Classic Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
A comforting, protein-packed chicken noodle soup made with tender shredded chicken, egg noodles, fresh vegetables, and savory herbs. Perfect for cold nights or when you need a nourishing bowl of comfort.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil, extra-virgin
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, cut diagonally into 1/2-inch slices
- 2 celery ribs, halved lengthwise and sliced
- 4 fresh thyme sprigs (or 1.3 tbsp dried)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp poultry seasoning
- 2 quarts chicken broth (8 cups)
- 8 ounces dried wide egg noodles
- 1.5 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- salt, to taste
- ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 handful fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken (if not using rotisserie*)
Choose One Method:
- Oven Roasted Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Roast at 350°F for about 50 minutes or until fully cooked. Let cool, then shred.
- Boiled Chicken: Place chicken parts in a pot of water. Bring to a boil and cook about 20 minutes until cooked through. Cool and shred.
- *Rotisserie Chicken: Shred and measure 1½ cups. (Fast, easy, and delicious!)
Step 2: Build the Soup
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Cook for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened but not browned.
- Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a boil.
- Stir in shredded chicken. Simmer a few minutes to heat through.
- Season with salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning.
- Add egg noodles and simmer about 5 minutes, or until tender.
- (Important: Always add the noodles at the end. If added too early, they’ll become soft and overcooked.)
- Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy every cozy spoonful!
Notes
This is where you make it yours.
Chicken Options
- Rotisserie chicken (my go-to shortcut)
- Roasted chicken thighs (SO flavorful)
- Whole chicken for homemade broth
Broth Choices
- Homemade chicken broth
- Boxed chicken stock (absolutely fine!)
- Chicken bone broth
- Better Than Bouillon (I always have this in my kitchen)
Make It Your Way
- Add more vegetables for a heartier soup
- Add extra broth if you like more sipping liquid
- Reduce noodles if you want fewer carbs
- Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness