This homestyle chicken noodle soup is warm, simple, and soothing. It has tender shredded chicken, soft egg noodles, and a clear, savory broth scented with thyme and garlic. The vegetables add a gentle sweetness and a bit of bite. It smells like home and feels comforting on the spoon.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: ~250 kcal
- Protein: ~18 g
- Carbohydrates: ~28 g
- Fat: ~6 g
- Fiber: ~2 g
- Sugar: ~3 g
- Sodium: ~550 mg
Values are approximate and depend on exact ingredients (especially the broth and whether you add extra salt).
Why Make This Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
This soup is quick, comforting, and full of familiar flavors. It uses simple pantry staples and leftover or rotisserie chicken. The broth is savory and fragrant. The noodles add soft, chewy texture. It’s perfect for a chilly night, when someone is under the weather, or when you want a no-fuss dinner that still feels homemade.
How to Make Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
The method is straightforward: sauté the vegetables, add broth, then simmer with chicken and noodles. Keep an eye on the noodles so they stay tender, not mushy. Use low-sodium broth if you want better salt control. Taste as you go and add pepper or more thyme for warmth.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent, about 5–7 minutes.
Step 2: Mixing
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Pour in 8 cups of chicken broth and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 3: Cooking
Add the shredded chicken, 2 cups egg noodles, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to a gentle boil and cook until the noodles are tender, about 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Finishing
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Turn off the heat and ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish each bowl with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.
How to Serve Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
Serve this soup hot in deep bowls. Add extra parsley for color and a squeeze of lemon if you like brightness. Offer crusty bread, crackers, or a simple green salad on the side. For a cozy meal, pair it with a warm grilled cheese or light roasted vegetables.
How to Store Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
- Refrigerator: Cool soup to room temperature, store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Note: noodles will absorb broth over time and soften more.
- Freezer: For best texture, freeze the soup without noodles for up to 3 months. Freeze in airtight containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat and add fresh cooked noodles.
- Reheat: Gently warm on the stove over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened. If reheating in the microwave, cover and heat in short intervals, stirring between each.
Expert Tips for Perfect Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
- Use low-sodium chicken broth so you can control the salt level.
- If using leftover cooked chicken, add it toward the end to keep it tender.
- Cook noodles separately if you plan to store leftovers; add cooked noodles just before serving.
- For deeper flavor, simmer the strained vegetables and bones from a roasted chicken to make your own broth.
- Fresh thyme or a sprig of rosemary can boost aroma—remove woody sprigs before serving.
- Don’t overcook the noodles. Test a minute early so they stay springy.
- Shred chicken finely so it distributes evenly through the soup.
Delicious Variations
- Lemon and Herb: Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice and chopped dill or parsley for a bright finish.
- Creamy Version: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream at the end for a richer soup.
- Garlic Lover’s: Increase garlic to 4–5 cloves and roast them first for a mellow depth.
- Vegetable Boost: Add peas, corn, or chopped potatoes for more body.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Pair this soup with lighter bites like Parmesan Cloud Chicken Bombs for an easy starter or snack: Parmesan Cloud Chicken Bombs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
A: Yes. If using raw chicken breasts or thighs, add them to the broth and simmer until cooked through (about 15–20 minutes), then remove, shred, and return to the pot. Add noodles after shredding.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. Swap egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or rice noodles. Cook times may vary, so follow package directions and add noodles toward the end.
Q: How can I keep the noodles from getting soggy?
A: Cook noodles separately and add them to bowls when serving. Or cook noodles just until al dente and serve immediately.
Q: Is it okay to use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
A: Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken is an easy and flavorful option. Shred it and add it to the soup at the end to warm through.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Sauté the vegetables first for best flavor, then transfer to a slow cooker with broth and chicken. Cook on low for 4–6 hours. Add noodles during the last 20–30 minutes or cook them separately.
Q: How can I reduce the sodium?
A: Use low-sodium or homemade chicken broth and skip adding extra salt until after tasting. Use lemon juice and fresh herbs to enhance flavor without salt.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes. Double all ingredients and use a larger pot. Cooking time may increase slightly to bring the larger volume to a boil.
Conclusion
This homestyle chicken noodle soup is an easy, comforting classic you can make any night. It comes together quickly, warms the kitchen with savory aromas, and tastes like a hug in a bowl. If you want another variation to inspire a cozy dinner spread, see this take on Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup – Half Baked Harvest for more ideas: Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup – Half Baked Harvest. Give it a try — it’s simple, homey, and satisfying.
Print
Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-free option available
Description
A warm and soothing chicken noodle soup with tender chicken, soft egg noodles, and a savory broth infused with thyme and garlic.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add shredded chicken, egg noodles, thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to a gentle boil and cook until the noodles are tender, about 8–10 minutes.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
Use low-sodium broth for better salt control. Cook noodles separately if storing leftovers to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
