The best homemade chicken noodle soup recipe

Made with homemade chicken broth, lots of healthy veggies, and chunks of chicken and noodles, the best homemade chicken noodle soup recipe is a warm hug in a bowl. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather, this soup brings comfort and nourishment. Its rich flavors and satisfying ingredients make it suitable for family dinners, gatherings, or simply a cozy night at home.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Soup Base
• For the Vegetables
• For the Noodles
• How to Make The best homemade chicken noodle soup recipe
• Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
• Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
• Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Stock Pot
• Step 4: Bring to Boil
• Step 5: Cook Noodles
• Step 6: Serve
• How to Serve The best homemade chicken noodle soup recipe
• With Fresh Herbs
• With Crusty Bread
• With Crackers
• As a Meal Prep Option
• How to Perfect The best homemade chicken noodle soup recipe
• Best Side Dishes for The best homemade chicken noodle soup recipe
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing The best homemade chicken noodle soup recipe
• Reheating The best homemade chicken noodle soup recipe
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How can I customize The best homemade chicken noodle soup recipe?
• Can I make The best homemade chicken noodle soup recipe gluten-free?
• What type of chicken should I use in The best homemade chicken noodle soup recipe?
• How long does The best homemade chicken noodle soup recipe last?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Prepare: With just a few steps, you can have a delicious bowl of soup ready in no time.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of fresh veggies and herbs creates an aromatic experience that delights the senses.
• Versatile Meal Option: Serve it as a main dish or a comforting starter; it fits any occasion beautifully.
• Healthful Ingredients: Loaded with nutritious vegetables and lean chicken, it’s a wholesome choice for all ages.
• Freezable: Make a large batch and freeze leftovers for quick meals on busy days.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing your kitchen before cooking can enhance your experience. Having the right tools on hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large stock pot
• Large pan
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large stock pot: Ideal for making soups, allowing plenty of space for ingredients to simmer together.
• Large pan: Perfect for sautéing vegetables evenly to release their full flavors.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping veggies quick and easy.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken breast
• 8 cups of homemade chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 teaspoons salt

For the Vegetables

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 to 3 celery stalks
• 1 small onion
• 3 medium carrots

For the Noodles

• 3 cups of egg noodles (uncooked)

How to Make The best homemade chicken noodle soup recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Wash, dry, and dice the carrots, onions, and celery.
2. Set aside your chopped veggies for later use.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Get a large pan and add your favorite oil (butter, olive oil, or coconut oil).
2. Sauté the carrots, onions, and celery in the oil until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Stock Pot

1. In a large stock pot, add the chicken broth.
2. Add in shredded chicken, sautéed veggies, thyme, salt, and pepper into the pot.

Step 4: Bring to Boil

1. Heat over medium heat until it reaches a boil.
2. Once boiling, add in the uncooked egg noodles.

Step 5: Cook Noodles

1. Continue cooking over medium heat for about 15 minutes or until noodles are tender.

Step 6: Serve

• Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot as desired.

This recipe yields about 6 servings with prep time only taking around 10 minutes and cook time approximately 30 minutes. Enjoy this hearty bowl of comfort!

How to Serve The best homemade chicken noodle soup recipe

Serving your delicious chicken noodle soup can enhance the meal experience. Here are some serving suggestions that pair perfectly with this comforting dish.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley – Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
• Thyme Sprigs – Add whole thyme sprigs for an aromatic touch that complements the soup.

With Crusty Bread

• Sourdough Bread – Serve with slices of sourdough for a tangy complement.
• Garlic Bread – Offer warm garlic bread for a buttery, flavorful addition.

With Crackers

• Saltine Crackers – Perfect for dipping, they add a nice crunch to each spoonful.
• Cheese Crackers – These add a subtle cheesy flavor that enhances the overall taste.

As a Meal Prep Option

• Store in Containers – Portion out leftovers in airtight containers for easy meals throughout the week.
• Freeze for Later – Freeze individual servings to enjoy on a busy day when you crave comfort food.

How to Perfect The best homemade chicken noodle soup recipe

Making the best homemade chicken noodle soup is about perfecting flavors and textures. Here are some tips to enhance your recipe.

• Use Quality Chicken Broth – Homemade broth provides richer flavor compared to store-bought options.
• Add More Veggies – Feel free to include more vegetables like spinach or peas for added nutrition.
• Adjust Seasonings – Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your preference before serving.
• Cook Noodles Separately – For optimal texture, consider cooking noodles separately and adding them just before serving.
• Let It Sit – Allowing the soup to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking lets flavors meld beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for The best homemade chicken noodle soup recipe

Pairing side dishes with your chicken noodle soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some perfect options to consider.

1. Garden Salad – A fresh salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette adds crunch and freshness.
2. Cornbread – This sweet and buttery bread complements the savory soup wonderfully.
3. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies can provide additional nutrients and flavors.
4. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches – A classic pairing, grilled cheese offers gooey goodness alongside the soup.
5. Potato Wedges – Crispy wedges make for an excellent side that adds heartiness to the meal.
6. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites of rich soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chicken noodle soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can ruin the dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Not using homemade broth – Store-bought broth lacks depth in flavor. Opt for homemade chicken broth for the best taste.
• Overcooking the noodles – Noodles can become mushy if cooked too long. Add them only when the soup is nearly done.
• Skipping seasoning – Forgetting to season can lead to bland soup. Always taste and adjust your seasonings before serving.
• Cutting veggies unevenly – Unevenly chopped vegetables can cook at different rates. Aim for uniform sizes for even cooking.
• Using cold ingredients – Adding cold chicken or broth can lower the soup’s temperature. Use room temperature ingredients for better results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the soup to cool before sealing the container.

Freezing The best homemade chicken noodle soup recipe

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating The best homemade chicken noodle soup recipe

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop – Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying this recipe.

How can I customize The best homemade chicken noodle soup recipe?

You can add more vegetables like peas or green beans. Additionally, use different herbs like rosemary or parsley for unique flavors.

Can I make The best homemade chicken noodle soup recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute regular egg noodles with gluten-free pasta options available in stores.

What type of chicken should I use in The best homemade chicken noodle soup recipe?

Shredded cooked chicken breast works well, but you can also use rotisserie chicken for added flavor and convenience.

How long does The best homemade chicken noodle soup recipe last?

When stored properly, it lasts about 3 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

This recipe offers a warm and comforting bowl of goodness that is perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your preferences, making it suitable for family gatherings or a cozy night at home. Give it a try and enjoy a delightful experience!