Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Introduction
Chicken noodle soup is a timeless classic, perfect for comforting chilly days or whenever you need a warm, nourishing meal. This recipe combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and egg noodles in a flavorful homemade broth.

Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 ribs of celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 10 cups chicken stock
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 8 oz egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, celery, and onion, cooking for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Step 2: Pour in the chicken stock, then add the bay leaf, thyme, basil, and chopped parsley. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how much time you have.
- Step 3: Add the egg noodles and shredded chicken to the pot. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the noodles are cooked through and the chicken is heated.
- Step 4: Remove the soup from heat. Take out the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut that adds great flavor without extra cooking time.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice noodles.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over medium heat until heated through. Note that noodles may absorb broth over time, so you might want to add a little extra chicken stock or water when reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, you can add raw chicken pieces to the soup in Step 2. Let them cook in the simmering broth until fully cooked and tender before adding the noodles.
Can I freeze chicken noodle soup?
Absolutely. Freeze the soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months. It’s best to undercook the noodles before freezing, then add fresh noodles when reheating to avoid mushiness.
PrintHearty Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
This classic Chicken Noodle Soup recipe features tender shredded chicken, hearty egg noodles, and a medley of vegetables simmered in a flavorful chicken broth. It’s a comforting, nourishing soup perfect for any day and can be made quickly or slow-simmered for deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 ribs of celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Broth & Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 10 cups chicken stock
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken (use freshly cooked chicken or leftovers)
- 8 oz egg noodles
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large stock pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and sliced carrots, chopped celery, and chopped onion. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables become tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Broth and Herbs: Pour in the chicken stock, then add the bay leaf, dried thyme, dried basil, and chopped fresh parsley. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 20-40 minutes depending on how much time you have; a quick 20-minute simmer will meld flavors, but longer simmering enhances them further.
- Cook Noodles and Chicken: Add the uncooked egg noodles and the shredded cooked chicken to the simmering broth. Continue to cook for about 10 minutes until the noodles are tender and the chicken is heated through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat and take out the bay leaf. Season the soup with salt and pepper to your taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- To use fresh chicken: boil or roast chicken breasts or thighs, then shred them once cooled.
- For a richer broth, use homemade chicken stock or low-sodium store-bought stock.
- Feel free to substitute egg noodles with any preferred pasta shape or gluten-free noodles if needed.
- Leftover soup keeps well refrigerated for 3-4 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Keywords: chicken noodle soup, homemade chicken soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, hearty chicken soup, classic chicken noodle

