A comforting and hearty soup featuring tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and egg noodles simmered in a savory broth. This timeless recipe is perfect for warming up on chilly days and nourishing the soul with its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Food – Warm, soothing, and packed with flavor.
- One-Pot Meal – Everything cooks in a single pot for easy cleanup.
- Nutritious and Satisfying – A balanced meal with protein, veggies, and carbs.
- Great for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day.
- Customizable – Easily adjust ingredients to your preference.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 bone-in chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 6 ounces wide egg noodles
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Directions
1. Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter melts.
- Add the diced onion, sliced celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
2. Add the Broth and Chicken
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme (or fresh thyme sprigs) and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
- Place the bone-in chicken breasts into the pot.
- Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot partially and let it cook for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
3. Shred the Chicken
- Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and transfer them to a cutting board.
- Let them cool slightly before shredding the meat with two forks, discarding the bones and skin.
4. Add the Noodles
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually 6-8 minutes).
5. Serve
- Remove the pot from heat and discard the bay leaves and thyme sprigs if used.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges on the side if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per serving
Variations
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or a splash of milk for a richer broth.
- Add More Veggies: Try mushrooms, peas, or zucchini for extra nutrients.
- Low-Carb Version: Swap egg noodles for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or rice instead of egg noodles.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through. Add extra broth if needed.
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts?
Yes! They cook faster—check for doneness after 15-20 minutes.
2. What’s the best way to keep noodles from getting mushy?
Cook them separately and add them to each bowl before serving.
3. Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Boneless or bone-in thighs work great and add extra flavor.
4. How do I make this soup even more flavorful?
Sauté the veggies longer, add a Parmesan rind while simmering, or use homemade chicken broth.
5. Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh parsley adds a brighter flavor—use 1 teaspoon dried parsley as a substitute.
6. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then shred the chicken and add the noodles.
7. What can I serve with this soup?
Pair it with crusty bread, biscuits, or a fresh green salad.
8. Is this soup good for colds?
Yes! It’s packed with nourishing ingredients like garlic, broth, and veggies to help soothe symptoms.
9. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Just store the noodles separately to prevent them from soaking up too much broth.
10. How do I make the soup spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Conclusion
Classic Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food—warming, nourishing, and incredibly flavorful. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving a cozy bowl of homemade soup, this recipe delivers every time. Make a batch today and enjoy a timeless favorite!
Print
Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Classic Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting and nourishing dish made with tender shredded chicken, hearty vegetables, and egg noodles simmered in a rich, savory broth. Perfect for chilly days, flu season, or when you need a warm and cozy meal!
Ingredients
Instructions
1️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, celery, and carrots; cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
2️⃣ Build the Flavorful Broth
- Pour in chicken broth, then add thyme and bay leaves.
- Place the bone-in chicken breasts into the pot.
- Increase heat to bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cover partially with a lid and cook for 25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
3️⃣ Shred the Chicken
- Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and transfer to a cutting board.
- Let cool slightly, then shred the meat, discarding bones and skin.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
4️⃣ Cook the Noodles
- Season soup with salt & pepper to taste.
- Add egg noodles and cook according to package instructions (6-8 minutes).
5️⃣ Final Touches & Serve
- Remove pot from heat and discard bay leaves & thyme sprigs (if used).
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges (optional).
- Enjoy warm!
Notes
✅ Serving Suggestion: Pair with crusty bread, crackers, or a side salad.
✅ Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
✅ Freezing: Freeze soup without noodles for up to 3 months (add fresh noodles when reheating).
✅ Reheating: Warm over medium heat on the stove or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food, One-Pot Meal
- Method: Stovetop, Dutch Oven
- Cuisine: American, Classic