Soups & Stews

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Name: Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter; 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced; 2 stalks celery, sliced; 4 cups (1L) chicken broth; 1 tsp (5g) dried thyme; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper; 8 oz (225g) egg noodles

By Rachel Cooper · June 18, 2026 · Soups & Stews

Prep20 min

Cook25 min

Total45 min

Serves4

There's something special about a warm, comforting bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup that never fails to hit the spot, especially on a chilly evening. I still remember my grandmother making it for me when I was feeling under the weather, and to this day, it remains one of my go-to comfort foods.

This Classic Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is a staple in our household, and I'm excited to share it with you. It's a simple, yet flavorful dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

What makes this recipe special is the combination of tender chicken, crunchy carrots and celery, and soft egg noodles, all swimming in a rich, golden broth. It's a match made in heaven, and I just know you'll love it as much as we do.

This recipe is perfect for families, as it's easy to make in large quantities and can be served with a variety of sides, such as crusty bread or a green salad. It's also a great option for meal prep, as it can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use.

So, let's get started and make a big pot of this delicious Classic Chicken Noodle Soup. I promise you, it's worth the effort, and your family will thank you for it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a great option for meal prep, as it can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use.
The soup is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and can be served with a variety of sides.
It's a comforting and nourishing dish that's sure to become a family favorite.
The recipe can be customized to suit your taste preferences, so feel free to get creative and add your own twist.
It's a cost-effective option for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great chicken noodle soup is in the layers of flavor that you build throughout the cooking process. By sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery in butter before adding the chicken and broth, you create a rich, aromatic base that sets the tone for the rest of the dish.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of high-quality chicken broth. You can either use store-bought broth or make your own by simmering chicken bones in water. Either way, the broth should be rich and flavorful, as it's the backbone of the dish.

Finally, the type of noodles you use can make a big difference in the overall texture of the soup. I prefer to use egg noodles, as they hold their shape well and have a nice, subtle flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making a great chicken noodle soup, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. You'll want to use high-quality chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth to create a dish that's both nourishing and delicious.

Here are the ingredients you'll need to make this Classic Chicken Noodle Soup recipe. Be sure to choose the freshest ingredients possible, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification.

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighsYou can also use chicken breast or a combination of both, but thighs are preferred for their rich flavor and tender texture. Look for organic or hormone-free chicken for the best results.
2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butterButter adds a rich, creamy flavor to the soup, but you can also use olive oil or a combination of both if you prefer. Just be sure to choose a high-quality oil that can handle high heat.
1 large onion, dicedOnions add a sweet, depth of flavor to the soup, and can be sautéed until they're soft and translucent. You can also use shallots or scallions if you prefer a milder flavor.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a fundamental ingredient in many soups, and adds a pungent flavor that complements the chicken and vegetables perfectly. Just be sure to mince it finely to avoid any bitter flavors.
2 medium carrots, peeled and slicedCarrots add a pop of color and sweetness to the soup, and can be sliced into thin rounds or coins for a more rustic texture. Look for organic or locally-sourced carrots for the best flavor.
2 stalks celery, slicedCelery adds a fresh, crunchy texture to the soup, and can be sliced into thin rounds or coins for a more rustic texture. Look for organic or locally-sourced celery for the best flavor.
4 cups (1L) chicken brothChicken broth is the backbone of this soup, and should be rich and flavorful. You can use store-bought broth or make your own by simmering chicken bones in water. Just be sure to choose a low-sodium option to avoid over-salting the soup.
1 tsp (5g) dried thymeThyme adds a savory, slightly earthy flavor to the soup, and can be used fresh or dried. Just be sure to choose a high-quality herb that's free of additives or preservatives.
1/2 tsp (2g) saltSalt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and adds depth to the soup. Just be sure to choose a high-quality salt that's free of additives or preservatives.
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperPepper adds a sharp, spicy flavor to the soup, and can be used freshly ground or pre-ground. Just be sure to choose a high-quality pepper that's free of additives or preservatives.
8 oz (225g) egg noodlesEgg noodles are the perfect choice for this soup, as they hold their shape well and have a nice, subtle flavor. Look for organic or locally-sourced noodles for the best flavor.

Ingredients for Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Equipment You’ll Need

Large pot or Dutch oven with a heavy bottomSharp knife for chopping vegetables Cutting board for prep workMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirringColander or strainer for draining noodles

How to Make Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it's soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3
Add the sliced carrots and celery and cook for 5 minutes, until they start to soften.
4
Add the chicken thighs and cook until they're browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Add the chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
6
Remove the chicken from the pot and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
7
Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook for 8-10 minutes, until they're tender.
8
Return the chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
9
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
10
Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, including fresh vegetables and rich, flavorful broth.
Don't overcook the noodles, as they can become mushy and unappetizing.
Let the soup rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, as this will allow the flavors to meld together.
Experiment with different seasonings and spices to find the combination that you like best.
Consider adding other ingredients, such as diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms, to add more flavor and texture to the soup.
Make a big batch of the soup and freeze it for later use, as it will keep for several months in the freezer.
Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a satisfying and filling meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not browning the chicken properly, which can result in a lack of flavor and texture.
Overcooking the noodles, which can make them mushy and unappetizing.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can result in a lackluster flavor and texture.
Not letting the soup rest before serving, which can result in a disjointed flavor profile.
Adding too much salt or pepper, which can overpower the other flavors in the soup.
Not experimenting with different seasonings and spices, which can result in a boring and uninteresting flavor profile.

Variations and Substitutions

Add diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms to add more flavor and texture to the soup.
Use different types of noodles, such as rice noodles or quinoa noodles, to change up the texture and flavor of the soup.
Add a splash of cream or coconut milk to give the soup a rich and creamy texture.
Use different types of protein, such as shrimp or tofu, to change up the flavor and texture of the soup.
Add a sprinkle of grated cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, to add more flavor and texture to the soup.
Experiment with different seasonings and spices, such as paprika or cumin, to add more depth and complexity to the soup.
Make a vegetarian version of the soup by omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables, such as carrots and celery.

What to Serve With Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

This Classic Chicken Noodle Soup is perfect for serving on its own, but it's also delicious with a side of crusty bread or a green salad. You could also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, for a more filling and satisfying meal.

Some other ideas for serving this soup include:

Serve with a side of crusty bread or a green saladServe with a side of roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sproutsServe with a sprinkle of grated cheese, such as cheddar or ParmesanServe with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To refrigerate, let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. To freeze, let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag and store it in the freezer.

To reheat the soup, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until it's hot and steaming. You can also reheat it in the oven, covered with foil, at 350°F (180°C) for about 20-25 minutes, until it's hot and steaming.

Some tips for storing and reheating this soup include:

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the best choice for this recipe, as they are tender and have a rich, meaty flavor. You can also use chicken breast or a combination of both, but thighs are preferred.

Can I use low-sodium broth?

Yes, you can use low-sodium broth in this recipe. In fact, it's a good idea to use low-sodium broth to avoid over-salting the soup.

How long does it take to cook the noodles?

The noodles should be cooked for 8-10 minutes, until they're tender. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy and unappetizing.

Can I add other ingredients to the soup?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the soup to change up the flavor and texture. Some ideas include diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or a splash of cream or coconut milk.

How do I store the soup?

The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To refrigerate, let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. To freeze, let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag and store it in the freezer.

How do I reheat the soup?

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. In fact, it's a good idea to make it ahead of time, as the flavors will meld together and the soup will be more flavorful. Simply cook the soup, let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to serve it.

Is this soup gluten-free?

This soup is not gluten-free, as it contains egg noodles, which are made with wheat flour. However, you can make a gluten-free version of the soup by using gluten-free noodles or omitting the noodles altogether.

The Full Recipe

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