The Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Name: The Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1/2 tablespoon butter; 2 ribs celery, diced; 3-4 large carrots, diced; 1 clove garlic, minced; 10 cups chicken stock or broth; 1 teaspoon salt, to taste; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 4 cups dry egg noodles or small pasta (farfalle, ditalini, etc.); 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (e.g., rotisserie chicken); 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon chicken flavor or bouillon granules

by Mila Vick

Updated on: December 12, 2025

A close-up, top-down view of a steaming bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup with fusilli, shredded chicken, carrots, and celery, garnished with herbs, on a wooden surface, highlighting the best chicken noodle soup recipe.

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When you need a hug in a bowl, nothing compares to a warm, comforting bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup. This classic dish is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days or when you need a little pick-me-up. Our recipe strikes the perfect balance of savory broth, tender chicken, and al dente noodles, promising simple yet incredibly flavorful results. You’ll love how easy it is to create this beloved favorite right in your own kitchen.

Studies have shown that a hearty bowl of chicken noodle soup may help clear nasal congestion and ease cold symptoms, providing more than just comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

This isn’t just any Chicken Noodle Soup recipe; it’s designed for ease and maximum flavor. Here’s why it will become your go-to:

Incredibly Comforting and Cozy: Each spoonful brings warmth and nostalgia, making it the perfect remedy for any day.
Quick and Easy Preparation: With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a cook time of 20 minutes, this satisfying meal comes together fast.
Packed with Classic Flavor: A rich broth seasoned with aromatic herbs delivers that quintessential homemade taste.
Perfect for All Ages: Both kids and adults adore this mild yet deeply flavorful soup.
Customizable to Your Taste: Easily adjust seasonings or add your favorite vegetables for a personalized touch.

Ingredients

Gathering quality ingredients is the first step to making a truly exceptional Chicken Noodle Soup. This recipe serves 8.

1/2 Tablespoon butter
2 ribs celery, diced
3-4 large carrots, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
10 cups chicken stock or broth
1 teaspoon salt, to taste
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary, or more, to taste
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 batch homemade egg noodles, or 4 cups dry egg noodles, farfalle, or other bite-size pasta
3 cups cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken
1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon chicken flavor (or more, as needed), or chicken bouillon granules

Notes & Substitutions

You have flexibility with many of these ingredients for your homemade Chicken Noodle Soup.

For the chicken, cooked rotisserie chicken makes this recipe super fast, but you can also use leftover shredded roasted chicken, poached chicken breast, or even cooked chicken thighs. When it comes to noodles, classic egg noodles are traditional, but you can use farfalle, ditalini, or even small pasta shapes like orecchiette. Choose quality chicken stock or broth as it forms the base of your soup; homemade offers the best flavor, but a good quality store-bought brand works wonderfully. Feel free to swap dried herbs for fresh ones (use triple the amount) or add other vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach towards the end of cooking.

Equipment

You won’t need many special tools for this easy Chicken Noodle Soup recipe.

Large stock pot (at least 6-quart capacity)
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Ladle for serving

Instructions

Creating this comforting Chicken Noodle Soup is simple and rewarding. Follow these steps for a delicious meal ready in about 40 minutes total.

First, prepare your vegetables. Dice the celery and carrots into small, uniform pieces. Mince the garlic clove finely.

Next, in a large stock pot, add the butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the diced celery and carrots. Sauté them for 3 minutes until they start to soften slightly. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Pour in the 10 cups of chicken stock. Season the broth with dried rosemary, dried thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Taste the broth before adding more salt, then stir in 1 teaspoon of Better Than Bouillon chicken flavor or chicken bouillon granules as needed to enhance the savory depth.

Bring the broth to a gentle boil. Add your chosen noodles – either uncooked homemade egg noodles or dry store-bought pasta. Cook just until the noodles are al dente. If using store-bought noodles, watch them closely and remove the pot from the heat as soon as they are barely tender. This prevents them from becoming mushy, as they will continue to cook in the hot broth.

Finally, add the 3 cups of cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken meat to the pot. Stir gently until the chicken is heated through. Taste the broth again and adjust any seasonings if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to your preference. Serve your glorious Chicken Noodle Soup immediately while it’s hot and inviting.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve the perfect bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup every time with these helpful hints.

First, don’t overcook the noodles. Remove the pot from heat as soon as they are al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy. Always taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process; this is crucial for the best flavor balance. Using a quality broth significantly impacts the soup’s richness and overall taste. When shredding your cooked chicken, aim for bite-sized pieces that are easy to eat. You can make the broth ahead of time; it often deepens in flavor overnight. If you prefer a slightly thicker soup, whisk a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with a bit of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering broth until it thickens. This makes a richer, heartier classic chicken noodle soup.

Serving, Storage, and Variations

Make the most of your delicious Chicken Noodle Soup with these serving and storage tips, plus ideas for customization.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. This homemade soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping. You can also offer crackers or a grilled cheese sandwich on the side for a complete, comforting meal.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate any leftover soup promptly, within two hours of cooking. Store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, freeze the Chicken Noodle Soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through.

Recipe Variations

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free egg noodles, rice pasta, or even cooked rice instead of traditional pasta.
Dairy-Free: Simply use olive oil instead of butter to sauté your vegetables.
Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes, or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the broth.
Extra Veggies: Stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking, or add frozen peas and corn along with the chicken.

Nutrition Information

This homemade Chicken Noodle Soup provides a wholesome meal, rich in various nutrients. It offers a good source of protein from the chicken, essential vitamins from the vegetables, and carbohydrates from the noodles for energy. Remember that nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Per Serving (Estimate)
Calories: 250-300
Protein: 20-25g
Fat: 8-12g
Carbs: 25-30g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I freeze chicken noodle soup?

Yes, you can! Freeze the soup in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.

What kind of chicken is best for soup?

Cooked rotisserie chicken is excellent for convenience and flavor. You can also use leftover roasted chicken, poached chicken breast, or even cooked chicken thighs for your delicious chicken noodle soup.

How do I prevent soggy noodles?

Cook the noodles until they are just al dente, then immediately remove the pot from the heat. The residual heat will continue to cook them, so stopping early helps prevent mushiness.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Absolutely! If using fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, use about three times the amount of dried herbs for similar flavor intensity. Add them in the same step as the dried herbs.

Is it better to use chicken broth or stock?

Both work well for a rich chicken noodle soup. Stock tends to be richer and has more body due to bones, while broth is typically lighter. Use whichever you prefer or have on hand.

The USDA provides food safety guidelines for storing homemade soups to ensure they remain safe to eat.

Conclusion

This Chicken Noodle Soup recipe truly is a bowl of cozy comfort, perfect for bringing warmth and joy to your table. Its incredible ease and deeply satisfying flavors make it an instant family favorite. We encourage you to try this simple, delicious recipe and experience the magic of homemade comfort food. Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and creations in the comments below!