Easy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Easy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup has been at the heart of my journey as a cook and storyteller. Hi, I’m Amanda — welcome to HealthyMealRecipe, the space where I share the meals that carried me through life’s busiest and hardest seasons. I’m 50 now, and what I’ve learned is simple: food doesn’t need to be complicated to matter. This site began with recipes like my grandmother’s soups, and it’s grown into a place where Lina and I bring healthy chicken recipes to real families. Our goal is always the same — easy, nourishing meals that taste like comfort made real.

Why This Easy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Works

This recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly nourishing.

A Classic with Everyday Ingredients

Everything in this soup can be found at a regular grocery store—no specialty shopping needed.

Balanced Flavor and Nutrition

The broth carries a cozy richness without feeling heavy, while the vegetables add both color and vitamins.

Comfort in Less Than an Hour

Homemade soup usually sounds like an all-day task, but this one comes together quickly, perfect for busy nights.

Flexible for Any Family

Whether you’re serving picky eaters or a house full of adults, the flavors are gentle, familiar, and endlessly adaptable.

Ingredients and Swaps

Core Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 2 cups egg noodles
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Optional Swaps

• Use rotisserie chicken when time is short.
• Try whole wheat noodles for extra fiber.
• Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1 – Sauté the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 2 – Add Garlic and Seasonings

Stir in garlic, thyme, and the bay leaf. Let them cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3 – Pour in the Broth

Add chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.

Step 4 – Simmer with Chicken

Stir in shredded chicken, reduce heat, and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes so the flavors blend.

Step 5 – Cook the Noodles

Add egg noodles directly to the pot and cook until tender, about 8 minutes.

Step 6 – Taste and Adjust

Season with salt and black pepper. Remove bay leaf.

Step 7 – Serve Warm

Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Why This Soup Always Works

The Trio of Vegetables

The holy trinity of onion, carrot, and celery isn’t just tradition — it’s chemistry. Together, they create a base layer of sweetness and depth that turns plain broth into something soulful. Skipping one may seem harmless, but the balance they bring is what makes every spoonful taste like home.

Broth as the Heart

Chicken broth does more than carry the other flavors — it sets the tone. A well-made broth has a richness that feels both light and filling. Whether you use homemade or store-bought, warming it with vegetables and herbs deepens the flavor until it tastes like it simmered all day.

The Noodle Factor

Egg noodles are more than filler — they soak up the broth, becoming tender and savory in every bite. Their slight chew adds texture, making the soup feel hearty without being heavy. It’s why this dish satisfies both kids and adults in a way few others do.

Seasoning at the Right Time

Adding thyme and bay leaf early gives them time to bloom in the broth, infusing everything with quiet, earthy notes. If herbs are tossed in too late, they sit on top instead of melting into the soup. Timing is the difference between “good” and “can’t stop eating.”

Fresh Parsley Finish

That final sprinkle of parsley may look like garnish, but it’s a flavor step. It brings brightness to balance the richness of chicken and broth, waking up the whole bowl right before you dig in.

Real-Life Variations

Make It Creamy

Stirring in cream, milk, or even a spoonful of sour cream changes the soup’s personality completely — turning it into a silky, indulgent version perfect for cold nights.

Add Extra Veggies

This soup is endlessly flexible. Peas add sweetness, spinach melts in for extra greens, and zucchini gives it a garden-fresh note. It’s the perfect way to clean out the crisper drawer while feeding your family something comforting.

Low-Carb Swap

Skipping noodles doesn’t mean losing comfort. Cauliflower rice, spiralized zucchini, or even chopped cabbage can soak in the broth beautifully. It keeps the soup light but still hearty.

Spicy Twist

A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce takes this gentle, cozy dish and gives it a playful kick. It’s subtle enough for grown-ups who want a little edge without overwhelming the flavor balance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Noodles

It’s tempting to toss them in early, but noodles left in the pot too long will bloat and drink up all the broth. Add them near the end, and if reheating later, consider cooking noodles separately.

Too Much Salt Early

Broths vary wildly in saltiness. Adding extra salt too soon can leave you with an unfixable soup. Always taste at the end, then season with a light hand to keep flavors balanced.

Using Raw Chicken Without Care

If you’re starting with raw chicken, let it fully simmer until tender and easy to shred. Undercooked chicken can throw off both flavor and safety, so patience here is key.

Forgetting to Skim

Foam or fat rising to the surface is normal, but if left unchecked, it clouds the broth and dulls flavor. A quick skim with a spoon keeps your soup clear, clean, and tasting fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes! For the best results, cook the soup without the noodles before freezing. The broth, chicken, and vegetables freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat on the stove, and cook fresh noodles directly in the reheated broth. This keeps the texture light and prevents soggy pasta.

How long does it last in the fridge?

Once cooled and stored in an airtight container, this soup stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you know you’ll be eating it over several days, you can also cook the noodles separately and add them only when serving — this keeps the broth from disappearing into the pasta.

Can I use other noodles?

Absolutely. Egg noodles are traditional, but rotini, shells, bowtie pasta, or even rice can all work well. For a healthier twist, try whole wheat noodles or brown rice. Just keep an eye on cooking times, since heartier grains may need more simmering than delicate egg noodles.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes — simply swap in gluten-free pasta, rice, or even quinoa. Cook them separately and add just before serving to prevent the broth from turning starchy.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Definitely. Add all the ingredients except noodles to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Stir in noodles during the last 15–20 minutes of cooking. It’s a great way to come home to a pot of comfort waiting for you.

Final Encouragement

If you’ve had one of those days where you feel worn thin, this soup is for you. Cooking it isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing love in the most down-to-earth way possible. Let the steam wrap around you, take that first spoonful, and know that you are cared for, too.