The Easiest Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Do you want to know how to make the perfect classic chicken noodle soup? Since this is the quintessential comfort food, everyone should have a recipe they go to when needed. Warm, comforting, and perfect for when you’re feeling down or under the weather, it has the power to cheer up anyone who eats it. And nothing tastes better than homemade chicken noodle soup!

Jump to:

• Chicken Noodle Soup
• Do I Use Chicken Breast or Thighs for Soup?
• Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken in This Soup?
• What are the Best Noodles for Chicken Noodle Soup? 
• Should I Cook Noodles Before Adding to Soup? 
• What Vegetables Go In Classic Chicken Soup? 
• What Can I Add to My Chicken Soup to Give it Flavor? 
• Ingredients
• Handy Kitchen Tools
• How to Make Chicken Broth & Cook Chicken
• How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup
• More Easy Soup Recipes
• 📖 Recipe

Chicken Noodle Soup

This classic dish has been around for centuries and it's still a favorite today. It's easy to see why when you taste this deliciously satisfying soup that warms your body from head to toe.

You'll be able to enjoy a hot bowl of deliciousness with all your family and friends or keep some in the freezer for later use. Either way, we hope you love it as much as we do!

If you need more inspiration, you might like to look over this huge list of delicious soup and stew recipes. Find inspiration for your meal plan!

Do I Use Chicken Breast or Thighs for Soup?

I use chicken breast when making my chicken noodle soup. I like chicken breast because the texture works perfectly with the soup and the flavor pairs nicely. It lets the flavors of the spices shine since there is less fat in chicken breast.

You can certainly use boneless skinless chicken thighs in chicken noodle soup. Chicken thighs tend to have more flavor which means that you will taste the chicken more. It will also add more fat to your recipe.

Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken in This Soup?

Absolutely! I highly recommend shortcuts like this that won't change the flavor. Shredded leftover rotisserie chicken is a great choice for the base of this soup. You can mix both white and dark meat this way to add more richness to the recipe at the same time.

I have even saved leftovers from this roasted chicken with garlic butter to use in soup the next day. So easy and a great way to make sure there is no food waste. Especially if you use the bones to create your own chicken broth.

What are the Best Noodles for Chicken Noodle Soup? 

You can use egg noodles, spaghetti, vermicelli, or any other noodle to make your chicken noodle soup. If you are looking for the best texture, pick egg noodles or spaghetti. You can even turn your chicken noodle soup into a whole meal by using large pieces of tortellini in place of the pasta.

However, when you are talking about classic chicken noodles, you want egg noodles. And if you want to spend a bit more time in the kitchen, making these homemade egg noodles is definitely a great addition to your soup.

Should I Cook Noodles Before Adding to Soup? 

You do not need to cook the noodles before adding them to the soup. Actually, it is best if you do not. By cooking the noodles in the soup, you are letting the noodles soak up the flavor of the soup. The starch adds to the flavor of the soup as well as makes the broth even better.

If you are using pre-cooked noodles, which is a great way to use up leftover noodles, you can still make an incredible soup. Be very careful to not overcook the noodles. No one wants mushy noodles. Just pour the soup over the noodles when serving to heat them through instead of cooking for an additional time.

What Vegetables Go In Classic Chicken Soup? 

Classic chicken noodle soup has onion, carrots, and celery. However, you can also add other vegetables or leave out those that you don't care for as I did in this version. Below are some of the vegetables that work well in this soup.

• Celery, carrots, and onion.
• Shallot or leek.
• Fennel.
• Mushrooms.
• Parsnips or potatoes.
• Spinach or kale.
• Bell pepper, jalapeno, or green chile.

If you want to make it truly classic, then leave out the greens. The only time that I would recommend adding spinach is if you are sick and need an immunity boost so your body can fight off the sickness. It can also be used in place of kale if you do not like the taste of it.

While some of these are not classic chicken noodle ingredients but can be used if you want to add something different. I like adding a bit of green chile to give the soup some extra heat, but that isn't necessary.

What Can I Add to My Chicken Soup to Give it Flavor? 

The best way to give your chicken soup flavor is by using herbs. In this recipe, I used fresh thyme and parsley. You can also add oregano, rosemary, and basil. Dried herbs and vegetables can also add flavor without changing the recipe too much. Below are some seasonings I usually have on hand that can also be used for more flavor.

• Poultry seasoning
• Greek seasoning
• Celery salt
• Seasoned salt (like Lawry's)
• Herbs de Provence
• Italian seasoning blend
• Garlic salt with parsley

Don't forget the salt. I know so many people think salt is bad but it is an absolute necessity for flavor. You don't want to make the soup too salty, but you have to add some. Add slowly and continue to taste as you add your seasonings. With any seasoning listed above, start with a small amount (¼ teaspoon), and add more only if needed to make sure you don't overwhelm the flavor of the soup.

Chicken noodle soup is so easy to make that even if you are missing one of the ingredients, you can still make a tasty dish.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter
• Mushrooms
• Onion
• Carrot
• Chicken broth
• Shredded chicken (pre-cooked)
• Egg noodles
• Fresh thyme
• Lemon juice
• Fresh parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Green chile (optional)

Handy Kitchen Tools

• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large stockpot
• Wooden spoon
• Ladle
• Soup bowls

How to Make Chicken Broth & Cook Chicken

If you do not have ready-made broth or your chicken cooked, this easy process works well.

In a medium stockpot, add 2 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts (or 4 thighs) and cover with at least 8 cups water.

Add 1 teaspoon each salt, black pepper, onion powder, sage, and thyme.

Bring to a boil over high heat, and then cover and reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 30 to 35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool for 5 minutes.

Strain the broth through a sieve to remove any food bits then set aside to cool completely before refrigerating if saving for later. Can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days or up to 4 months in the freezer.

Remove the skin from the chicken and discard. Using forks, remove the chicken from the bones and discard the bones. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces then use or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator before use.

How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup

In a medium to a large stockpot, melt the butter over medium-high heat.

Add the carrots and onions to the butter and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions are mostly translucent.

Next, add the mushrooms and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring regularly, or until they have browned and are softened completely.

To the pot, add the chicken broth, shredded chicken, thyme, and black pepper. If using the green chile, add now. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Once boiling, add the noodles and cook for 7 to 8 minutes or until the noodles are tender.

Taste, and add salt if needed, then stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley before serving.

More Easy Soup Recipes

Soup is the best way to add warmth and comfort to your meal plan. Whether you are trying to stretch your budget, want something comforting and healthy, or just like the richness of a nice stew below are some great ideas to add to your meal plan. Make sure that you bookmark, pin, or print these recipes for later.

• Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Classic Slow Cooker French Onion Soup Recipe
• Easy Dutch Oven Cabbage Vegetable Soup
• Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Soup Dutch Oven Recipe
• Easy Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe
• Savory Parmesan Fennel Italian Wedding Soup Recipe