When the weather turns chilly or you’re craving something soothing, nothing beats a pot of classic chicken noodle soup simmering on the stove. The aroma of savory broth, fresh vegetables, and tender chicken fills the kitchen, promising comfort in every spoonful. This recipe combines the heartiness of homemade cooking with a straightforward method, so you can enjoy a nourishing bowl any day of the week without hours of work.
Why You’ll Love It
- Deep, layered flavor – built from a rich homemade or high-quality stock.
- Perfectly cooked noodles – soft yet with a slight bite, never mushy.
- Quick but classic – comforting enough for a Sunday, simple enough for a busy weeknight.
Ingredients
For the Broth & Base
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter or olive oil | ½ Tbsp |
| Carrots, diced | 3–4 large |
| Celery, diced | 2–3 stalks |
| Garlic, minced | 1 clove |
| Chicken stock or broth* | 10 cups |
| Salt & freshly ground black pepper | to taste |
| Dried thyme, rosemary, crushed red pepper | pinch each (optional) |
| Rotisserie chicken (shredded) or cooked chicken | 3 cups |
| Noodles or pasta of choice | about 4 cups uncooked |
*Homemade stock adds unmatched richness, but a good store-bought version works well too.
Directions
1. Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, warm butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add diced carrots and celery, cooking for about 3 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
2. Add Broth and Seasoning
Pour in the chicken stock. Stir in salt, pepper, and optional dried herbs or red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
3. Cook the Noodles
Increase the heat and bring the soup to a boil. Add the noodles and cook until just al dente—remember they’ll soften more as the soup rests.
4. Finish with Chicken
Reduce the heat, stir in the shredded chicken, and warm through. Taste one final time and adjust seasoning to your preference.
Tips for the Best Soup
- Use bone-in chicken for homemade broth to extract maximum flavor.
- Don’t overcook noodles – pull them off the heat as soon as they’re tender.
- Make ahead – prepare the broth and chicken in advance, store in the fridge, then add fresh veggies and noodles before serving.
- Freeze without noodles – add cooked noodles when reheating to keep them from becoming mushy.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4–5 days.
- Freezer: Cool completely before freezing; store up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over medium heat until hot. Add fresh noodles if frozen without them.
A Bowl of Comfort Every Time
This chicken noodle soup isn’t just a recipe—it’s a hug in a bowl. The fragrant broth, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles bring warmth and comfort with every bite. Whether you’re feeding the family, sharing with friends, or soothing yourself after a long day, this timeless classic never disappoints.