Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
🍲 Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
Warm, comforting, and full of flavor!
Chicken noodle soup is one of the best comfort foods. It’s great when you’re feeling sick, cold, or just want something cozy. This homemade version is full of tender chicken, soft noodles, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth. It’s way better than soup from a can!
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- 2 carrots, thinly sliced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 10 to 12 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 thyme sprigs (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 pounds bone-in, skinless chicken breasts
- 1¼ teaspoons salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 10 oz egg noodles (or low-carb Carba-Nada noodles)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
👩🍳 How to Make It
Step 1: Cook the Veggies
In a big soup pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
Add chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until they soften.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 more minutes.
Step 2: Add the Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth.
Add thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
Stir and bring everything to a light boil.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Put the chicken breasts into the pot.
Let the soup simmer on low heat for about 25–30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked (165°F inside).
Step 4: Take Out the Chicken
Carefully remove the cooked chicken and set it aside to cool for a few minutes.
Remove the bay leaves and thyme stems from the soup.
Step 5: Add the Noodles
Bring the soup back to a simmer.
Add the noodles and cook for about 8–10 minutes or until they’re just right (not too soft).
Step 6: Shred and Return the Chicken
Shred the cooled chicken into small pieces.
Put it back into the pot and stir everything together.
Taste the soup—add more salt or pepper if needed.
Step 7: Serve
Spoon the soup into bowls.
Top with chopped parsley and serve with a lemon wedge for a fresh pop of flavor.
Enjoy while it’s hot!
🌟 Tips & Variations
- Use boneless chicken if that’s what you have—it’s easier, but bone-in adds more flavor.
- Make it low-carb with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
- Add extra veggies like peas, corn, or spinach for more color and nutrition.
- Want a kick? A bit of hot sauce or red pepper flakes will spice it up!
- Make ahead: Keep noodles separate if storing so they don’t get too soft.
❄️ Storing & Freezing
- Fridge: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
- Freezer: Freeze the soup without the noodles. Add fresh noodles when you reheat it.
🥖 Serving Ideas
Warm bread or crackers
A side salad with vinaigrette
Grilled cheese sandwich
Just a spoon and a cozy blanket!
💬 Final Thoughts
This Chicken Noodle Soup is simple, healthy, and super comforting. Once you try it homemade, you’ll never want the canned stuff again! Make it on a cold day, when you’re feeling under the weather, or just because you want something warm and tasty.