easy chicken noodle soup

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade comfort, and this easy chicken noodle soup delivers just that. It’s a classic for a reason, bringing together tender chicken, soft noodles, and savory broth into a soul-warming dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.

The aroma alone is enough to make any day feel a little brighter. This recipe is my go-to when I need something nourishing and quick, especially on busy weeknights. It’s forgiving, adaptable, and always a hit with the whole family, making it a true kitchen staple.

Why I Love This Recipe

I adore this easy chicken noodle soup because it’s genuinely simple to prepare. It’s perfect for those evenings when time is short. The flavors are deeply comforting. It’s incredibly versatile too. You can easily adjust it based on what you have on hand. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal.

The Magic of Simple Ingredients for an Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

The real beauty of this easy chicken noodle soup recipe shines through its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each element plays a crucial part. They work together beautifully to create that deeply comforting, classic flavor we all crave. It’s amazing how simple components can build such wonderful taste.

• Olive Oil: We start with this. It forms the base for sautéing our key aromatic vegetables. It also adds a hint of richness.
• Onion, Carrots, and Celery: This is our essential mirepoix. It builds a deep, savory flavor foundation for the entire soup.
• Chicken Broth: This serves as the liquid heart. It provides the essential flavor and satisfying body.
• Chicken Breast: This is the protein star. It cooks until tender, perfect for shredding into the amazing broth.
• Dried Thyme & Rosemary: These aromatic herbs infuse our soup. They bring those classic, comforting herbal notes we love.
• Bay Leaf: This adds a subtle flavor layer. It enhances the soup’s overall depth beautifully.
• Salt & Pepper: Our essential flavor enhancers. They help balance and lift all the other tastes.
• Wide Egg Noodles: These delightful pasta shapes are key. They soak up all that delicious, savory broth.
• Fresh Parsley: A final bright, fresh addition. It truly lifts the entire dish with its vibrant flavor.

Substitutions and Tips

Want an even quicker meal? Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut! Just shred the meat and add it towards the end. You can also swap fresh herbs for dried if necessary. Feel free to add other favorite veggies, too. Peas, corn, or diced potatoes work wonderfully. Don’t be afraid to tweak the salt and pepper. Adjust it to your personal taste for the perfect flavor.

How to Make Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

Let’s get cooking! Making this easy chicken noodle soup is straightforward. You’ll love how simple each step is. Follow along for a delicious outcome.

Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a big pot. Use medium heat. Add your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook them for about 7-8 minutes. You want them to get soft. This builds a sweet, savory base. It’s key for a simple soup recipe.

Simmer the Chicken and Broth

Now, pour in the chicken broth. Add the whole chicken breast. Toss in the dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Then, lower the heat right away. Let it simmer gently.

Cook Until Chicken is Done

Cover the pot. Allow it to simmer for 15-20 minutes. Check that the chicken is cooked through. This slow cooking method keeps the chicken moist. It’s a great way to cook chicken for soup.

Shred the Chicken

Carefully take the cooked chicken out. Put it on a clean plate. Grab two forks. Use them to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easy to stir into the soup.

Cook the Noodles

While the chicken cools a bit, add the noodles. Put them right into the simmering broth. Cook them according to package directions. You want them to be perfectly tender.

Combine and Finish

Add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Stir it with the noodles and broth. Mix in the fresh parsley now. It adds great color and tastes fresh. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf. Serve your delicious homemade chicken noodle soup!

Print

How to Store Your Delicious Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

Properly storing your easy chicken noodle soup keeps it tasting great. It’s perfect for leftovers. Once cooled, put the soup into airtight containers. It will keep well in the fridge. You can store it for about 3 to 4 days. For longer keeping, freeze it. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze portions for up to 2-3 months. When you reheat it, warm it gently. Use your stovetop or microwave. Add a little more broth or water if it seems too thick. This helps maintain its lovely texture!

Tips for Success

• For a richer flavor, use low-sodium chicken broth. Adjust salt to your liking.
• Don’t overcook the noodles. They can get mushy if they sit too long.
• Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. It makes prep even quicker.
• Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. This ensures perfect flavor.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end. It adds a nice brightness.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Gathering the right tools makes cooking this easy chicken noodle soup a breeze. You likely have most of these handy. Having them ready helps the process flow smoothly. Here’s what you’ll need for this simple soup recipe:

• A large pot or Dutch oven is essential.
• A sturdy cutting board is needed for chopping.
• A sharp knife makes prep work easier.
• Measuring cups and spoons ensure accuracy.
• Two sturdy forks are perfect for shredding chicken.
• A ladle helps serve the soup neatly.
• Airtight containers are ideal for storing leftovers.

Serving Suggestions

This easy chicken noodle soup pairs wonderfully with simple accompaniments. Offer some crusty bread for dipping. A light, fresh side salad is also a great choice. Some people like crackers or oyster crackers on the side. Garnish bowls with extra fresh parsley. A sprinkle of black pepper adds a nice touch. Iced tea or water are perfect drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this easy chicken noodle soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the soup’s flavorful base, complete with broth, veggies, and cooked chicken, a day early. Just cook the noodles right before you plan to serve it. This keeps them from getting mushy and soaking up too much broth.

What if I don’t have fresh chicken breast?

No worries! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic swap. It makes for an even quicker homemade chicken noodle soup. Just shred the meat from the rotisserie chicken. Add it to the soup in the last few minutes of cooking. It just needs to heat through.

Can I freeze this simple soup recipe?

Yes, this easy chicken noodle soup freezes quite well. It’s actually best to freeze it without the noodles, though. Cook your noodles separately when you reheat the soup. This helps keep their wonderful texture. It stops them from getting mushy in the freezer.