Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup: A Comforting Homemade Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup to soothe the soul and warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, battling the winter chill, or simply craving a comforting classic, this quick and easy chicken noodle soup recipe delivers all the flavor of a slow-simmered soup in just 40 minutes. With tender chunks of chicken, perfectly cooked egg noodles, and colorful vegetables swimming in a savory broth, this soup is the definition of homemade comfort food made simple.

What makes this recipe stand out is its perfect balance of convenience and homemade flavor. By using a combination of carefully selected ingredients and time-saving techniques, you’ll create a soup that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this golden bowl of comfort food a regular part of your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Noodle Soup

Before we get into the nitty-gritty details of the recipe, let’s talk about why this particular chicken noodle soup deserves a spot in your recipe collection:

• Quick preparation time – From start to finish, this soup is ready in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights
• Simple ingredients – Everything you need is likely already in your pantry or easily found at any grocery store
• Versatile recipe – Easy to customize based on what you have on hand
• Comforting flavor – The perfect combination of savory broth, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked vegetables
• Family-friendly – A crowd-pleaser that appeals to picky eaters and soup connoisseurs alike
• Make-ahead friendly – Can be prepared in advance and reheated for quick meals

Chicken Noodle Soup Ingredients

One of the beauties of chicken noodle soup is its straightforward ingredient list. Here’s everything you’ll need to gather before getting started:

For the Base

• Butter – 2 tablespoons, for sautéing the vegetables and adding richness
• Onions – 1 cup diced, providing an aromatic foundation
• Celery – 1 cup chopped, adding texture and a subtle savory flavor
• Chicken broth – 4 cups, forming the savory base of the soup
• Vegetable broth – 4 cups, adding depth and complexity to the flavor profile

For the Filling

• Chicken – 1½ pounds of cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
• Egg noodles – 1½ cups, the perfect hearty addition
• Carrots – 1 cup chopped, providing color, sweetness, and nutrition

For the Seasoning

• Dried basil – ½ teaspoon, for herbal notes
• Dried oregano – ½ teaspoon, complementing the basil with its earthy flavor
• Salt – ½ teaspoon, or to taste
• Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon, or to taste

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

While the recipe as written creates a perfect balance of flavors, cooking is all about making a recipe work for you. Here are some helpful notes and possible substitutions to consider:

The Broth

This recipe calls for a combination of chicken and vegetable broths, which creates a more complex flavor profile. However, if you’re short on time or ingredients, you can certainly use 8 cups of just one type of broth. For the richest flavor, use a high-quality store-bought broth or homemade if you have it on hand. Low-sodium varieties are recommended so you can control the salt level.

The Chicken

While the recipe specifies cooked chicken breast, this is a perfect opportunity to use a convenient shortcut or leftovers. Rotisserie chicken works beautifully and adds even more flavor. Simply shred or dice the meat to get approximately 3-4 cups of cooked chicken. This is also a great way to use up leftover roasted or poached chicken from another meal.

The Noodles

Traditional egg noodles are the classic choice for chicken noodle soup, but you can substitute with whatever pasta you have on hand. Small shapes like ditalini, orzo, or even broken spaghetti work well. For a healthier twist, whole wheat noodles can be substituted, though they may slightly alter the texture and cooking time. For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free pasta, but be especially careful not to overcook as these tend to break down more quickly.

The Vegetables

The recipe features the classic mirepoix combination of onions, carrots, and celery, but you can adjust based on preferences or what’s in your refrigerator. Don’t like celery? Leave it out or substitute with more carrots. Want to add more vegetables? Consider adding frozen peas in the last few minutes of cooking, or some chopped spinach or kale for extra nutrients.

The Herbs

Dried basil and oregano provide a traditional flavor profile, but you can experiment with other herbs. A bay leaf added during simmering (removed before serving) adds depth, while fresh parsley, dill, or thyme added in the last few minutes of cooking can brighten the flavor profile. If you have fresh herbs instead of dried, use three times the amount (1½ teaspoons each of fresh basil and oregano).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we’ve covered all the ingredients, let’s walk through the simple process of making this quick and easy chicken noodle soup:

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and starting to bubble slightly, add the diced onions and chopped celery. Cook the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they’re just becoming tender, about 5 minutes. You’re not looking to brown them, just soften them and release their flavors.

Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients

Once the vegetables are tender, it’s time to add the remaining ingredients. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and 4 cups of vegetable broth. Add the 1½ pounds of cooked, diced chicken, 1½ cups of egg noodles, and 1 cup of chopped carrots. Stir in ½ teaspoon each of dried basil and oregano, along with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.

Stir everything together to combine well, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the broth.

Step 3: Bring to a Boil

Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. You’ll notice the broth beginning to bubble vigorously. This step helps jump-start the cooking process for the noodles and carrots.

Step 4: Simmer Until Done

Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low or medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot partially with a lid, allowing some steam to escape while containing the heat. Let the soup simmer for 20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the carrots have reached your desired level of softness.

During this simmering time, the flavors will meld together, the noodles will absorb some of the broth, and everything will come together into a cohesive, flavorful soup.

Step 5: Adjust Seasonings and Serve

After simmering, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt and pepper to suit your preferences. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately for the best experience.

Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup

Want to take your chicken noodle soup to the next level? Here are some professional tips that will help you create the best possible version of this comfort food classic:

Noodle Timing Matters

One of the most common pitfalls when making chicken noodle soup is overcooking the noodles. If you add them too early or cook them too long, they’ll become mushy and may even disintegrate into the broth. For the best texture, make sure you’re only simmering for the recommended 20 minutes. If you plan to make the soup in advance or expect leftovers, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them to individual bowls when serving.

Vegetable Texture Preferences

This recipe adds carrots near the end of the cooking process to maintain their crispness and bright color. However, if you prefer softer carrots, you can add them to the pot along with the onions and celery at the beginning. This will give them more time to cook down and soften. It’s all about personal preference when it comes to vegetable texture in soup.

Enriching the Broth

For an even more flavorful broth, try adding a parmesan rind during simmering (remove before serving). The cheese won’t melt but will infuse the broth with a rich umami flavor. Another trick is to add a splash of white wine when sautéing the vegetables, allowing it to reduce slightly before adding the broth. These simple additions can add tremendous depth to your soup.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Chicken noodle soup actually improves in flavor the day after it’s made, making it perfect for meal prep. However, the noodles will continue to absorb broth as the soup sits, potentially becoming too soft and leaving you with less broth than desired. If making ahead, consider either:

• Making the soup without noodles, refrigerating, and adding freshly cooked noodles when reheating
• Making the complete soup but adding extra broth, anticipating that some will be absorbed during storage

Store cooled soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. When freezing, leave some space at the top of the container for expansion.

Serving Suggestions

While chicken noodle soup is certainly satisfying on its own, here are some perfect pairings to round out your meal:

Bread Companions

• Crusty bread or rolls for dipping
• Garlic bread for added flavor
• Homemade croutons sprinkled on top

Fresh Additions

• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette
• Half a sandwich for a classic soup-and-sandwich combo
• A sprinkle of fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or chives) on top of each bowl

Garnishes

Consider these optional garnishes to add at serving time:

• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness
• A sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese
• A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
• A dash of hot sauce for those who like a spicy kick

Variations on Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, consider these creative variations to keep things interesting:

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

For a richer, creamier version, add ½ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, stir in ¼ cup of cream cheese until melted for a tangy creaminess.

Lemon Chicken Soup

Add the zest and juice of one lemon along with a handful of fresh spinach in the last few minutes of cooking for a bright, Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Asian-Inspired Chicken Soup

Substitute the basil and oregano with 1 tablespoon of grated ginger, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 1-2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and chopped green onions.

Chicken and Rice Soup

Replace the egg noodles with ¾ cup of white or brown rice (adjust cooking time accordingly, as rice typically takes longer to cook than noodles).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?

A: Yes, you can use raw chicken, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking method. Cut 1½ pounds of raw chicken breast into small pieces and add them to the pot after sautéing the vegetables. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside (about 5 minutes) before adding the broth and other ingredients. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked (reaching 165°F internal temperature) before serving.

Q: How do I make this soup in a slow cooker?

A: To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, sauté the onions and celery in butter as directed, then transfer to a slow cooker. Add the chicken (raw or cooked), broths, carrots, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the noodles in the last 30 minutes of cooking time to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?

A: Absolutely! Frozen mirepoix mix (onions, carrots, celery) or individual frozen vegetables work well in this recipe. There’s no need to thaw them first; simply add them directly to the pot, keeping in mind they may cook a bit faster than fresh vegetables.

Q: How can I make this soup gluten-free?

A: To make this soup gluten-free, simply substitute the regular egg noodles with gluten-free pasta of your choice. Also, ensure your chicken and vegetable broths are certified gluten-free, as some commercial brands may contain gluten as a stabilizer or flavoring agent.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover chicken noodle soup?

A: Reheat leftover soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until just simmering. Avoid boiling vigorously, as this can make the noodles break apart. If the soup has thickened during storage, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Microwave reheating works too—use medium power and stir halfway through for even warming.

This quick and easy chicken noodle soup recipe proves that you don’t need hours of simmering to create a flavorful, comforting meal. With just 40 minutes and some simple ingredients, you can have a homemade soup that nourishes the body and soothes the soul. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week ahead, or simply craving a bowl of comfort food, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every time.

Author

Srija Burman

 

Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in writing and editing ranges across niches, including academics, sports, and human psychology.

Read full bio of Srija Burman