Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (2024)

By Laura

Posted Jan 16, 2021, Updated Feb 02, 2024

5 from 28 votes

14 Comments

Jump to Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

This is the best homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe ever! This easy chicken noodle soup isflavorful, hearty, healthy and it’s made in one pot in under an hour! Follow our step-by-step instructions & watch the video to learn how to make chicken noodle soup!

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (2)

Soup season is here! And on a busy weeknight when I want a cozy, healthy meal – or when we’re feeling under the weather – I make our favorite Chicken Noodle Soup (or this chicken rice soup or vegetable soup)!

This easy chicken noodle soup is flavorful, hearty, healthy and it’s made in one pot in under an hour! You’ll say, “goodbye” to canned soups forever once you make this homemade chicken noodle soup!

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (3)

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe: Ingredients & Substitutions

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (4)
  • Olive Oil.Any neutral oil works well in this chicken noodle soup. Suggested substitutes are avocado oil, canola oil, and butter.
  • Onion.Yellow, white, red, sweet, any onion variety works well in this recipe.
  • Minced Garlic.Garlic powder can be used in place of minced garlic, add it with the broth.
  • Chicken Broth.Homemade or store-bought chicken broth works well in this recipe.
  • Better than Bouillon.This is the secret ingredient in my chicken soup recipes. You can use a different chicken base, but I have had the best results with this brand.
  • Raw Chicken Breasts.If you have precooked, leftover chicken you can use that instead. Just make the soup according to the instructions and add the chicken once the noodles are cooked.
  • Fresh thyme, bay leaves, and parsley. You can use dried spices, however I don’t recommend it. Fresh is best.
  • Egg noodles.Any noodles work well in this chicken noodle soup recipe, egg noodles are our favorite – but rotini, macaroni, wheels, etc. are all great choices.
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (5)

How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup

This best chicken noodle soup recipe is easy to make in one pot in less than an hour. As always, we’ll walk through the process step-by-step, and don’t forget to watch the video!

Begin by cooking the olive oil, onion, carrots, celery and garlic in a large stockpot over medium-high heat until onions are translucent.

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (6)
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (7)

Once vegetables are cooked, add the chicken broth and better than bouillon to the stockpot and whisk to combine.

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (8)

Next, add the chicken breasts, parsley, thyme sprigs, bay leaves salt, pepper to the stockpot and stir to combine. Cover and bring the mixture to a boil. After it reaches a boil reduce heat to simmer and simmer for 45 minutes, covered.

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (9)
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (10)

Once the chicken is cooked and can easily be shredded with a fork, remove and discard bay leaves and thyme sprigs.

Then, remove the chicken from pot and transfer it to a large bowl or cutting board to shred. Return the shredded chicken to the stockpot.

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (11)
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (12)

Once the shredded chicken is returned to the pot, bring the mixture to a boil and add the noodles. Boil for 10 minutes or until noodles are cooked.

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (13)
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (14)

Serve

Serve this homemade chicken noodle soup with your favorite crusty bread, like this no-knead bread, pretzel bread or the best homemade dinner rolls.Or make these easy homemade biscuits!

Store

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (15)

Freeze

Let the chicken noodle soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-friendly, airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Remove frozen chicken noodle soup from the freezer and let thaw in the fridge overnight, or on the counter (faster). You can also let it thaw slightly then transfer the mostly-frozen soup to a pot and thaw it over low heat, stirring often.

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (16)

FAQs about Chicken noodle soup

Why does chicken noodle soup make you feel better?

Chicken noodle soup contains carbohydrates, protein and vegetables all of which are imperative to giving you the energy to fight off illness. The salt in the soup also helps balance your electrolytes and hydrate your body.

Can you put raw chicken in soup to cook?

Yes. This recipe calls for raw chicken to be cooked with the rest of the ingredients.

What vegetables are good in chicken noodle soup?

We usually stick to the classics: celery, onion and carrots. You can really add any vegetable you’d like such as broccoli, peas, corn, zucchini, bell peppers, etc.

What is the best noodles for chicken soup?

The classic choice is egg noodles, however you can use any pasta or even rice as the starch in chicken noodle soup.

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (17)

If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can your creations!

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (18)

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (19)

SavePinPrint

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Laura

This is the best homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe ever! This easy chicken noodle soup is flavorful, hearty, healthy and it’s made in one pot in under an hour! Follow our step-by-step instructions & watch the video to learn how to make chicken noodle soup!

5 from 28 votes

Course Appetizer, Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 12 Servings

Calories 177

Prep Time10 minutes minutes

Cook Time50 minutes minutes

Total Time1 hour hour

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup onion (diced)
  • 1 cup carrots (peeled & diced)
  • 1 cup celery (finely diced)
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 2 quarts chicken broth (8 cups)
  • 1 Tablespoon chicken base (better than bouillon recommended)
  • 2 Pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley
  • 4 cups egg noodles

Instructions

  • In a large stockpot, combine olive oil, onion, carrots, celery and garlic. Cook over medium-high heat until onions are translucent (about 5-7 minutes).

  • Add chicken broth and better than bouillon to the stockpot and whisk to combine.

  • Add chicken breasts, parsley, thyme sprigs, bay leaves salt, pepper and stir to combine.

  • Bring mixture to a boil.

  • After it reaches a boil reduce heat to simmer and simmer for 45 minutes, or until chicken is fork-tender.

  • Remove and discard bay leaves and thyme sprigs.

  • Remove chicken from pot and shred, return it back to the pot.

  • Bring mixture to a boil and add noodles.

  • Boil for 10 minutes or until noodles are cooked.

  • Serve warm.

Video

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Olive Oil.Any neutral oil works well in this chicken noodle soup. Suggested substitutes are avocado oil, canola oil, and butter.
  • Onion.Yellow, white, red, sweet, any onion variety works well in this recipe.
  • Minced Garlic.Garlic powder can be used in place of minced garlic, just add it with the broth.
  • Chicken Broth.Homemade or store-bought chicken broth works well in this recipe.
  • Better than Bouillon.This is my secret ingredient in my soup recipes.You can use a different chicken base, but I have had the best results with this brand.
  • Raw Chicken Breasts.If you have precooked, leftover chicken you can use that instead. Just make the soup according to the instructions and add the chicken once the noodles are cooked.
  • Fresh thyme, bay leaves, and parsley. You can use dried spices, however I don’t recommend it. Fresh is best.
  • Egg noodles.Any noodles work well in this chicken noodle soup recipe, egg noodles are our favorite – but rotini, macaroni, wheels, etc. are all great choices.

Store

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.

Freeze

Let the chicken noodle soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-friendly, airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Remove frozen chicken noodle soup from the freezer and let thaw in the fridge overnight, or on the counter (faster). You can also let it thaw slightly then transfer the mostly-frozen soup to a pot and thaw it over low heat, stirring often.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 177kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 59mg | Sodium: 879mg | Potassium: 512mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1886IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question? Leave a comment below!

Try These REcipes

Chicken and Rice Soup

Minestrone Soup Recipe

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Beef Barley Soup

Sweet Potato Soup

Easy Homemade Vegetable Soup

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How to make chicken noodle soup out of a can better? ›

Start by melting a little butter in a pan and add some fresh herbs like ground pepper, oregano, thyme, and basil. Mix the sauteed herbs into the broth to add flavor to a boring canned soup. You can also toss a sprig of rosemary or fresh sage into the pot while you heat up the soup.

Why do people put lemon juice in chicken noodle soup? ›

use a bit of lemon juice in mine to brighten up the. flavor, and it adds such a welcome element. I love to. use a fun pasta shape for a soup like this, such as.

How to make homemade soup more flavorful? ›

7 Easy Ways to Make Any Soup Better
  1. Brown or Sear the Meat.
  2. Roast the the Veggies.
  3. Mix up the Texture.
  4. Use Homemade Stock Whenever Possible.
  5. Put Your Cheese Rinds to Work.
  6. Perk up a Bland Soup With Simple Pantry Staples.
  7. Add Fresh Herbs or Dairy When Serving.
  8. Recipes Pictured.

How to get more flavor in chicken soup? ›

Adding a splash of acid can brighten up the flavors in your soup. Consider squeezing some fresh lemon juice or adding a splash of vinegar, such as apple cider or white wine vinegar. The acidity will help balance out the richness of the broth and add a tangy note to the overall taste.

What thickens chicken soup? ›

Add Flour Or Cornstarch

You can thicken soup by adding flour, cornstarch, or another starchy substitute.

How do you thicken homemade chicken noodle soup? ›

Flour or Cornstarch: Flour (or cornstarch) thickens the liquid, taking this soup from brothy to creamy. See recipe Note for that substitution.

Why add vinegar to chicken noodle soup? ›

While adding vinegar won't reduce the amount of sodium in the pot, the sharp tang of this condiment can help equal out the salty flavor on your tastebuds, masking the brininess of an oversalted soup and making it easier to eat.

Why do you put vinegar in chicken soup? ›

Whether it's white wine or vinegar, a touch of acid added to the simmering pot will create a richer finished product. That's because acid helps break down the cartilage and other connective tissues in the bones of the chicken, which helps speed up the formation of gelatin in the stock.

What is the liquid in chicken soup called? ›

Chicken broth is the liquid part of chicken soup. Broth can be served as is, or used as stock, or served as soup with noodles. Broth can be milder than stock, does not need to be boiled as long, and can be made with meatier chicken parts. Chicken bouillon or bouillon de poulet is the French term for chicken broth.

What is the most important ingredient in soup? ›

For clear, brothy soups, stock is your most important ingredient. If you want to make a good soup, you need to use an excellently flavored stock — otherwise, the entire pot could be tasteless.

What is the secret of good soup? ›

To make sure that every spoonful of soup is richly flavored, with juicy meat and/or tender vegetables, follow these kitchen-tested tips.
  • Use a Sturdy Pot. ...
  • Sauté the Aromatics. ...
  • Start with Good Broth. ...
  • Cut Vegetables to the Right Size. ...
  • Stagger the Addition of Vegetables. ...
  • Keep Liquid at a Simmer. ...
  • Season Just Before Serving.
Oct 9, 2022

What gives soup the best flavor? ›

Herbs and spices add aroma, flavor, and intensity to soup broth. "Use fresh or dried basil in tomato-based recipes or fresh parsley to add freshness to clear broth soups," says Sofia Norton, RD. You can also go with more heat and spices.

How do you fix tasteless chicken soup? ›

Herbs add a fresh note to a bland chicken soup. Add a sprig or two and let them steep as the soup simmers for 10 to 30 minutes, or chop the herbs and toss them in for near-immediate color and flavor.

What else can I add to chicken noodle soup? ›

Seasoning the Soup: If you feel the soup is missing some zing, add a bit more salt. You can also add a pop of flavor with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a dash of fish sauce (we use this trick for store-bought stocks and broths often) or Worcestershire sauce.

What can I add to canned chicken soup to make it better? ›

How To Make Canned Soup Taste Like Homemade
  1. Sauté some onions and/or garlic: Low and slow is the way to go. ...
  2. Add protein: Leftover chicken or steak, some cooked diced ham or bacon or sausage (just a little — that soup is already salty). ...
  3. More vegetables: This is a great place for leftover cooked veggies.
Apr 25, 2023

How do you enhance a can of soup? ›

Fresh herbs give the impression that the soup is fresh, and any herb can change the flavor profile of the dish. Try adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a boost of spice, Italian seasoning to add a warm and comforting vibe, or cumin or curry powder to take the soup in a whole new direction!

How do you add depth to chicken soup? ›

"If your broth is lacking in savory richness, try adding roasted onion, tomato paste, mushrooms, seaweed, soy sauce, or miso. These ingredients add umami flavor and depth to broth," she says. The choice of ingredient depends on the recipe, though.

How do you enhance canned chicken broth? ›

Add a sauce.

Soy sauce, fish sauce, hot sauce, or chili paste can quickly and efficiently flavor store-bought broth — a little bit goes along way with these ingredients. We often add a few drops of fish sauce to chicken broth before making wonton soup.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Pres. Lawanda Wiegand

Last Updated:

Views: 6206

Rating: 4 / 5 (51 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Pres. Lawanda Wiegand

Birthday: 1993-01-10

Address: Suite 391 6963 Ullrich Shore, Bellefort, WI 01350-7893

Phone: +6806610432415

Job: Dynamic Manufacturing Assistant

Hobby: amateur radio, Taekwondo, Wood carving, Parkour, Skateboarding, Running, Rafting

Introduction: My name is Pres. Lawanda Wiegand, I am a inquisitive, helpful, glamorous, cheerful, open, clever, innocent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.