The aroma of simmering broth fills the kitchen like a warm hug on a chilly day. Each spoonful of chicken noodle soup envelops your senses, offering a symphony of flavors that dances between savory and comforting.
Remember those days when you were feeling under the weather? Nothing seemed to lift your spirits quite like a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup from Grandma. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in nostalgia while it warms your belly—perfect for cozy nights or when you need a little TLC.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delicious chicken noodle soup is super easy to make, taking less than an hour from start to finish
- The flavor is rich and satisfying, making it a family favorite
- Its vibrant colors and enticing aromas will brighten up any dinner table
- Perfect for customizing based on seasonal veggies or personal preferences!
I remember the first time I made this for my family; they practically licked their bowls clean and begged for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless Chicken Thighs: Tender thighs are ideal; they stay juicy and add great flavor during cooking.
- Carrots: Fresh carrots bring sweetness and a lovely crunch to the mix—just don’t skimp on these!
- Celery Stalks: Celery adds that classic aromatic base; choose crisp stalks for the best texture.
- Onion: A medium onion brings depth; sauté until translucent for maximum flavor.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic elevates the taste; chop them finely to release their aromatic oils.
- Egg Noodles: These are the stars in this dish; cook them just right for that perfect chewy texture.
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness—it’s crucial for balancing flavors.
- Fresh Thyme: Thyme adds an herbal touch; fresh leaves work best but dried can suffice in a pinch.
- Bay Leaves: Two bay leaves will infuse subtle depth; remember to remove them before serving!
- Salt & Pepper: Season generously but taste as you go—balancing flavors is key!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepping your kitchen is half the battle! Gather all your ingredients so you’re ready to roll.
Sauté the Aromatics: Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and toss in chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until everything softens and smells heavenly—about 5 minutes.
Add Chicken & Broth: Now it’s time to give your pot some serious love! Add boneless chicken thighs and pour in enough chicken broth to cover everything nicely. Toss in bay leaves and thyme too!
Bring to a Boil & Simmer: Crank up the heat until it bubbles like it’s auditioning for a cooking show! Once boiling, reduce heat and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Add Noodles & Seasoning: Remove the cooked chicken (don’t forget those bay leaves!). Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces while adding egg noodles into the pot. Cook according to package instructions—usually about 7-8 minutes.
Taste Test & Serve!: Return shredded chicken back into your pot. Season generously with salt and pepper according to taste. Ladle into bowls and watch everyone’s faces light up as they dive into this cozy delight!
Enjoy your homemade chicken noodle soup while reminiscing about cozy memories or creating new ones around the table!
You Must Know
- This delightful chicken noodle soup is not only comforting but also easy to make
- It’s a dish that brings warmth and joy, perfect for cozy evenings or when you’re under the weather
- The vibrant aromas will fill your kitchen, making it hard not to smile
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing vegetables until fragrant, then add chicken and broth. Cook noodles separately; combine everything just before serving for optimal texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out egg noodles for whole wheat pasta or add spinach for extra nutrients. A dash of lemon juice brightens flavors beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding water for desired consistency.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh herbs for maximum flavor; dried can’t compete with that aromatic punch
- Avoid overcooking noodles to keep them al dente and prevent mushiness
- Mix in leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut without sacrificing flavor
Cooking this chicken noodle soup reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen, where laughter mingled with delicious smells as we prepared it together.
FAQ
Can I use frozen vegetables in my chicken noodle soup?
Absolutely! Frozen veggies are a great time-saver and still offer good taste and nutrition.
How do I make my chicken noodle soup thicker?
For a thicker soup, add a cornstarch slurry or reduce the broth while cooking.
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Leftover turkey works wonderfully and gives the soup a unique flavor twist.

Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Warm up with this delightful chicken noodle soup, brimming with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and hearty noodles—perfect for cozy nights or when you need a little TLC.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Sauté aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, warm a splash of olive oil. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- 2. Add chicken & broth: Stir in the chicken thighs and pour in the broth to cover. Add bay leaves and thyme.
- 3. Bring to a boil & simmer: Increase heat to bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for about 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- 4. Cook noodles & combine: Remove the chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces, and return it to the pot. Add egg noodles according to package instructions (about 7-8 minutes).
- 5. Season & serve: Taste for seasoning, adding salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and enjoy!
Notes
- For added nutrition, swap egg noodles for whole wheat pasta or toss in some spinach.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the flavors of your soup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 75mg