If you crave a cozy bowl packed with wholesome goodness and comforting flavors, Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup is pure happiness in a pot. It’s the ultimate kitchen hug: a savory broth, tender shredded chicken, springy egg noodles, and a rainbow of vegetables all nestled together. Whether it’s a chilly evening, a sick day, or you just need something soul-soothing and quick, this soup brings warmth and cheer to any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup is how everyday ingredients come together to create something unforgettable. Each element plays its part, making the soup as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Olive oil: Gives the veggies a head start with savory richness and helps release their flavors as they cook.
- Onion: Diced onion lays that classic, slightly sweet foundation for any good soup.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the broth with deep flavor and adds instant homey aroma.
- Carrots: Sliced carrots not only add eye-catching color but also mellow sweetness.
- Celery: The celery’s gentle crunch and subtle earthiness round out the veggie medley perfectly.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The heart of the soup; choose low-sodium to control salt, and let all the other flavors shine.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Tender, juicy chicken turns your pot into a protein-packed meal. Rotisserie chicken is a time-saving hero here!
- Egg noodles: These classic, soft noodles give the soup its beloved texture and soak up all that cozy flavor.
- Dried thyme: This simple herb layers in depth and savory warmth.
- Dried parsley: A sprinkle of parsley keeps things light, bright, and just a little earthy.
- Black pepper: A pinch for gentle heat; freshly cracked makes a difference.
- Salt to taste: Adjust as needed, depending on your broth and preference.
- Optional: Juice of ½ lemon: Adds a lively splash of brightness if you want a zesty twist just before serving.
How to Make Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start your journey to a pot of comfort by heating olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add your diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery, stirring occasionally, and let them soften for about 5 to 6 minutes. This step brings out their flavors, making the soup base aromatic and naturally sweet.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Once your veggies are nearly tender, toss in the minced garlic. Let it sizzle for about a minute until your kitchen smells heavenly. Be careful not to let it burn; you’re just coaxing its best flavor into the pot.
Step 3: Pour in Broth
Carefully pour in your low-sodium chicken broth, and turn the heat to high. As bubbles start to form, you’ll see the beginnings of the rich, golden soup you’ve been craving.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Seasonings
Gently stir in your cooked shredded chicken, dried thyme, dried parsley, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Let these blend together as the soup comes to a full boil, filling your kitchen with cozy aromas.
Step 5: Add Egg Noodles & Simmer
Now comes the best part: stir in those fluffy egg noodles. Reduce the heat so the soup simmers, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, just until noodles are perfectly tender but not mushy. If you like, sneak a quick taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 6: Finish & Serve
If you’re looking for an extra pop of flavor, stir in the juice of half a lemon just before serving. It brightens the entire bowl and highlights the savory elements. Ladle your Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup into bowls, and serve steaming hot with crackers or, my favorite, crusty bread for dipping.
How to Serve Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
Garnishes
Top each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, a grind of black pepper, or even a swirl of extra virgin olive oil. Sometimes I like to add thinly sliced green onions or a few crushed red pepper flakes for gentle heat. Garnishes aren’t just pretty; they bring a fresh finish to every spoonful.
Side Dishes
Pair your Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup with warm crackers, a hunk of rustic bread, or classic saltines for that nostalgic touch. It’s also wonderful with a simple green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a heartwarming dinner with friends or family, serve the soup in big mugs or mini cocottes. Try offering a build-your-own soup station with little bowls of add-ins: extra herbs, lemon wedges, or hot sauce. Kids love dunking grilled cheese or garlic bread into their bowls!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors deepen as they rest, making reheated bowls taste even better. Just be sure to let the soup cool a bit before transferring to the fridge to keep everything fresh and safe.
Freezing
This soup is freezer-friendly for up to three months! Keep in mind that noodles may soften a little after thawing, but the taste is still fantastic. For best results, freeze portions without noodles, then cook fresh noodles to add when reheating. Always use freezer-safe containers and label with the date.
Reheating
Gently reheat your soup on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl. If the noodles have soaked up extra broth, a splash of water or chicken broth will bring everything back to soupy perfection. Stir often to ensure even warming and prevent sticking.
FAQs
Can I use uncooked chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes! You can simmer boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs directly in the broth for 15–20 minutes, then shred and return to the pot before adding the noodles. It just adds a little time but infuses the broth even more.
What if I don’t have egg noodles?
No worries! Any short pasta works – try rotini, ditalini, or even rice for a different twist. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta or rice noodles for a perfect swap.
How can I make this soup richer in flavor?
For an even heartier broth, simmer the veggies a bit longer to caramelize them, or add a splash of white wine with the broth. Using homemade chicken stock or adding in a bay leaf during simmering can also deepen the taste.
Is Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup healthy?
Absolutely! This soup is packed with lean protein, vitamins from the vegetables, and is dairy-free by nature. You control the sodium and ingredients, making it a nourishing, balanced meal.
Can I add other veggies or mix-ins?
Go for it! Corn, peas, spinach, or diced potatoes are all great additions. I also love tossing in fresh herbs like dill or tarragon for a new flavor personality every time.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about a pot of Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup. Every bowl is a little celebration of comfort, simplicity, and pure kitchen joy. Next time you need to warm hearts (or just your own belly), try this beloved recipe—it might just become your most-requested dish, too!
Print
Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Warm up with a comforting bowl of Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup. This classic recipe is a breeze to make and perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
Broth:
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Optional: juice of ½ lemon for brightness
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large soup pot over medium heat, add olive oil.
- Sauté vegetables: Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until tender. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add broth: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Season and simmer: Add shredded chicken, thyme, parsley, pepper, and salt. Stir in egg noodles and simmer for 8–10 minutes until noodles are tender.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning. For brightness, stir in lemon juice before serving.
- Serve: Hot with crackers or crusty bread.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- Leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Swap egg noodles for gluten-free noodles if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
