Chicken and Noodle Soup

When the air turns crisp and you need something to warm your spirit, nothing compares to a bowl of homemade Chicken and Noodle Soup. This classic American favorite is a harmonious blend of tender shredded chicken, hearty root vegetables, and thick, golden egg noodles swimming in a savory, aromatic broth. It is the ultimate comfort food, providing a wholesome and nourishing meal that feels like home in every spoonful.

Save

The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. By simmering bone-in chicken with fresh aromatics like garlic, onion, and dried herbs, you create a rich base that far surpasses any canned alternative. Whether you are feeling under the weather or just looking for a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs (680 g) bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 8 cups (2 liters) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ¼ tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 6 oz (170 g) wide egg noodles
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces and chicken broth in a large pot. Bring to a gentle boil, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface.

Step 2: Simmer with Aromatics

Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.

Step 3: Shred the Meat

Remove the chicken from the pot. Shred the meat using two forks and discard any bones.

Step 4: Return to Boil

Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Increase heat to medium-high and bring the soup to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Cook the Noodles

Add the egg noodles and cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.

Step 6: Final Touches

Stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice, if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 7: Serve

Remove bay leaves. Serve hot.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For a richer, more robust broth, try using a mixture of both chicken thighs and breasts. The thighs add depth and moisture, while the breasts provide lean, tender meat. Remember to skim the foam early in the boiling process to keep the broth clear and clean-tasting.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is highly adaptable. To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the egg noodles with your favorite gluten-free noodle alternative. For an extra nutritional boost, stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the very end, or add a pinch of chili flakes if you prefer a subtle hint of heat in your broth.

Serviervorschläge

Pair this hearty soup with a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up every drop of the savory liquid. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad tossed in a simple lemon vinaigrette.

Save

Gather your loved ones and enjoy this steaming bowl of goodness. Simple, nutritious, and undeniably delicious, it is a recipe you will reach for time and time again whenever you need a bit of culinary comfort.

Recipe Q&A

→ How long does the soup take to make?

The total time is approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes, including 20 minutes of prep work and 45 minutes of cooking time.

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use bone-in, skinless chicken breasts or a combination of thighs and breasts for richer flavor.

→ Is this soup dairy-free?

Yes, this soup is completely dairy-free, making it suitable for those avoiding dairy products.

→ Can I make it gluten-free?

Absolutely. Simply substitute the egg noodles with your favorite gluten-free noodle alternative.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The noodles may absorb more broth over time, so you may want to add extra liquid when reheating.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

For best results, freeze without the noodles and add fresh noodles when reheating. If freezing with noodles, they may become soft.