If you’re craving comfort in a bowl that feels like a warm hug, this Hearty Homemade Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect balance of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and soothing broth, all brought together with delicate egg noodles that soak up every bit of flavor. Whether you’re chasing away a cold, seeking a cozy dinner, or just want a timeless classic, this soup delivers satisfaction with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Hearty Homemade Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role—whether it’s the sweetness of fresh carrots, the aromatic hint of thyme, or the wholesome texture of egg noodles—coming together to create a soul-warming dish.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken: Provides tender, flavorful protein that melts into the broth.
- 6 cups vegetable broth: The flavorful base; using low-sodium allows you to control the saltiness perfectly.
- 2 medium carrots: Diced for natural sweetness and a pop of bright, cheerful color.
- 2 stalks celery: Offers a lovely crunch and fresh undertone.
- 1 medium onion: Chopped to build a savory foundation for the soup’s rich flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced to infuse the broth with fragrant warmth.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a comforting herbal aroma that complements the chicken.
- 2 cups egg noodles: These soak up the broth beautifully, adding heartiness to every bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables until perfectly tender.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors into harmony.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top for a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Make Hearty Homemade Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Vegetables
Start by warming olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Cook these until they soften and their sweet aromas fill your kitchen—usually around 5 minutes. This is where the base flavor begins to build, creating a vibrant foundation for your soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Thyme
Next, stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme. Let them mingle with the veggies for about a minute until their scent blooms beautifully. Garlic adds depth, while thyme introduces that warm, herbal note that makes the soup so comforting.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Simmer
Pour six cups of vegetable broth into the pot, bringing everything to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This slow bubbling lets all those wonderful flavors marry together and begin to develop a rich, delicious base.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the boneless, skinless chicken directly into the pot. Lower the heat to keep it at a gentle simmer, and cook the chicken until it is perfectly tender and cooked through—about 15 to 20 minutes. This cooking method keeps the chicken juicy and lets the broth absorb its savory essence.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Shredding it rather than cutting gives you a softer texture that blends beautifully into the soup.
Step 6: Cook the Noodles in the Broth
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir in the egg noodles. Let them cook in the simmering broth for around 6 to 8 minutes, until they become tender but still slightly firm. This step is essential for that cozy, hearty feel.
Step 7: Season to Perfection
Give your soup a taste and season it with salt and pepper as needed. This final adjustment will ensure every spoonful bursts with balanced flavor tailored to your liking.
Step 8: Serve with Fresh Parsley
Ladle the soup into warm bowls and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh, mild herbaceous note that brightens the entire dish.
How to Serve Hearty Homemade Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic and elevates the soup visually and aromatically. For added flair, consider a dash of cracked black pepper or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten up the flavors right before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with crusty bread or a warm, buttery biscuit to soak up all that luscious broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast and complete your meal with balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls or hollowed-out bread bowls for an inviting presentation. You could also top it with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of herb-infused oil for a gourmet touch that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the noodles separate if possible, as they tend to absorb liquid and get mushy overnight, preserving the soup’s optimal texture.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully. Freeze the broth and chicken mixture without the noodles for best results, and add fresh noodles when reheating. This way, you maintain that perfect noodle bite and a fresh-tasting soup later on.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat. If refrigerated, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the consistency. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly until piping hot, adding cooked noodles or cooking fresh noodles separately to maintain texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a juicy, flavorful alternative that works beautifully in this soup and can even add a richer depth to the broth.
Is vegetable broth suitable for this recipe?
Yes, vegetable broth is a great base if you prefer a lighter or vegetarian-friendly option. It still supports the flavors of chicken and vegetables wonderfully.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Sauté the veggies first for best flavor, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, adding noodles in the last 30 minutes.
What can I substitute for egg noodles?
If you don’t have egg noodles on hand, other pasta shapes like rotini or ditalini work just as well. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How do I keep the noodles from becoming mushy?
Cook the noodles separately or add them toward the end of cooking and avoid overcooking. This maintains their tender yet firm texture throughout eating or reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Homemade Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a heartfelt tradition that brings comfort and joy any day of the year. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and feel that delicious warmth in every bite. Grab your pot and ingredients, because this is one recipe you’ll want to keep on your table for a long, long time.
Print
Hearty Homemade Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 bowls
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting, hearty homemade classic chicken noodle soup packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and flavorful herbs simmered in a savory vegetable broth, perfect for warming up on any day.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken
- 6 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Additional
- 2 cups egg noodles
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme. Cook for 1 minute until the mixture is aromatic.
- Simmer Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook Chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken to the pot. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- Cook Noodles: Stir the egg noodles into the simmering broth. Cook for 6-8 minutes until noodles are tender.
- Season Soup: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control salt levels, especially if you prefer a lighter soup.
- You can substitute chicken broth if preferred for a richer flavor.
- For added nutrition, consider adding other vegetables like peas or spinach towards the end of cooking.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop to prevent overcooking the noodles.
