Cozy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup with Egg Noodles

When you need a warm, comforting meal that’s both nourishing and nostalgic, homemade chicken noodle soup with egg noodles is the perfect choice. It doesn’t just warm your body—it warms your spirit. Whether you’re trying to beat a cold, soothe your soul on a chilly evening, or simply crave a taste of comfort, this classic dish never disappoints. The scent of simmering broth and herbs takes you back to childhood, to family dinners and cozy kitchens. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make the best chicken noodle soup recipe with egg noodles using simple ingredients and one big pot. No stress, no fancy tools—just real, comforting food.

This isn’t your typical canned soup or watered-down version. You’ll be crafting homemade chicken noodle soup with rich flavor, hearty ingredients, and that just-right noodle-to-broth ratio. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a weekend meal prep session, this is the easy chicken noodle soup recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

There are countless versions of chicken & noodle soup recipes, but here’s why this one stands out:

• Quick to make – Ready in under an hour from start to finish.
• Family-friendly – Mild, savory flavors everyone will love.
• Hearty and wholesome – Packed with protein, vegetables, and satisfying egg noodles.
• Customizable – Easily adapt it to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Meal-prep friendly – Stores well and even freezes beautifully.

If you’re looking for a go-to homemade chicken noodle soup that’s both easy and delicious, you’ve found it.

Health Benefits of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

This soup does more than just taste good—it’s good for you. Making your own chicken noodle soup at home gives you control over every ingredient, from the type of broth to the sodium levels. Here’s why it’s worth it:

• High in protein from real chicken, helping to repair tissue and keep you full longer.
• Hydrating from the rich broth that’s both nourishing and soothing.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions.
• Immune-supportive thanks to the combination of garlic, herbs, and warm liquid.
• Lower in sodium and preservatives than canned or store-bought versions.

Next time you feel a sniffle coming on—or just need a bowl of comfort—skip the store and whip up this simple, nourishing dish instead.

Ingredients for Chicken Noodle Soup with Egg Noodles

Let’s talk ingredients. You don’t need anything fancy—just wholesome staples you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

Quantity	Ingredient	Notes
1 tbsp	Olive oil	For sautéing vegetables
1	Medium yellow onion	Diced for flavor and depth
1 cup	Carrots	Thinly sliced for natural sweetness
1 cup	Celery	Diced for crunch and aroma
2 tbsp	Garlic	Minced to enhance the broth
8 cups	Chicken broth	Low sodium if preferred
2 lbs	Chicken breasts or thighs	Boneless and skinless, your choice
2 tsp	Black pepper	Freshly ground, for seasoning
1½ tsp	Kosher salt	Adjust to taste
1 tsp	Dried oregano	Or Italian seasoning blend
1 tsp	Fresh thyme	Or ½ tsp dried thyme
2	Bay leaves	Boosts the depth of flavor
6 oz	Egg noodles	Or other small pasta like ditalini

Tip: You can swap the chicken with rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted turkey for a time-saving variation.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Chicken Noodle Soup

Ready to bring this soup to life? Follow these easy steps and you’ll have a steaming bowl of creamy chicken noodle soup (yes, you can make it creamy too—more on that later) in no time.

Step 1 – Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about 4–5 minutes until they start to soften. This step builds the soup’s flavor base.

Next, stir in the garlic and cook for one more minute. Don’t skip this step—the garlic adds depth and warmth to your broth.

Step 2 – Build the Broth

Pour in your chicken broth. Add the chicken breasts or thighs, black pepper, salt, oregano, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.

Step 3 – Simmer and Shred

Cover the pot, leaving the lid slightly open to allow steam to escape. Let everything simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and easy to shred.

Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. You can make the pieces as big or small as you like. Then, return the shredded chicken to the pot.

Step 4 – Add the Noodles

Now it’s time for the egg noodles. Bring the soup to a light boil and add them in. Let them cook for about 6–7 minutes, or until they’re just tender. Stir occasionally so they don’t stick.

Step 5 – Taste and Serve

Remove the bay leaves, then taste the broth and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve your soup warm, ideally with fresh chopped parsley and some crusty bread or saltine crackers on the side.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Want to take your chicken noodle soup recipe to the next level? These expert tips will help:

• Sear the chicken first for even more flavor (optional but worth it).
• Use bone-in chicken for deeper broth, though it takes longer to cook.
• Add a splash of lemon juice just before serving for brightness.
• Try a creamy twist by adding ½ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.
• Cook noodles separately if you plan to store leftovers—this keeps them from soaking up too much broth.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Refrigerator:

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just note that the noodles may absorb some broth over time, so you might need to add a bit more when reheating.

Freezer:

To freeze, skip the noodles (they tend to get mushy). Let the soup cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Add fresh noodles when you reheat.

Reheating:

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Stir often and add a splash of broth or water to restore the soup’s consistency.

Delicious Variations of Chicken Noodle Soup

If you’re someone who likes to mix things up, here are a few variations of this classic recipe you can try:

• Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: Add cream or milk during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Spicy Kick: Toss in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Lemon Herb: Add lemon zest and juice along with extra herbs like rosemary or parsley.
• Low-Carb: Swap noodles for zucchini spirals or cauliflower florets.
• Vegetable-Heavy: Add corn, green beans, or spinach for extra nutrients.

FAQs About Chicken Noodle Soup

What’s the best cut of chicken for chicken noodle soup?

You can use chicken breasts for a leaner soup or chicken thighs for richer flavor. Bone-in cuts add more depth but take longer to cook.

Can I make chicken noodle soup in advance?

Yes! It’s great for meal prep. Just hold off on adding noodles until you’re ready to serve to avoid soggy pasta.

How do I make creamy chicken noodle soup?

Add a splash of cream, milk, or even canned coconut milk at the end for a creamy version.

Can I use precooked or rotisserie chicken?

Definitely. Just add the shredded meat during the last 10 minutes of cooking to heat through.

What kind of noodles work best?

Egg noodles are traditional, but you can use rotini, elbow macaroni, or even orzo.

Conclusion

There’s no denying the power of a well-made chicken noodle soup. It heals, it nourishes, and it brings people together. Whether you’re making it to fight off a cold or just craving some serious comfort food, this easy chicken noodle soup with egg noodles is the recipe you’ll want in your back pocket.

It’s simple, satisfying, and made with love—just the way chicken soup should be.

Now it’s your turn! Try this recipe and let us know how it turned out. Leave a comment with your favorite twist or variation. And don’t forget to share this with someone who could use a bowl of comfort today!

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