There’s just something magical about a big, steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup homemade, isn’t there? It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, especially when it’s made with love, just like my Grandma used to do. Her kitchen always smelled like comfort, and a pot of her soup was her way of saying, “I love you.” That’s the kind of feeling I want to share with you today. This recipe for chicken noodle soup homemade is all about simple ingredients, easy steps, and that unmistakable taste of home. I’ve spent years teaching folks how to bring these comforting flavors into their own kitchens, and trust me, this one is a keeper!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Noodle Soup Homemade
- It’s super quick to whip up – ready in under an hour!
- Packed with hearty flavor that just warms you right up.
- Absolutely perfect for those chilly days or when you need a little comfort.
- The whole family will adore it, from the little ones to the grown-ups.
- It’s the real deal – a true taste of home, made from scratch.
The Best Chicken Noodle Soup Homemade Ingredients
Alright, let’s talk about what goes into this pot of pure goodness! You don’t need anything fancy, just good, honest ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – to get everything started.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – I like thighs for extra flavor, but breasts work great too!
- 1 large onion, chopped – the flavor base!
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped – for that classic sweetness and color.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped – adds a lovely subtle flavor.
- 8 cups chicken broth – the heart of the soup! Use a good quality one.
- 1 teaspoon salt – or to your taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – just a pinch for a little kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme – lovely with chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary – adds a nice earthy aroma.
- 6 ounces egg noodles – the star of the show!
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – for a pop of freshness at the end.
See? Nothing complicated, just simple things that come together beautifully.
Crafting Your Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup Homemade
Okay, now for the fun part – actually making this deliciousness! It’s way easier than you might think, and so rewarding.
- First things first, grab a big pot or a Dutch oven. Heat up that 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your chicken and let it get nice and browned on both sides. This step adds so much flavor, so don’t skip it!
- Once the chicken is browned, carefully take it out of the pot and set it aside on a plate.
- Now, into the same pot go your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Let them cook down until they start to soften up, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. They’ll smell amazing!
- Put that browned chicken back into the pot with the veggies. Pour in the 8 cups of chicken broth, and then add your salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Give it a good stir. Bring it all up to a boil, then turn the heat down low so it can simmer gently. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked all the way through.
- Carefully scoop the chicken out of the pot. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces – it’s super easy when it’s hot! Then, pop that lovely shredded chicken right back into the pot.
- Time for the noodles! Add your 6 ounces of egg noodles to the simmering soup. Cook them according to the package directions, usually just 8-10 minutes, until they’re nice and tender.
- Right before you’re ready to serve, stir in that fresh, chopped parsley. It just brightens everything up! Ladle it into bowls and enjoy your amazing homemade chicken noodle soup!
Tips for a Stellar Chicken Noodle Soup Homemade
Making this chicken noodle soup homemade is pretty foolproof, but here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up that really make it shine. For a richer, more comforting flavor, I totally suggest using chicken thighs instead of breasts. They have a bit more fat, which means more taste and they stay super tender. If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t be afraid to toss in some other veggies! Peas or corn are fantastic additions and add a lovely pop of sweetness and color. And about those noodles – nobody likes mushy noodles, right? Add them towards the end, and keep an eye on them. This soup is also a champion for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day, and it freezes beautifully for those times you just need a quick, homey meal! You can find more melt-in-your-mouth chicken recipes for inspiration.
Variations for Your Chicken Noodle Soup Homemade
Feeling creative with your chicken noodle soup homemade? Go for it! You can totally switch up the herbs. A bay leaf simmered in the broth adds a lovely depth, or try a pinch of fresh dill at the end for a brighter flavor. If you want to make it heartier, cubes of potato or even some sweet potato would be delicious. For a really decadent, creamy chicken noodle soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half right at the very end. It makes it extra special!
Serving and Storing Your Chicken Noodle Soup Homemade
This hearty chicken noodle soup homemade is perfect on its own, but it’s even better with a few simple accompaniments! I love serving it with a big chunk of crusty bread for dipping, or maybe a light, fresh side salad to balance things out. If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), storing them is a breeze. Just let the soup cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, just gently warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash more broth if it seems a little thick after chilling. Easy peasy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Noodle Soup Homemade
Got questions about making the best chicken noodle soup homemade? I’ve got answers!
Q: Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this chicken noodle soup homemade recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Just shred the meat and add it in step 5 instead of cooking the chicken from scratch. It’s a great way to get that homestyle chicken noodle soup flavor even faster.
Q: How can I make this chicken noodle soup homemade recipe gluten-free?
To make this a gluten-free chicken noodle soup homemade, simply swap out the regular egg noodles for gluten-free noodles. There are some great rice or corn-based options available now that work wonderfully in soup. Just cook them according to their package directions!
Q: What are the best noodles for homemade chicken noodle soup?
Egg noodles are classic for a reason, but feel free to get creative! Medium egg noodles are my go-to, but wider ribbon noodles or even small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo can be delicious. Just make sure to cook them until they’re tender but still have a little bite.
Q: Can I make this chicken noodle soup homemade in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can definitely make this a slow cooker chicken noodle soup! Brown the chicken, onion, carrots, and celery on the stovetop first (this really builds flavor). Then, put everything except the noodles into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It’s a wonderful, hands-off way to get cozy chicken noodle soup! You can find more slow cooker recipes for more ideas.
Nutritional Snapshot of Chicken Noodle Soup Homemade
Just so you know, the nutrition info for this delicious chicken noodle soup homemade is an estimate, and numbers can change a bit depending on exactly what you use. But generally, one serving (about 1.5 cups) has:
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
It’s a pretty balanced bowl, packed with protein and comforting carbs!
Melt Hearts with 1 Hour Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and classic homemade chicken noodle soup recipe, perfect for a cozy meal. This recipe focuses on simple ingredients and straightforward steps to create a delicious and hearty soup.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 6 ounces egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
- Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Return chicken to the pot. Add chicken broth, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the pot, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
- Add egg noodles and cook according to package directions, or until tender.
- Stir in fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste.
- This soup is great for meal prep and can be frozen for later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg