The Best Homemade Chicken Soup

🍲 The Best Homemade Chicken Soup
Cozy, classic, and healing—this is comfort in a bowl.
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade chicken soup to bring comfort and nourishment. Whether you’re fighting a cold, warming up on a chilly night, or simply craving a classic, this soup delivers. Made with tender shredded chicken, hearty vegetables, and a touch of lemon for brightness, it’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly comforting.
🕒 Quick Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp turmeric (optional, for added warmth)
- 1 cup egg noodles (or pasta of choice)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. - Add Vegetables & Broth:
Add sliced carrots and celery. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. - Season & Simmer:
Reduce heat to low. Add shredded chicken, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and turmeric (if using). Cover and simmer for 20 minutes to develop flavor. - Cook the Noodles:
Add egg noodles and cook according to package instructions (8–10 minutes), or until tender. - Finishing Touches:
Remove the bay leaf. Stir in fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if using. - Serve:
Ladle into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy with crusty bread for a heartier meal!
- Homemade Broth adds the richest flavor—especially if using leftover bones.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Cook and store noodles separately to avoid sogginess.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Extra Hearty: Add diced potatoes or white beans for more substance.
- Storage: Keeps in the fridge for 4–5 days or freezes beautifully (minus noodles).
✅ Why You’ll Love It
- Wholesome, nourishing ingredients
- Great for sick days, meal prep, or cozy dinners
- Easily customizable
- One-pot meal, minimal cleanup
- Naturally gluten-free if using GF pasta or zoodles
📌 Summary
This homemade chicken soup is everything a comforting classic should be—flavorful, hearty, and soul-soothing. Easy to make, perfect for freezing, and endlessly customizable, it’s a must-have in your meal rotation.