If there’s one dish that wraps you in a cozy hug from the inside out, it’s this Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. Bursting with tender chicken pieces, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked egg noodles swimming in a rich, flavorful broth, this soup is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re nursing a cold or looking for a heartwarming weeknight dinner, this soup delivers on taste and nostalgia every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is all about the harmony between simple, fresh ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From the savory depth of chicken broth to the bright freshness of parsley, every component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Using bite-sized pieces helps the chicken cook evenly and makes it easy to eat.
- 1 large onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the broth.
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced: Bring a natural sweetness and vibrant orange color to the soup.
- 2 stalks celery, diced: Provides a delicate herbal crunch and aromatic base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds warmth and a hint of pungency that enhances overall flavor.
- 8 cups chicken broth: The heart of the soup, delivering rich, savory goodness in every spoonful.
- 2 cups water: Balances the broth so the flavors don’t become too intense or salty.
- 1 cup uncooked egg noodles: Soak up the delicious broth perfectly and add chewiness that’s utterly satisfying.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the soup with a burst of freshness and color right at the end.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a slightly earthy, herbal note that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together just right.
How to Make Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by chopping all your vegetables into bite-sized pieces and getting your chicken cut into manageable chunks. This prep work is quick and sets the stage for a smooth cooking process. Having everything ready before you start cooking lets you focus on layering those flavors perfectly.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a large pot over medium heat, then add a splash of oil or butter. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook them gently until they soften and release their wonderful aromas — this step builds the flavor foundation for your broth, making your soup truly irresistible.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Liquids
Next, add your bite-sized chicken pieces right into the pot. Give it a quick stir to start sealing in the juices. Then pour in the chicken broth and water, stirring in the dried thyme along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer so the chicken cooks through and the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Cook Noodles and Finish
Once the chicken is tender, stir in the uncooked egg noodles. Continue to simmer until the noodles are perfectly al dente—typically just a few minutes. Finally, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for that lovely pop of color and freshness right before serving.
How to Serve Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To truly elevate your Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe, consider garnishing with a little extra fresh parsley or even a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. A grating of freshly ground black pepper or a few chili flakes can add a subtle kick if you like things a bit more lively.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with warm crusty bread or homemade dinner rolls to soak up every last drop of that savory broth. A simple green salad on the side can offer a refreshing contrast and round out the meal with added texture and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve your soup in mini bread bowls or rustic mugs for individual portions. You could even top it with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dollop of sour cream to add a creamy, tangy dimension that makes every spoonful feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool your soup completely before transferring it to an airtight container to preserve its freshness and flavor.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, but to maintain the best texture, it’s wise to freeze the broth and chicken separately from the noodles. Noodles tend to get mushy if frozen and reheated after cooking. Freeze in portion-sized containers for convenient future meals.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat. If thawed, add fresh noodles at this stage for best texture. Stir occasionally to heat evenly and enjoy that comforting, freshly-made flavor all over again.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option as they stay juicier and add richer flavor to your Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Is it necessary to use fresh parsley?
Fresh parsley adds a lovely brightness and color to the soup, but if you don’t have any on hand, dried parsley can be used. Just add it earlier in the cooking process as dried herbs need time to release their flavor.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms or beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This changes the flavor profile but keeps the soul of the Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe intact.
How can I make the broth more flavorful?
Simmering the chicken and vegetables slowly helps build depth. You can also add a splash of white wine or a bay leaf during cooking to enhance the broth’s complexity. Just remember to remove herbs like bay leaf before serving.
What’s the best type of noodle to use?
Traditional egg noodles work wonderfully because they hold up well in the soup and soak up flavor without getting mushy quickly. If you prefer, you can also experiment with other pasta shapes, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a bowl of Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe that brings warmth and comfort like no other. Once you try making it yourself, you’ll see how easy it is to create a nourishing, soul-soothing meal from simple ingredients. So grab your pot and get cooking — your next favorite homemade soup is just a few steps away!
Print
Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and classic chicken noodle soup featuring tender chicken pieces, fresh vegetables, and hearty egg noodles simmered in a flavorful broth, perfect for a cozy meal any day.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Chicken and Broth: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot and pour in the chicken broth and water. Stir in the dried thyme and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and flavors meld.
- Cook Noodles and Finish: Add the uncooked egg noodles to the simmering soup and cook for an additional 7-10 minutes until the noodles are tender. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley just before serving for a fresh flavor boost.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for a richer flavor and juicier texture.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste as broth brands vary in sodium content.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute egg noodles with gluten-free noodles or rice.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- To enhance flavor, roast the chicken pieces before adding to the soup.
