Traditional Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting bowl filled with tender chicken, hearty noodles, and plenty of fresh vegetables like carrots and celery. The warm, flavorful broth makes this soup a go-to for chilly days or whenever you need a little extra comfort. It’s simple, classic, and always feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
I love making this soup when I want something that feels homemade and soothing. The smell of the chicken and vegetables simmering together fills the whole kitchen and makes everyone excited to sit down and eat. One of my favorite tips is to cook the noodles separately so they don’t get too mushy, keeping their perfect chewy texture right until serving time.
Serving this soup with a slice of crusty bread or some buttery crackers turns it into a satisfying meal that warms you up from the inside out. It’s also a great dish to make ahead and reheat, as the flavors only get better with time. Whenever I make this soup, it reminds me of cozy family dinners and feeling cared for, which is why it’s one of my all-time favorites to share with friends and loved ones.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using a whole chicken or bone-in breasts adds depth to the broth because of the bones and skin. You can swap with boneless chicken thighs for a richer flavor or rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions are classic here. If you don’t have fresh celery, try celery root or fennel for an interesting twist that still adds aromatic flavor.
Noodles: Egg noodles are traditional and cook fast. You can use other pasta like fettuccine or even gluten-free noodles if needed. Just cook them separately to keep the soup from becoming too thick or mushy.
Herbs: Fresh parsley adds brightness and a pop of green. Thyme works beautifully for warmth; substitute with rosemary or sage if you prefer those earthy flavors.
How Do I Keep the Noodles from Getting Mushy in Chicken Noodle Soup?
Mushy noodles can spoil this comfort soup. The best way to avoid that is by cooking the noodles separately:
- Boil the noodles in salted water until just tender, then drain.
- Set them aside and add to the soup only right before serving.
- This keeps noodles firm and prevents them from soaking up too much broth and breaking down.
If you like, you can store noodles separately and add to individual bowls when serving. This way, each spoonful has the perfect noodle texture throughout the meal.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large stockpot – perfect for simmering the chicken and making plenty of broth.
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth – helps you strain the broth for a clear, clean soup.
- Sharp knife – makes it easy to chop vegetables and shred the cooked chicken.
- Cutting board – sturdy surface for prepping your ingredients safely.
- Wooden spoon – great for stirring the soup without scratching your pot.
- Medium pot – for cooking noodles separately so they stay firm.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for turkey leftovers for a tasty twist after holiday meals.
- Add fresh ginger and a splash of soy sauce for an Asian-inspired version.
- Mix in spinach or kale at the end for extra color and nutrition.
- Use different pasta shapes like bowtie or shells for a fun texture change.
How to Make Traditional Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Soup Base:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into parts or 4 bone-in chicken breasts
- 10 cups water
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons salt, adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
For The Noodles:
- 8 ounces egg noodles or wide homemade noodles
How Much Time Will You Need?
This soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and roughly 1 to 1.5 hours to cook, including simmering the chicken and broth. Cooking the noodles separately adds about 10 minutes. Overall, expect about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to table for a tasty, homemade chicken noodle soup.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Broth and Cook the Chicken:
Put the chicken pieces into a large pot and pour in 10 cups of cold water. Heat it over high heat until it boils, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. During the first 10 minutes, skim off any foam that rises to keep the broth clear. Add chopped onion, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the chicken is tender.
2. Strain the Broth and Cook the Vegetables:
Take out the chicken from the pot and let it cool a little. Strain the broth through a fine sieve or cheesecloth back into the pot to remove solids. Return the clear broth to heat and add sliced carrots and celery. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
3. Prepare the Chicken and Noodles:
While the veggies cook, pull the chicken meat off the bones and discard skin and bones. In a separate pot, cook the egg noodles according to package directions until just tender, then drain. Adding the noodles last helps keep them from getting mushy.
4. Combine and Serve:
Put the shredded chicken and cooked noodles into the broth and vegetables. Warm everything together for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in chopped fresh parsley, then taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with a bit more parsley, alongside crusty bread or crackers. Enjoy your comforting, homemade chicken noodle soup!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Soup?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before starting. This ensures even cooking and a clear broth without added cloudiness from ice crystals.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best texture, store the cooked noodles separately and add them when reheating to prevent sogginess.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
You can substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth and add hearty veggies like mushrooms or tofu for protein. Keep in mind the flavor won’t be quite the same but still delicious and comforting!
What’s the Best Way to Reheat the Soup?
Warm the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If noodles are separate, add them in the last few minutes to prevent overcooking during reheating.
