Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

The Ultimate Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup: More Than Just a Meal

Few dishes evoke feelings of warmth, comfort, and nostalgia quite like a steaming bowl of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a culinary hug, a remedy for a chilly evening, and a tried-and-true companion during sick days. Forget the canned versions—this isn’t just a recipe; it’s your definitive guide to crafting the ultimate, soul-warming classic. We’re talking about a rich, flavorful broth, perfectly tender chicken, and hearty noodles that will make you wonder why you ever bought it from the store. Get ready to create a truly unforgettable comfort food experience right in your own kitchen.

Why This is the BEST Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

What makes our Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup stand out? It’s a culmination of simple techniques that yield extraordinary flavor.

• Rich, Flavorful Broth: We guide you through building a deeply savory base, far surpassing anything store-bought. This nourishing broth is the heart of our classic chicken noodle soup.
• Perfectly Tender Chicken: Say goodbye to dry, stringy chicken. Our method ensures juicy, succulent pieces every time, whether you choose fresh chicken or opt for a convenient rotisserie chicken noodle soup shortcut.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with fresh vegetables, protein, and satisfying carbohydrates, this isn’t just a starter; it’s a complete, wholesome meal. It’s truly a feel-good food.
• The Ultimate Comfort Food: There’s a reason this is everyone’s go-to for sick days. Our chicken noodle soup for a cold provides soothing relief, but it’s equally perfect for cold weather or when you simply need a hug in a bowl.
• Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You won’t need any gourmet items. This easy chicken noodle soup recipe relies on pantry staples and fresh produce, making it an incredibly accessible dish for any home cook.

The Anatomy of a Perfect Soup: Understanding the Core Components

Crafting the best chicken noodle soup from scratch involves understanding the role of each element.

The Golden Broth: The Soul of the Soup

The broth is the foundation of any great soup. While homemade chicken broth offers unparalleled depth, a high-quality store-bought broth can be excellent. To enrich store-bought options, simmer it with extra aromatics like an onion half, garlic cloves, or a parmesan rind for added umami. A good nourishing broth is key.

The Chicken: Which Cut is Best?

For this shredded chicken soup, you have choices! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts offer lean protein and shred easily. Thighs provide more flavor and moisture. A whole chicken, simmered and then deboned, yields the deepest flavor for your broth. For a quick chicken noodle soup, a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is an absolute game-changer, saving significant time.

The Vegetables: The Flavor Base (Mirepoix and More)

The classic French mirepoix—a combination of diced onions, carrots, and celery—is non-negotiable for building flavor. This aromatic trio forms the backbone of your soup. Feel free to add other vegetables like leeks, parsnips, or even a handful of frozen peas or corn towards the end for extra color and nutrition.

The Noodles: Choosing Your Perfect Pasta

For a truly classic chicken noodle soup, wide chicken soup with egg noodles are traditional and beloved. Other small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or spirals also work well. We’ll delve into the great debate: cooking noodles in the soup vs. separately. For superior texture and preventing mushy leftovers, cooking them separately is often the best approach for this old fashioned chicken noodle soup.

The Herbs & Seasonings: The Finishing Touch

Fresh herbs truly elevate the flavor profile. Parsley and thyme are traditional choices, often complemented by a bay leaf during simmering. While dried herbs are convenient, fresh herbs—especially a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end—add a vibrant, aromatic lift to your simple chicken soup recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients to create your comforting bowl of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion (about 1 medium)
• 1 cup chopped carrots (about 2 medium)
• 1 cup chopped celery (about 2 stalks) – this is your essential mirepoix for soup
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups (2 quarts) low-sodium chicken broth (or homemade chicken stock)
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (or 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme sprigs)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 4-6 oz wide egg noodles (or other preferred pasta)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Follow these clear steps to master your own delicious Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup:

Step 1: Create the Aromatic Base

1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery (your mirepoix). Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent. Do not brown them.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Simmer the Broth and Cook the Chicken

4. Pour in the chicken broth. Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Carefully place the chicken breasts or thighs into the broth. Ensure the chicken is submerged.
6. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

7. While the chicken is simmering, bring a separate pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
8. Add the wide egg noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente.
9. Drain the noodles and set them aside. Rinsing them briefly with cold water can prevent sticking if you’re not adding them to the soup immediately.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

10. Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot using tongs or a slotted spoon.
11. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. If using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, simply add the shredded meat now.
12. Return the shredded chicken to the soup pot. Discard the bay leaf.

Step 5: Combine and Season

13. Add the cooked and drained noodles to the soup, along with the fresh chopped parsley.
14. Stir everything together.
15. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed with additional salt and pepper. You might be surprised how much salt a large pot of soup can take!
16. Serve immediately and enjoy your soul-warming soup!

Pro Tips for a Flawless Soup Every Time

• Don’t Boil Your Soup: A gentle simmer is crucial. Boiling can make your broth cloudy and toughen the chicken. For a clear broth and tender meat, maintain a gentle, consistent simmer.
• Skim the Surface: As the soup simmers, you may see some foam or impurities rise to the top. Skim these off with a ladle for a cleaner, clearer, and more appealing broth.
• Salt As You Go: Seasoning in layers is key. Add salt when sautéing vegetables, again when adding broth, and finally, adjust at the very end. This builds a complex flavor profile for your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup.
• The Secret to Non-Mushy Noodles: Reiterate the importance of cooking noodles separately. This is especially vital if you plan on having leftovers, ensuring your noodles remain perfectly al dente.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit off the heat for 5-10 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld and deepen, making each spoonful even more delicious.

Delicious Recipe Variations & Customizations

This versatile Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup lends itself beautifully to various twists:

• Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: For a richer texture, stir in ¼ to ½ cup of heavy cream or a splash of half-and-half at the very end, just before serving.
• Slow Cooker / Crockpot Method: For a truly hands-off crockpot chicken noodle soup, combine all ingredients (except noodles and fresh parsley) in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender. Shred chicken, then add cooked noodles and fresh parsley before serving.
• Instant Pot Method: Transform this into a quick chicken noodle soup with your Instant Pot. Sauté mirepoix, add broth, chicken, and seasonings. Pressure cook for 7-8 minutes with a quick release. Remove chicken, shred, then add back to the pot along with separately cooked noodles and parsley.
• Add-ins for Extra Flavor & Nutrition: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the flavor. Fresh dill adds a wonderful aromatic note. Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added greens.
• Gluten-Free Option: Easily adapt this recipe by using your favorite gluten-free pasta. Alternatively, for a noodle-free option, serve it over cooked rice for a hearty meal.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Chicken Noodle Soup

Enjoying your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup for days to come is easy with proper storage.

Storing Leftovers: Leftover soup will last for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even better the next day!

Freezing Instructions: For best results, freeze the soup without the noodles. The noodles tend to become mushy and absorb too much liquid when thawed and reheated. Simply prepare the soup up to the point before adding noodles. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat gently on the stovetop, and cook fresh noodles to add just before serving.

Reheating: Reheat individual portions on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through, or in the microwave. If the soup has thickened, you can add a splash of extra chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What makes chicken noodle soup taste better?

The secret to exceptional Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup lies in a few key elements: building a rich, flavorful broth from scratch (or enriching store-bought broth), using a proper mirepoix (onions, carrots, celery) as a flavor base, incorporating fresh herbs like parsley and thyme, and seasoning correctly throughout the cooking process. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end can also brighten the flavors significantly.

Should you cook noodles before adding them to soup?

Yes, for the absolute best results, especially if you anticipate having leftovers, it is highly recommended to cook the noodles in a separate pot of salted water. Cooking them separately prevents them from absorbing too much broth, becoming mushy, and thickening the soup excessively. Add the pre-cooked noodles to individual bowls or to the main pot just before serving.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this soup?

Absolutely! Using a rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saver and makes this a truly quick chicken noodle soup. Simply shred the meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken and add it to the soup during the last 5-10 minutes of simmering, just to heat it through. You can even use the bones to make a quick supplemental broth if you have extra time.

How do I add more flavor to my bland chicken soup?

If your soup tastes bland, try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a generous handful of fresh herbs (like parsley or dill), or a dash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for an umami boost. Simmering a parmesan rind in the broth can also impart a deep, savory flavor. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the salt and pepper levels!

Is homemade chicken noodle soup actually good for a cold?

Yes, chicken noodle soup for a cold is more than just an old wives’ tale! The warm, nourishing broth helps soothe a sore throat and provides essential hydration. The steam from the hot soup can help clear nasal passages and congestion, while the easily digestible carbohydrates and protein provide energy and nutrients your body needs to recover. It’s truly a feel-good food.

What to Serve with Your Comforting Bowl of Soup

A bowl of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is satisfying on its own, but a few accompaniments can make it a complete meal:

• Crusty Bread or Rolls: Perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
• Saltine Crackers: A classic pairing for a delightful crunch.
• Simple Side Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast.
• Gooey Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The ultimate comfort food pairing for dipping!

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Comfort Food

There’s an undeniable magic in a bowl of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup. It’s a versatile dish that offers comfort, nourishment, and a taste of home. By following this guide, you’ve mastered the art of creating a truly exceptional, soul-warming soup that’s destined to become a beloved staple in your recipe repertoire. So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, and share this bowl of homemade goodness with loved ones. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience. We invite you to try this recipe and share your thoughts in the comments below!

« `

For more daily recipes and tips, follow us on Facebook!
Click here to join our community!