Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Homemade chicken noodle soup is more than just a meal—it’s a tradition, a remedy, and a comforting embrace in the form of food.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 carrots peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks and leaves chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 8 cups chicken broth homemade or store-bought
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken rotisserie works great!
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups egg noodles or pasta of choice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (optional)
- Juice of ½ lemon optional, for brightness
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Step 2: Simmer the Broth
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the shredded chicken, salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for a minimum of 30 minutes to develop the flavors. The longer you simmer, the deeper the flavor. I prefer to simmer for at least 2 hours.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
- Add the egg noodles and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until tender. Be sure not to overcook, as they will continue to absorb broth as the soup sits.
Step 4: Finish & Serve
- Remove the bay leaf and stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Tips & Variations
✔ Make it creamy: Add ½ cup of heavy cream for a richer texture.✔ Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free noodles or rice instead of egg noodles.
✔ Slow cooker method: Add everything (except noodles) to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in cooked noodles at the end.
✔ Freeze for later: Allow the soup to cool, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
What to Serve with Chicken Noodle Soup
- Crusty bread or buttery biscuits
- A side salad for a refreshing contrast
- Grilled cheese sandwiches for a comforting meal