Name: Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 carrots, peeled and sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 8 cups chicken broth; 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (from rotisserie or leftover chicken); 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley; 1 bay leaf; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 cups egg noodles; Optional fresh parsley for garnish

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 4.5 from 6 reviews

When you need a warm culinary hug, nothing beats a bowl of Classic Chicken Noodle Soup. Tender shreds of chicken, perfectly cooked egg noodles, and vibrant vegetables all swim together in a golden, fragrant broth—this is comfort food as it was meant to be. Whether you’re soothing the sniffles or just seeking a taste of nostalgia, Classic Chicken Noodle Soup always delivers, filling both bellies and hearts alike.

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient, from the humble carrot to the pinch of dried herbs, brings its own personality to the pot—resulting in a soup that’s hearty, flavorful, and invitingly colorful. Here’s what you need to bring your Classic Chicken Noodle Soup to life:

Olive oil: Use a tablespoon to kick off the sauté, adding a lovely richness and helping to soften the veggies.
Onion: A medium diced onion sets the savory stage for the entire soup, infusing a gentle sweetness.
Garlic: Mince two cloves for a subtle but essential aromatic boost—don’t skip this!
Carrots: Three peeled and sliced carrots deliver vibrant color and a touch of natural sweetness.
Celery: Two crisp stalks contribute a classic soup texture and earthy flavor.
Chicken broth: Eight cups of broth provide the comforting, base flavor—choose low-sodium if you want more seasoning control.
Shredded cooked chicken: Two cups, either from a handy rotisserie chicken or leftovers, add protein and hearty texture.
Dried thyme: One teaspoon offers a nostalgic herbal note that feels just right.
Dried parsley: Use half a teaspoon for a mild, uplifting herbal aroma.
Bay leaf: This single leaf quietly enhances the overall flavor while the soup simmers—just remember to remove it before serving.
Salt and black pepper: Season to taste, adjusting carefully once everything is simmered.
Egg noodles: Two cups bring the slurp-worthiness you want in Classic Chicken Noodle Soup—look for wide egg noodles for a rustic touch.
Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle before serving brightens the bowl and adds a lovely pop of freshness.

How to Make Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot set over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, toss in your diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Stir and let them mingle for about 5 or 6 minutes, just until the vegetables become tender and infused with savory aroma. This first step builds a foundation of flavor that makes Classic Chicken Noodle Soup taste homemade and loving.

Step 2: Add Broth, Chicken, and Seasonings

Once your vegetables have softened and the kitchen smells heavenly, pour in the chicken broth. Stir in the shredded chicken, dried thyme, dried parsley, and drop in that bay leaf. Season with salt and black pepper, keeping it a bit light—you can always adjust at the end. Give the soup a thoughtful stir and bring it up to a boil. This is when all the flavors start gathering together to create something truly special.

Step 3: Simmer and Develop Deep Flavor

Lower the heat until the soup is just simmering gently. Let it cook for about 15 minutes; this allows all the herbs and broth to fully infuse every bite with richness. The kitchen will start to smell like pure comfort, making Classic Chicken Noodle Soup absolutely irresistible well before it’s finished.

Step 4: Cook the Egg Noodles

Add the uncooked egg noodles right to the pot and give everything a gentle stir. Simmer the soup for another 8 to 10 minutes until the noodles are beautifully tender but not mushy. Keep an eye on them—no one likes overdone noodles! Remove the bay leaf and taste the broth; this is the perfect moment to adjust your seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once you’re happy with the flavors, ladle the soup into bowls while piping hot. Garnish each serving with a flurry of chopped fresh parsley for a bright, finishing touch. Your Classic Chicken Noodle Soup is ready to warm the hearts (and bellies) of everyone at the table.

How to Serve Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley instantly lifts both the look and taste of your bowl. For extra zest, try a squeeze of lemon, a few grinds of black pepper, or even a swirl of good olive oil. Tiny, toasted croutons also offer a satisfying crunch on top of the tender noodles—just be sure to add them right before serving!

Side Dishes

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup pairs perfectly with a big hunk of crusty bread (think sourdough or a rustic baguette) for dunking. If you want to round out the meal, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a bright counterpoint to the warm soup. Or go classic and serve with simple saltine crackers on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Make individual servings extra special by ladling the soup into wide, shallow bowls and topping each with a teeny bouquet of fresh herbs. Hosting a casual gathering? Try serving Classic Chicken Noodle Soup in mugs so guests can sip as they mingle. For a lunchbox treat, pack the soup in a thermos—it stays piping hot and just as comforting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Classic Chicken Noodle Soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers and pop them in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop even more overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch especially delicious! Just a note: noodles tend to absorb extra broth over time, so the soup might thicken a bit.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze your soup, it’s best to do so before adding the noodles—this keeps them from becoming mushy when thawed and reheated. Ladle the broth, chicken, and veggies into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. When you’re ready to serve, just bring the soup to a gentle simmer and add fresh noodles.

Reheating

To reheat, pour the soup into a saucepan and warm it gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring now and then until hot. If the soup has thickened, stir in a little extra broth or water to loosen it up. For microwaving, use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each burst until piping hot.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of rotisserie or leftover chicken?

Absolutely! If you prefer, simply poach chicken breasts in the broth until cooked through, then shred and add them to the soup. This makes Classic Chicken Noodle Soup extra light and wonderfully fresh.

What are the best noodles for Classic Chicken Noodle Soup?

Egg noodles are the classic choice thanks to their soft, slurpable texture, but you can swap in any bite-sized pasta you have on hand. Short shapes like rotini or fusilli work, but stick with something sturdy enough to hold up in broth.

How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?

If you’re planning to keep leftovers for more than a day or so, cook the noodles separately and add them right before serving. This way, Classic Chicken Noodle Soup stays perfectly textured from the first spoonful to the last.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Of course! Feel free to toss in peas, chopped spinach, or even corn—just add them near the end of cooking so they stay bright and fresh. The beauty of Classic Chicken Noodle Soup is its flexibility and willingness to welcome whatever veggies you love most.

Is there a way to make this soup gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free noodles for the egg noodles and double-check that your chicken broth is certified gluten-free. You’ll still get all that classic comfort—with just a simple swap.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like sharing a homemade pot of Classic Chicken Noodle Soup. It embodies nostalgia, comfort, and pure joy—one bowlful at a time. Give this classic recipe a try, and let it warm your kitchen and your heart. I can’t wait for you to experience the simple magic of this all-time favorite!