect for meal prep!

More Soups Recipes

👉 If you make my Chicken Noodle Soup recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating — it really helps others discover the recipe.
Follow me on Pinterest for more easy recipes.