Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

Easy Chicken Noodle Soup is a warm, comforting and flavorful meal made with tender chicken, soft noodles, fresh vegetables, and a delicious homemade broth. This simple chicken noodle soup recipe uses everyday ingredients and is perfect for a quick lunch or cozy dinner.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Course: Soup
• Cuisine: American
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 300 g boneless chicken breast
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth
• 1 cup egg noodles or your favorite noodles
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

2. Cook the Chicken

Add the chicken breast, chicken broth, dried thyme, black pepper, salt, and bay leaf. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.

3. Shred the Chicken

Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and place it on a plate. Shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks, then set aside.

4. Add the Noodles

Add the noodles to the simmering broth and cook according to the package instructions, usually 6–10 minutes, until tender.

5. Return the Chicken

Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir well and simmer for another 2 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and taste the soup. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

6. Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and stir in the lemon juice, if using. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve the chicken noodle soup hot.

Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup

• Use homemade or good-quality chicken broth: It gives the soup a richer flavor.
• Avoid overcooking the noodles: They can become too soft if left in the broth for too long.
• Add lemon juice at the end: It brightens the flavor without overpowering the broth.
• Make it ahead: Cook the soup without noodles, refrigerate, and add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.
• Store leftovers safely: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes. Use about 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken. Add it to the broth near the end and simmer until heated through.

Can I use other types of noodles?

Yes. Egg noodles, spaghetti broken into small pieces, or other pasta shapes work well. Adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Can I freeze chicken noodle soup?

Yes. For the best texture, freeze the soup without noodles. Add freshly cooked noodles when you reheat it.

What can I serve with chicken noodle soup?

Serve it with crusty bread, garlic bread, crackers, or a simple green salad.

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutrition per serving:

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 22 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fat: 6 g

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients and noodles used.

Conclusion

This Easy Chicken Noodle Soup is a simple, comforting recipe packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and flavorful broth. It is easy to prepare with everyday ingredients and makes a satisfying homemade meal for the whole family.