If there’s one dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, it’s this Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and comforting noodles, all simmered together in a fragrant broth that soothes the soul. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving something nourishing, this soup comes together with simple steps and ingredients that yield maximum flavor and satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role, from the juicy chicken thighs that provide rich flavor and tenderness to the fresh veggies that add a delightful crunch and vibrant color. The herbs and broth tie everything together, creating a classic soup that feels homemade and heartwarming.
- Chicken thigh fillets: Bone-in and skin-on for the juiciest, most flavorful meat and a rich broth base.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to bring all the ingredients to life.
- Onion: Adds depth and sweetness when sautéed gently.
- Garlic cloves: Crushed to release that instantly recognizable aroma and subtle bite.
- Celery: Brings a fresh, slightly crisp texture and natural earthiness.
- Carrots: Sweet and tender, they add color and a natural hint of sweetness.
- Dried thyme and oregano: Classic herbs that infuse the soup with irresistible fragrance and warmth.
- Chicken broth/stock: The soul of the soup, creating a savory base that envelops every bite.
- Water: Helps balance the broth and ensure the right consistency.
- Thick egg pasta (or choice of pasta): Provides a chewy, comforting texture that’s perfect for soaking up the broth.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh pop of green and brightness when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Season Chicken
Start by generously seasoning your chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step ensures each bite bursts with flavor, creating a tasty foundation for the soup.
Step 2: Cook Chicken
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the chicken skin side down and cook until it’s beautifully browned, about 1.5 to 2 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 2 minutes. Then remove the chicken and set it aside, preserving all those flavorful browned bits in the pot.
Step 3: Prepare Vegetables
Turn your heat down to medium low and discard all but one tablespoon of fat from the pot. Add more olive oil if needed. Into this fragrant base, toss diced onion, crushed garlic, thyme, and oregano. Cook gently for two minutes to wake up their flavors, then add chopped celery and carrots, letting them soften slightly for about three minutes.
Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in a splash of chicken broth and use your spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the pot’s bottom — that’s pure flavor magic. Return the chicken along with any juices you gathered back into the pot. Pour the remaining chicken broth and water, bring everything to a gentle simmer, cover with a lid, and let it cook for 30 minutes until the chicken is tender and perfectly cooked through.
Step 5: Shred Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pot and transfer it to a plate. Discard the skin, then shred the meat into chunky, satisfying pieces using two forks. This shredding will give you that cozy, home-cooked texture in every spoonful.
Step 6: Cook Pasta
Stir the pasta into your gently simmering soup and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. This final cooking step softens the noodles while allowing them to soak up some of the savory broth.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Return the shredded chicken to the pot, season the soup with more salt and pepper if needed, and give everything one last stir. Ladle it into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh uplifting touch. Now you’re ready to dive into your perfectly comforting Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe!
How to Serve Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of color and brightness that beautifully complements the rich soup. For a little extra zing, a splash of lemon juice or a grating of Parmesan cheese also works wonders. Fresh herbs like dill or chives can elevate the soup into something truly special.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up every last drop of broth. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables make for a balanced meal that feels both nourishing and complete, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic mugs for a cozy feel, or portion it into individual terracotta bowls to impress guests with a homestyle touch. Adding a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of crunchy fried onions on top adds textures and visual appeal, turning this simple dish into a star centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover soup in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen and blend beautifully, making it even more satisfying the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to three months. To maintain the pasta’s best texture, consider freezing the broth and chicken separately, and cook fresh pasta when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens too much. This ensures every spoonful tastes just as fresh and comforting as the first time you made it.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs add more richness and tenderness, chicken breasts work fine if that’s what you have on hand. Just be careful not to overcook, as breast meat can dry out faster.
What pasta works best for this Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe?
Thick egg pasta is ideal because it holds up well in soup and has a lovely texture. However, feel free to use any pasta you like, such as wide egg noodles, or even small shapes like shells or elbows.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can! Substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables or tofu and use vegetable stock instead of chicken broth. While it won’t have the same meatiness, it will still provide comforting flavors with the herbs and veggies.
How do I make the broth more flavorful?
Searing the chicken well and deglazing the pan helps build a rich base. Simmering the chicken on the bone also extracts deeper flavors. Feel free to add a bay leaf or a splash of soy sauce for an umami boost.
Is this Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! Its mellow flavors, tender chicken, and soft noodles make it perfect for kids. You can customize the vegetables based on their preferences and keep the seasoning mild.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making a pot of homemade chicken noodle soup, and this Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe makes the process approachable and rewarding. It’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a go-to favorite, perfect for family dinners, chilly days, or anytime you need a little comfort in a bowl. I hope you enjoy every hearty, warming spoonful as much as I do!
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Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Chicken Noodle Soup recipe features tender, bone-in chicken thighs simmered with aromatic vegetables and herbs in a flavorful broth, combined with thick egg pasta for a comforting and hearty meal perfect for any day.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1.4 lb / 700g bone-in, skin-on chicken thigh fillets
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 cups celery, chopped
- 2 cups carrots, chopped
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp oregano
Liquids and Pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth/stock
- 3 cups water
- 6 oz / 200g thick egg pasta (or other pasta of choice)
Optional Garnish
- Finely chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Generously season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance the flavor of the meat.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Place the chicken skin side down and cook until browned, about 1.5 to 2 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for 2 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Prepare Vegetables: Reduce heat to medium low. Discard all but about 1 tablespoon of fat from the pot. If necessary, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion, crushed garlic, thyme, and oregano and cook for 2 minutes. Then add chopped celery and carrots and cook for another 3 minutes until vegetables soften slightly.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour a small splash of chicken broth into the pot and scrape the bottom to loosen browned bits, adding flavor to the soup. Return the chicken along with any juices to the pot. Add the remaining chicken broth and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, cover with a lid, and cook for 30 minutes or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and place on a plate. Discard the skin and shred the chicken meat into chunks using two forks.
- Cook Pasta: Add the pasta to the simmering soup and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Season the soup with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with finely chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide rich flavor, but you can substitute boneless, skinless if preferred.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- For a thicker broth, reduce the amount of water or simmer uncovered for a few minutes before adding the pasta.
- Feel free to substitute thick egg pasta with other types like egg noodles, fusilli, or macaroni.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried for enhanced taste, adjusting quantities accordingly.
