Few dishes are as universally comforting and timeless as a steaming bowl of Easy Chicken Noodle Soup. Whether you’re fighting a cold, craving something warm and soothing, or looking for a simple weeknight dinner that everyone will love, this classic soup delivers every single time. It’s hearty, nourishing, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare using pantry staples and fresh ingredients.

The beauty of chicken noodle soup is that it fits every season and every situation. It’s the ultimate feel-good meal — light yet filling, wholesome yet comforting, simple yet richly flavorful. This recipe is quick enough for busy nights, kid-friendly, budget-friendly, and customizable based on what you have on hand. In under an hour, you can have a pot of homemade soup that tastes like it simmered all day.

This article covers everything you need to know: ingredients, step-by-step instructions, pro tips, variations, storage methods, and serving ideas. Let’s dive into the delicious world of homemade chicken noodle soup that tastes like love in a bowl.

Why This Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Is So Popular

✔ Ready in under 40 minutes

Perfect for days when you want a comforting dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

✔ Uses simple, everyday ingredients

Chicken, noodles, veggies, broth — nothing fancy or expensive.

✔ Ultimate comfort food

Warm, soothing, and nostalgic — good for the soul.

✔ Family-friendly

Kids and adults love the mild flavors and tender noodles.

✔ Meal prep & freezer friendly

Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers all week.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Noodle Soup

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 large carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
• 2 cups wide egg noodles
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional for brightness)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add Garlic
   Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add Broth and Seasonings
   Pour in chicken broth. Add thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a Simmer
   Bring soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer 10–12 minutes.
5. Add the Chicken
   Stir in shredded cooked chicken and continue simmering.
6. Cook the Noodles
   Add egg noodles and cook until tender (usually 6–8 minutes).
7. Adjust Flavor
   Remove bay leaf. Add lemon juice if desired for a bright finish.
8. Serve
   Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

A quick, comforting, homemade chicken noodle soup filled with tender noodles, shredded chicken, and classic vegetables.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Dinner, Soup

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 210

Ingredients

  

Soup Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion diced
• 3 carrots sliced
• 3 celery stalks sliced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 2 cups wide egg noodles
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice optional
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Large pot
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Ladle

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté onions, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth and add thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook 10–12 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
5. Stir in shredded cooked chicken.
6. Add egg noodles and cook 6–8 minutes until tender.
7. Remove bay leaf and stir in lemon juice if using.
8. Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

For meal prep, cook noodles separately and add them to each bowl to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup

Use Rotisserie Chicken

It saves time and adds incredible flavor.

Cook Noodles in the Soup (But Only If Serving Immediately)

Otherwise, they can become mushy.

For Meal Prep

Cook noodles separately and add to each bowl to keep them al dente.

Homemade Broth Makes a Difference

But good-quality store-bought broth works extremely well too.

Adjust Thickness

Add more broth if you like your soup brothy or simmer longer to thicken.

Variations

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or evaporated milk at the end.

Vegetable Boost

Add peas, spinach, kale, or corn.

Herb Lovers’ Soup

Add rosemary, dill, or extra parsley.

Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup

Add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeño.

Gluten-Free Version

Use gluten-free noodles or rice.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with warm rolls or crusty bread
• Add a side salad
• Enjoy with crackers or biscuits
• Pair with a sandwich for a hearty lunch

Storage and Freezing

Refrigerator

Keeps 3–4 days. Add a splash of broth when reheating if noodles have absorbed liquid.

Freezer

Freeze without noodles for up to 3 months. Add cooked noodles when serving.

Reheat

Warm gently on the stovetop until steaming.