Easy Chicken Noodle Soup – Classic Comfort Made Simple
Few meals comfort the body and soul like a warm bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. Whether you’re fighting a cold, craving something cozy on a chilly night, or simply looking for a nourishing, family-friendly dinner, this Easy Chicken Noodle Soup delivers hearty flavor with minimal effort.
This classic recipe uses simple ingredients — vegetables, broth, noodles, and chicken — yet produces a rich, aromatic soup that tastes like it simmered all day. The best part? It’s ready in under an hour and uses just one pot.
You’ll learn how to make a flavorful broth, how to perfectly cook chicken and noodles, and the best tips for customizing this soup to your taste. This is truly a back-pocket recipe every home cook should have.
Why This Recipe Works
- Ready in under 40 minutes
- Uses everyday pantry ingredients
- Rich broth without hours of simmering
- Perfectly balanced herbs and aromatics
- Kid-friendly and comforting
This soup has the ideal combination of tender chicken, soft noodles, and savory broth enhanced with vegetables and classic herbs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
- 1 lb chicken breast (or thighs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups wide egg noodles
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: squeeze of lemon for brightness
How to Make Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
1. Sauté the vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add garlic and herbs
Stir in garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper for 1 minute to release aroma.
3. Add chicken and broth
Place chicken breasts directly into the pot and pour in chicken broth. Add bay leaf.
4. Simmer
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
5. Shred the chicken
Remove chicken to a plate, shred with two forks, and return to the pot.
6. Add noodles
Stir in egg noodles and cook for 8–10 minutes until tender.
7. Taste and adjust
Remove bay leaf. Add more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon if desired.
8. Serve warm
Enjoy with crackers, biscuits, or crusty bread.
Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté carrots, celery, and onion for 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper; cook 1 minute.
- Add chicken breast, bay leaf, and chicken broth.
- Simmer for 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Shred chicken with two forks and return to the pot.
- Add egg noodles and cook for 8–10 minutes.
- Remove bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning. Serve warm.
Notes
Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup
Use chicken thighs for richer flavor
Breasts work well, but thighs stay super tender.
Cook noodles separately for meal prep
Prevent mushiness by adding noodles only to the bowls when reheating.
Boost flavor with bouillon
A teaspoon of bouillon or stock concentrate enhances depth.
Add fresh herbs last
Fresh parsley or dill brightens the soup beautifully.
Flavor Variations
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Add ½ cup cream at the end.
Lemon Chicken Soup
Add 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and extra parsley.
Chicken Vegetable Soup
Add peas, corn, green beans, or spinach.
Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup
Stir in chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- With homemade biscuits
- With buttered dinner rolls
- With grilled cheese
- With crackers
- As a light lunch or warming dinner
This soup makes a wonderful bring-to-a-friend meal and reheats beautifully.
Storage & Freezing
Refrigerator:
3–4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer:
Freeze the soup without noodles for 2–3 months. Add fresh noodles when reheating.
Reheat:
Warm on stovetop, adding broth as needed to thin.
