Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

If you have ever craved the comfort of a warm, nourishing bowl filled with tender chicken, slippery noodles, and a rich, aromatic broth, you are in for a real treat with this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. This recipe combines simple, wholesome ingredients simmered to perfection, creating a dish that feels like a loving hug in a bowl. Each spoonful brings together layers of flavor and satisfying textures that will soothe your soul and brighten even the chilliest days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for the Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is both straightforward and rewarding. Each component plays a vital role from the hearty chicken that imparts deep flavor, to fresh vegetables that add sweetness and complexity, and herbs that give that signature aromatic touch.

• Whole chicken (about 4 pounds): Provides rich, natural broth and tender meat that defines this soup.
• 12 cups water: The base for your flavorful soup broth.
• 1 medium onion, roughly chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the broth.
• 2 carrots, sliced: Introduce delicate sweetness and a lovely color contrast.
• 2 celery stalks, sliced: Bring a gentle earthiness and balance to the flavor profile.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that warm, savory punch in every bite.
• 2 bay leaves: Infuse subtle herbal notes that make the broth complex and inviting.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Season to enhance all other flavors perfectly.
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme: Offers an aromatic, slightly minty flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds a mild freshness throughout the broth.
• 8 ounces egg noodles: The silky, comforting noodles that soak up all that wonderful broth.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps toast the noodles for added depth and texture.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Brightens the final soup with fresh herbal notes and color.
• Lemon wedges for serving (optional): A little squeeze adds a refreshing brightness that cuts through the richness.

How to Make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

Start by placing your whole chicken into a large stockpot along with water, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and bay leaves. Season everything with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This foundation is what will turn into the soulful broth that makes this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe stand out. The slow simmer will coax every bit of flavor out of the chicken and veggies.

Step 2: Simmer the Soup

Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat and let it gently simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours until the chicken is cooked tender and falling off the bone. During this tender simmer, skim off any foam that floats to the surface to keep your broth clear and clean tasting.

Step 3: Remove Chicken and Bay Leaves

Carefully take the chicken out of the pot and let it cool a bit so you can handle it. At the same time, fish out and discard the bay leaves. They have done their job infusing flavor and are not meant to be eaten.

Step 4: Strain the Broth

Pour the broth through a fine-mesh sieve to catch all the solids, leaving you with a delicious, clear soup base. Taste your broth and adjust salt and pepper to perfectly suit your palate.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cool enough, remove the skin and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. This shredded chicken will add heartiness and comfort to your soup, making it the ultimate satisfying meal.

Step 6: Add Herbs to Broth

Return the strained broth to the pot and bring it back to a simmer. Stir in dried thyme and parsley, letting these herbs mingle and infuse the broth with warm, earthy flavors.

Step 7: Toast the Noodles

In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and add your egg noodles. Toast them for about 3 minutes, stirring often, until lightly golden. This extra step boosts their flavor and helps the noodles hold their texture when cooked in the broth.

Step 8: Cook Noodles in Broth

Add your toasted noodles to the simmering broth and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or just until they are tender but still have a slight bite. This timing keeps the noodles from getting mushy when the soup sits.

Step 9: Combine Chicken and Simmer

Fold the shredded chicken back into the pot and let it warm through for another 5 minutes, marrying all those flavors perfectly.

Step 10: Finish with Fresh Parsley

Before serving, stir in fresh parsley for a lovely pop of color and freshness that lifts the entire soup.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe into bowls, optionally add a squeeze of lemon juice, and dive in. This is the kind of soup you’ll want to savor slowly and make again and again.

How to Serve Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon can elevate your soup by introducing a fresh brightness that balances its hearty richness. A few twists of black pepper on top also add a wonderful aroma just before serving. These little touches make the bowl look as delightful as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This recipe is so filling and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a warm crusty bread or buttery garlic toast can transform your meal into a soul-warming feast. A simple side salad with crisp greens and a light vinaigrette also provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party or family meal, serve the Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe in charming soup crocks or rustic mugs that maintain heat and add a welcoming vibe. You can also float a small herb sprig on top or swirl in a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche for extra creaminess without overpowering the classic flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen and become more harmonious after sitting overnight, making the second-day bowl even better than the first.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. It’s a lifesaver to have ready-made comfort food waiting on a cold or busy day.

Reheating

Reheat your soup gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the noodles tender but not mushy. Adding a splash of water or broth during reheating can help refresh the consistency.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken instead of a whole chicken?

Absolutely! While a whole chicken provides the best flavor for broth, using cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken can speed up the process. Just simmer your broth with vegetables and herbs, then add shredded cooked chicken towards the end.

What type of noodles work best for this soup?

Egg noodles are the classic choice here because their texture and flavor complement the soup so well. However, you can substitute with other types like wide pasta, orzo, or even gluten-free noodles, adjusting cooking times accordingly.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

While this version centers on chicken, you can make a vegetarian adaptation by using vegetable broth and adding hearty mushrooms or tofu for protein. Keep the aromatics and herbs to maintain a deeply flavorful soup.

How long does homemade chicken noodle soup last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe will stay fresh and safe to eat for about 3 to 4 days. Always check for any off smell or changes before reheating.

Is it better to add noodles when serving or cook them in the soup?

Cooking the noodles directly in the broth, as this recipe directs, allows them to absorb flavor and contributes to the soup’s overall texture. However, if you plan to store leftovers, adding noodles just before serving can prevent them from becoming mushy.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is truly a timeless classic that never fails to warm the heart and satisfy hunger. From the rich broth made from scratch to the perfectly tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles, every bite feels like a little moment of joy. I hope you’ll gather your ingredients, follow along, and discover how making this soup at home can turn an ordinary day into something special. Happy cooking and even happier eating!

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