Your entire family will love this easy homemade chicken noodle soup recipe! This comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings or when someone needs a little extra warmth. The rich flavors and hearty ingredients make it a family favorite, while the quick preparation time ensures you can whip it up anytime. Enjoy the unique combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles that create a wholesome meal for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This homemade chicken noodle soup can be made in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: With a blend of fresh vegetables and herbs, each bowl bursts with rich flavors that warm your soul.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite veggies or spices to suit your taste.
- Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with protein and nutritious ingredients, this soup is filling enough to serve as a main dish.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this classic comfort food, making it a hit at the dinner table.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your homemade chicken noodle soup, gather all necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large stock pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large stock pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and allowing all ingredients to combine beautifully.
- Sharp knife: Makes chopping vegetables quick and safe, ensuring even pieces for better cooking.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Help you accurately follow the recipe for consistent results every time.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 4 celery stalks (chopped)
- 4 whole carrots (peeled and chopped)
- 1/2 onion (diced)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 2 cups Egg noodles
- 2 cups water
How to Make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Start by chopping your vegetables. Dice the onions, chop the celery, and peel and slice the carrots. This preparation step ensures everything is ready for cooking.
Step 2: Combine Base Ingredients
In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, add the chicken breasts, chicken broth, celery, carrots, and onions. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
Step 3: Boil the Mixture
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. This helps retain heat while cooking.
Step 4: Cook Chicken Thoroughly
Allow the chicken to cook through until completely white inside, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. This usually takes about 20–30 minutes depending on size.
Step 5: Shred Chicken
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts. Shred them using two forks or chop them into bite-sized pieces before returning them to the pot.
Step 6: Add Remaining Ingredients
Stir in the thyme leaves, minced garlic, salt, pepper, bay leaves, egg noodles, and water. Mix well so that everything is evenly distributed within the broth.
Step 7: Cook Noodles
Increase heat back to medium-high and cook for about 10 minutes until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 8: Final Touches
Once cooked, remove the bay leaves from the soup. Serve immediately while warm. Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken noodle soup!
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Homemade chicken noodle soup is a comforting dish that warms the heart and soul. Serving it creatively can enhance your meal experience. Here are some serving suggestions to make your homemade chicken noodle soup even more delightful.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Parsley or Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro on top for a burst of color and flavor.
- Chives: Add sliced chives for a mild onion flavor that complements the soup.
Accompany with Bread
- Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of crusty baguette to soak up the delicious broth.
- Garlic Bread: Pair it with garlic bread for a flavorful twist.
Add a Side Salad
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
- Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and crunch.
Serve in Unique Bowls
- Bread Bowls: For a fun presentation, serve your soup in hollowed-out bread bowls.
- Mason Jars: Use mason jars for individual servings, perfect for gatherings or meal prep.
Top with Cheese
- Parmesan: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory touch when sprinkled on top before serving.
- Cheddar: Melted cheddar cheese can create a creamy texture that kids will love.
Include Crackers
- Saltine Crackers: Classic saltines offer a crunchy element to each spoonful.
- Herbed Crackers: Choose flavored crackers like rosemary or garlic for added taste.

How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
To make your homemade chicken noodle soup exceptional, consider these helpful tips. Each of these will elevate your dish and ensure maximum flavor.
- Use Quality Broth: Start with high-quality chicken broth for a richer flavor profile.
- Season Wisely: Taste as you go; adjust seasoning to suit your family’s preferences.
- Add Veggies Early: Introduce vegetables early in the cooking process so they soften nicely and infuse their flavors throughout the soup.
- Cook Noodles Separately (Optional): For a less soggy noodle texture, cook egg noodles separately and add them just before serving.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, but keep noodles separate until reheating.
- Enhance Flavor with Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice before serving brightens the overall taste of your soup.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Pairing side dishes with homemade chicken noodle soup can make your meal more satisfying. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Garlic Toast: Crunchy garlic toast complements the soup perfectly while adding rich flavor.
- Stuffed Peppers: These hearty stuffed peppers provide an extra protein boost alongside your soup.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch that balances the warm broth.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrients, making it a wholesome meal.
- Macaroni Salad: This cold salad provides a contrasting texture and is always a family favorite.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are great for dipping into the flavorful broth of your soup.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add a delightful sweetness that pairs well with savory soups.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad brings sweetness and freshness that complements the richness of the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final taste and texture. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
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Skipping the broth quality: Using low-quality chicken broth can lead to a bland soup. Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought broth for more flavor.
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Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry and tough. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F and remove it promptly to shred.
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Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasoning throughout cooking can result in underwhelming flavors. Always taste before serving!
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Adding noodles too early: If you add noodles at the beginning, they may become mushy. Wait until the chicken is cooked and shredded before adding them for perfect texture.
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Forgetting to remove bay leaves: Leaving bay leaves in the soup can create a bitter flavor. Always remember to take them out before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- The soup will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup:
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great way to save time and still enjoy delicious soup!
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
You can substitute regular egg noodles with gluten-free pasta options available at most grocery stores.
What vegetables can I add to Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup?
Feel free to add peas, corn, or green beans for more nutrition and color!
How do I enhance the flavor of my soup?
Consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce right before serving for an extra kick!
Final Thoughts
This easy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting seasonings. Your family will love this warm dish on chilly days—give it a try!

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Warm up with our Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings or when you need a little extra warmth. This easy and quick recipe features tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked egg noodles in a rich, flavorful broth. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and sure to please the entire family. With customizable ingredients, this dish can be tailored to suit your taste buds, making it a beloved staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the heartwarming satisfaction of this classic dish that brings everyone together at the dinner table.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 4 celery stalks (chopped)
- 4 whole carrots (peeled and chopped)
- 1/2 onion (diced)
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Chop the vegetables: onions, celery, and carrots.
- In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, combine chicken breasts, chicken broth, celery, carrots, and onions.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Cook chicken until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Shred the cooked chicken and return it to the pot.
- Add thyme leaves, minced garlic, salt, pepper, bay leaves, egg noodles, and water; stir well.
- Increase heat to medium-high; cook until noodles are tender (about 10 minutes).
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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