If you are craving warmth in a bowl that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day, the Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. This classic soup is loaded with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and homemade (or your favorite) egg noodles swimming in a savory, fragrant broth. It’s the ultimate dish for soothing both the soul and the stomach, making any day feel just a little brighter and a whole lot tastier.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s adding depth to the broth, a pop of color, or that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all adore. Here’s what you’ll gather before we dive into the easy steps:
- 1/2 Tablespoon butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the veggies to perfection.
- 2 ribs celery, diced: Offers a subtle crunch and fresh herbal notes.
- 3-4 large carrots, diced: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color to the pot.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Infuses the broth with a warm, aromatic punch.
- 10 cups chicken stock or broth: The hearty base that carries all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste): Balances and enhances every component.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Adds a gentle, peppery kick.
- 1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary: Lends a subtle pine-like aroma that complements the chicken.
- 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme: Gives an earthy, slightly minty flavor.
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Just a hint to awaken the taste buds.
- 1 batch homemade egg noodles or 4 cups dry egg noodles, farfalle, or other bite-sized pasta: For that tender, chewy texture that makes every spoonful satisfying.
- 3 cups rotisserie chicken: Shredded chicken that’s juicy, flavorful, and convenient.
- 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon chicken flavor (or more, as needed), or chicken bouillon granules: Enhances the overall depth and savory richness of the broth.
How to Make Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced celery, carrots, and minced garlic and cook until the vegetables soften and start to release their lovely natural sweetness—this builds the foundation for an incredibly flavorful broth.
Step 2: Add the Broth and Seasonings
Pour the chicken stock into the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir in salt, black pepper, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes. These spices work together to create a fragrant and balanced broth that’s anything but boring.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Add your homemade or dry noodles straight into the boiling broth. Watch closely as they cook to your preferred tenderness—it typically takes around 7 to 10 minutes. The noodles soak up the savory broth, making each bite irresistibly delicious.
Step 4: Incorporate Chicken and Final Seasoning
Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken along with the Better Than Bouillon chicken flavor or bouillon granules. This final boost enriches the soup, adding layers of savory goodness and ensuring every spoonful feels comforting and satisfying.
How to Serve Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or dill sprinkled on top give a burst of freshness and color. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors beautifully, while a dash of freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of spice.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up every last drop. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a crisp contrast, balancing out the warm, soft textures of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out bell peppers. You can also jazz it up with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or crushed red pepper flakes for those who like extra heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more, making the leftovers just as delicious as freshly made.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully! Keep the noodles separate if possible, as they tend to get mushy after freezing. Freeze the broth, veggies, and chicken in portions for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat to keep the broth clear and fresh-tasting. If you froze the noodles separately, add them just before serving to maintain that perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! You can poach, roast, or sauté chicken thighs then shred them. They bring a richer flavor and wonderful texture to the soup.
Is it okay to use store-bought broth?
Definitely. A good quality chicken stock or broth works wonderfully and saves time, making your Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe easier than ever.
What can I substitute for egg noodles?
Feel free to use farfalle, orzo, or even rice noodles for a different twist. Just adjust cooking times to avoid overcooking.
Can this soup be made vegan?
While this recipe focuses on chicken, you can substitute vegetable broth and add tofu or chickpeas along with your favorite veggies for a delicious vegan version.
How do I make homemade egg noodles?
Homemade egg noodles require just flour, eggs, salt, and a bit of water—rolled thin and cut into strips. They cook quickly and add a lovely fresh pasta touch to the soup.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like a bowl of this Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe to bring warmth to your table and smiles to your loved ones. It’s humble yet hearty, simple yet full of flavor, and perfect whether you’re nursing a cold or simply craving a taste of home. I can’t wait for you to dive into this classic made with love and enjoy every soul-soothing spoonful!
Print
Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup is a hearty and delicious classic, perfect for warming up on chilly days or whenever you need a nourishing meal. Made with tender rotisserie chicken, fresh vegetables, and flavorful herbs simmered in a rich chicken broth, this recipe offers a homemade touch with your choice of egg noodles or pasta. Ready in just 40 minutes and yielding 8 servings, it’s an ideal dish for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 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
Pasta
- 1 batch homemade egg noodles or 4 cups dry egg noodles, farfalle, or other bite-sized pasta
Protein
- 3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped
Flavor Enhancers
- 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon chicken flavor (or more, as needed), or chicken bouillon granules
Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 1/2 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add the diced celery, diced carrots, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the broth and seasoning: Pour in 10 cups of chicken stock or broth. Stir in the salt, freshly ground black pepper, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cook the noodles: Add your choice of noodles—either a batch of homemade egg noodles or 4 cups of dry egg noodles or farfalle. Let them cook in the simmering broth until tender, typically about 7-10 minutes, depending on the pasta used.
- Add the chicken and flavor boost: Stir in the shredded or chopped 3 cups of rotisserie chicken to heat through. Add 1 teaspoon of Better Than Bouillon chicken flavor or chicken bouillon granules to enhance the depth of flavor, adjusting to taste.
- Simmer and finish: Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs if desired. Remove from heat and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken with cooked chicken breast or thighs if preferred.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels better.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried herbs but use about three times the amount.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
- The recipe can be doubled for larger crowds and freezes well for leftovers.
