Classic Chicken Noodle Soup: A Comforting, Hearty Meal

Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! There’s something truly magical about a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup. It’s the ultimate comfort food, a simple and nourishing meal that can make even the most dreary day feel a little brighter. This Classic Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is my go-to for a reason: it’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and a rich, savory broth, it’s a timeless classic that always hits the spot.

I first started making this soup when I was a kid and my grandmother would make it for me whenever I was feeling under the weather. The simple combination of chicken, noodles, and vegetables in a warm broth was pure comfort. This recipe honors that tradition, giving you a soup that is packed with flavor and feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s a simple, easy, and incredibly satisfying dinner that you can have on the table in about 45 minutes.

Why I Love This Recipe

What I love most about this Chicken Noodle Soup is its incredible flavor and ease of preparation. It’s an easy one-pot meal that you can have on the table in under an hour, and cleanup is an absolute breeze. The combination of tender chicken, soft noodles, and a perfectly seasoned broth is a classic for a reason. It’s a comforting, hearty, and satisfying soup that pairs perfectly with some crusty bread for dipping.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can easily add more vegetables like potatoes, corn, or peas. It’s a forgiving recipe that you can easily make your own by adjusting the amount of spices or a different kind of pasta. For another great hearty comfort food, my recipe for This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort is also a total classic.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup egg noodles
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Swaps and Notes

• Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs will give you a richer flavor and a juicier texture. You can also use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and add it in during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Noodles: Egg noodles are a classic for this soup, but you can use any pasta shape you like. Just be aware that the cooking time may vary.
• Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is a great choice because it allows you to control the saltiness of the soup.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, corn, or potatoes. Just be sure to add them at the appropriate time to ensure they cook through.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs are always a great option. You can use 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme and 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary instead of the dried versions.

Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add Chicken and Broth: Add the cubed chicken to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the outside of the chicken is no longer pink. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
3. Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Cook the Noodles: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Add the egg noodles and stir. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked through.
5. Taste and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve hot.

Tips for Success

• Use Cooked Chicken: You can use leftover roasted chicken or a rotisserie chicken to make this soup even faster. Just add the shredded chicken to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Cook the Noodles Separately: If you’re planning on having leftovers, I recommend cooking the noodles separately and adding them to the soup just before serving. This prevents the noodles from getting mushy and soaking up all the broth.
• Let It Rest: Let the soup sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Chicken Noodle Soup is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with some simple sides. A side of crusty bread for dipping is a must. A simple green salad or a classic sandwich would also be a great addition. For a different take on a comfort food meal, you might like my recipe for These Chicken Enchiladas are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Please note: This is an approximation and can vary based on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 300
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 30g

This is a hearty, protein-rich meal that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles will continue to absorb liquid, so the soup will likely be thicker when you reheat it. To thin it out, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water. You can also freeze the soup (without the noodles) for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw it and then cook the noodles to add to the soup.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you’re a fan of simple, delicious and hearty meals, you’ll love some of my other creations. For another classic comfort food experience, you can’t go wrong with my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce. For a light and easy chicken dish, you can’t go wrong with my recipe for A Light Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave and There’s No Mayo in Sight. And for a great weeknight dinner shortcut, my This Dorito Casserole is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut is a lifesaver.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Noodle Soup is a recipe that is sure to become a staple in your home. It’s a simple, classic comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s warm, cozy, and tastes like home.

I’d love to know what your favorite soup is! Let me know in the comments below. And don’t forget to follow me for more delicious recipes. Happy cooking!

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup: A Comforting, Hearty, and Easy Meal

There’s something truly magical about a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup. It’s the ultimate comfort food, a simple and nourishing meal that can make even the most dreary day feel a little brighter. This Classic Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is my go-to for a reason: it’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and a rich, savory broth, it’s a timeless classic that always hits the spot.

By Jason GriffithPublished on August 10, 2025

Prep Time15 min

Cook Time30 min

Total Time45 min

Servings4 servings

Category: Soup

Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 cup egg noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme and 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary instead of the dried versions

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Stir in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and season with salt and pepper.
6. Add the egg noodles and cook until tender, about 7-10 minutes.
7. For a fresh flavor, you can add fresh thyme and rosemary just before serving.
8. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup.

Nutrition Information

@type: NutritionInformation

Calories: 300 calories

Protein Content: 25g

Carbohydrate Content: 30g

Fat Content: 10g

Tags: chicken noodle soup, comfort food, soup recipe, easy meals

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