Name: Chicken Noodle Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (or rotisserie chicken); 6 oz egg noodles or wide pasta noodles; 3 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 8 cups chicken broth or stock; 2 tbsp olive oil or butter; 1 bay leaf; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Chicken Noodle Soup is one of those timeless, feel-good meals I turn to whenever I need something warm, comforting, and nourishing. With tender chunks of chicken, soft noodles, and a flavorful broth full of carrots, celery, and herbs, this classic soup never fails to soothe the soul—especially on chilly days or when I’m feeling under the weather.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this soup because it’s incredibly easy to make, and it fills the whole kitchen with the best cozy aroma. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s both hearty and healthy, and it comes together with simple ingredients I usually have on hand. Whether I’m making it for my family or just for myself, I always feel better with a bowl of this homemade chicken noodle soup in front of me.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked shredded chicken (or rotisserie chicken)
Egg noodles or wide pasta noodles
Carrots, sliced
Celery, sliced
Onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Chicken broth or stock
Olive oil or butter
Bay leaf
Dried thyme
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Directions

I heat olive oil or butter in a large soup pot over medium heat.
I sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until they’re soft—about 5–7 minutes.
I stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Then I pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper.
I bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes so the flavors come together.
I add the noodles and simmer until they’re tender—usually about 7–9 minutes, depending on the type.
Finally, I stir in the cooked chicken and let it warm through for a few more minutes.
Before serving, I remove the bay leaf and sprinkle in some chopped parsley for freshness.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. It takes around 15 minutes to prep and 25–30 minutes to cook, so I can have a full pot of homemade soup ready in under an hour.

Variations

Sometimes I add a splash of lemon juice at the end for a bright, fresh twist. I’ve also swapped the noodles for rice or orzo when I want something different. If I’m looking for extra veggies, I’ll throw in some spinach or peas near the end of cooking. And when I want to boost the richness, I stir in a little cream or butter right before serving.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The noodles can absorb some of the broth, so I keep a little extra broth on hand to add when reheating. I warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. If I’m planning to freeze it, I cook and store the noodles separately to avoid them getting too soft. The broth and chicken freeze well for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?

Yes. I simmer raw chicken breasts or thighs in the broth until fully cooked, then remove, shred, and return them to the pot before adding the noodles.

What kind of noodles work best?

I usually use egg noodles, but rotini, penne, or even broken spaghetti all work well. I just watch the cooking time.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes, I cook the veggies and broth on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, then add the noodles in the last 20–30 minutes.

How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?

I cook them just until tender and avoid letting the soup sit too long with noodles in it. If I’m making it ahead, I keep the noodles separate.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?

The broth and chicken freeze beautifully. I freeze without noodles, then add fresh-cooked noodles when reheating.

Conclusion

Chicken Noodle Soup is one of those simple, timeless recipes I’ll never get tired of. It’s warm, filling, and full of comfort—just what I need on a cold day or when I want something homemade and wholesome. Whether I keep it classic or add my own twist, this soup always delivers that familiar, cozy feeling I crave.