Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a big bowl of Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup — the kind that fills your kitchen with cozy aromas and soothes you from the inside out. This classic recipe is brimming with tender chicken, hearty egg noodles, and colorful veggies, all gently simmered in a fragrant broth that tastes like home. Whether you’re chasing away the chill on a cold day or craving a taste of nostalgia, this soup brings everyone to the table with a smile. Let’s dive into a dish that’s pure comfort in every spoonful!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup comes from its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one brings something special to the pot — from aromatic veggies that form the flavorful base, to juicy chicken and toothsome noodles that make every bite satisfying.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing the veggies, adding a hint of richness and helping flavors meld.
- Yellow onion, diced (1 medium): Delivers a subtle sweetness and depth to the broth.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Infuses the soup with warm, savory notes.
- Carrots, peeled and sliced (3 medium): Lend natural sweetness and beautiful color.
- Celery stalks, sliced (2): Add crunch and balance to the soup’s flavor profile.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (8 cups): The backbone of the soup, keeping it savory but not too salty.
- Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Rotisserie or leftover chicken makes this extra easy and tender.
- Bay leaves (2): Their subtle herbal flavor transforms the broth into something special.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds a hint of earthiness that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- Dried parsley (1/2 teaspoon): Brings brightness and a classic herbal touch.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning — start light and adjust as needed.
- Egg noodles (2 cups): Their soft, slurpy texture is just perfect for soaking up the broth.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon, optional): A squeeze at the end wakes up all the flavors.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): For a pop of color and fresh flavor right before serving.
How to Make Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté everything together for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion turns translucent. This step builds the savory backbone of your Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup, so let those veggies get nice and fragrant.
Step 2: Add Broth, Chicken, and Seasonings
Pour in your chicken broth, then stir in the cooked shredded chicken, bay leaves, dried thyme, dried parsley, and a generous pinch each of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This is where all those flavors start mingling and becoming something truly special. If you’re using uncooked chicken, simmer it whole at this stage, then shred it before adding it back to the soup.
Step 3: Simmer and Develop Flavor
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the soup bubble away for 15 to 20 minutes, uncovered, so the flavors deepen and the veggies become tender. This is the moment when your kitchen starts to smell like a hug in a bowl!
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Add the egg noodles directly to the simmering soup. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually about 6 to 8 minutes, until they’re perfectly tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally to make sure they don’t stick together or to the bottom of the pot.
Step 5: Finish and Adjust
Fish out the bay leaves and stir in the lemon juice, if you’re using it. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. This final touch gives your Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup a fresh, bright finish that lifts all the flavors.
How to Serve Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley just before serving adds a burst of color and a hint of herbal freshness. If you’re feeling fancy, a twist of cracked black pepper or a squeeze of lemon right at the table can add a little zing to your Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with a thick slice of crusty bread, a warm dinner roll, or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It’s also delicious with classic saltine crackers for that old-school, cozy vibe. The soup is satisfying on its own, but a side really rounds things out.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup in big mugs for easy sipping, or ladle it into rustic bowls for a family-style dinner. For a fun twist, you can serve it with mini grilled cheese sandwiches for dipping — especially popular with kids (and grown-ups, too!).
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. The noodles will continue to soak up some broth, so don’t be surprised if it thickens up a bit — just add a splash of extra broth when reheating if needed.
Freezing
For best results, freeze the soup without the noodles, as they can become mushy after thawing. Simply freeze the soup base (chicken, veggies, broth) in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw and reheat the base, then add freshly cooked noodles before serving.
Reheating
Warm leftovers over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the soup has thickened, add a little water or chicken broth to loosen it up. You can also microwave individual portions for a couple of minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use uncooked chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Just add uncooked chicken breasts or thighs to the broth after sautéing the veggies. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through, then shred it and return it to the pot for that classic Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup texture.
What’s the best noodle type for Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup?
Egg noodles are traditional and cook up soft and comforting, but you can use wide noodles, rotini, or even broken spaghetti if you prefer. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as different noodles will cook at different rates.
How do I make this soup gluten-free?
Simply swap out the egg noodles for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Most varieties work well, though you may want to cook them separately and add them just before serving to avoid mushiness.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup is very forgiving. Try adding diced potatoes, peas, corn, or even a handful of spinach for extra nutrition and color. Use up what you have — that’s part of the soup’s charm.
Why add lemon juice at the end?
A splash of lemon juice brightens up the flavors and balances the richness of the broth. It’s optional, but highly recommended if you like a little lift in your Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and a sense of nostalgia to your table, give Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup a try. It’s simple to make but always delivers big on flavor and coziness, perfect for sharing with the people you love. Happy cooking!
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Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make homestyle chicken noodle soup featuring tender shredded chicken, hearty vegetables, and flavorful herbs simmered in a savory chicken broth with egg noodles. Perfect for any day you need a warm, nourishing meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (preferably rotisserie or leftover)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups egg noodles (or wide noodles of choice)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion is translucent.
- Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, then add the shredded cooked chicken, bay leaves, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and meld together.
- Cook the noodles: Add the egg noodles to the simmering soup. Cook according to package instructions, typically about 6 to 8 minutes, until the noodles are tender but still firm to the bite.
- Finish and serve: Remove the bay leaves from the pot. Stir in the lemon juice if using to brighten the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh touch.
Notes
- You can substitute uncooked chicken breasts or thighs by simmering them in the broth for 20 to 25 minutes until fully cooked, then shredding and returning the meat to the pot.
- For a heartier version, add diced potatoes or a mix of white and dark chicken meat.
- This soup is easily adaptable to personal preferences and is perfect for using up leftover chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
