Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup: From Scratch

Revitalize your day with the ultimate comfort food: a warm, deeply satisfying bowl of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup. This classic recipe combines tender, shredded chicken, hearty egg noodles, a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables, and a rich, savory broth to create a meal that truly feels like a comforting embrace. Perfect for any season, this timeless dish offers both nourishment and nostalgia, making it a beloved staple for families everywhere. Discover the simple joy of crafting this culinary masterpiece right in your own kitchen.

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup: The Meal That Feels Like a Hug

There are few dishes that evoke such universal feelings of warmth, comfort, and home quite like a classic bowl of chicken noodle soup. Friends, when it comes to timeless comfort food, this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is truly unparalleled! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience, a spoonful of solace on a chilly evening, or a gentle pick-me-up when you need it most. As the seasons shift and cooler weather arrives, this recipe quickly becomes one of my go-to easy meals.

What makes this soup so special? It’s hearty enough to serve as a satisfying dinner for the whole family, yet light enough to easily reheat for a quick, wholesome lunch the next day. This incredible versatility, combined with its simple preparation, makes it a one-pot wonder that everyone loves. Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen as the fresh ingredients simmer together, creating a rich and inviting broth. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create lasting memories around your dinner table. We are confident it will quickly become a cherished favorite in your household, just as it is in ours.

Crafting the Perfect Bowl: Essential Ingredients for Chicken Noodle Soup

The beauty of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a complex and satisfying flavor profile. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that comforting taste and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what goes into our perfect chicken noodle soup:

• Chicken: The star of the show! For convenience and maximum flavor, I often opt for shredded white meat chicken from a store-bought rotisserie chicken. This saves a significant amount of prep time. However, you can absolutely add or substitute other cuts, such as chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or breasts that you’ve boiled and shredded yourself. Using freshly cooked chicken adds another layer of homemade goodness, but don’t hesitate to use leftovers for an even quicker meal.
• Vegetables & Herbs: This trio of aromatics—onions, celery, and carrots (often referred to as a mirepoix)—forms the foundational flavor base of almost any great soup. They bring so much fresh flavor, natural sweetness, and essential texture. Diced finely, they soften beautifully into the broth. Fresh parsley, stirred in at the end, adds a burst of vibrant color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the entire dish. These vegetables are also packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making your soup not just delicious, but also incredibly nourishing.
• Frozen Peas: A pop of green and a touch of sweetness, frozen green peas are a fantastic addition. They cook quickly and retain their vibrant color and texture. If you choose to use canned peas, remember to drain and rinse them thoroughly before adding to the broth to remove excess sodium. Be cautious not to overcook canned peas, as they can become mushy very quickly and detract from the soup’s texture. Adding them in the last few minutes of simmering is key.
• Egg Noodles: These classic, delicate noodles are the hallmark of traditional chicken noodle soup, soaking up the savory broth wonderfully. However, feel free to experiment with your favorite pasta shapes! Fusilli, rotini, or even small ditalini work wonderfully, adding a different textural dimension. For those seeking a gluten-free option, there are many excellent gluten-free pasta varieties available that can be substituted without compromising flavor.
• Chicken Broth: The soul of the soup! High-quality chicken broth or chicken stock is essential for a deep, rich flavor. While store-bought options are perfectly fine, choose a low-sodium variety to control the salt content. If you’re short on broth, you can easily substitute bouillon; simply dissolve 1 bouillon cube (or 1 teaspoon bouillon granules) into 1 cup of boiling water for every cup of broth required. For this recipe, for example, you would use 3 chicken bouillon cubes dissolved in three cups of boiling water to replace 3 cups of broth.
• Seasonings: A simple blend of seasonings elevates the flavor profile. Freshly ground black pepper is a must, adding a subtle kick. A hint of Italian seasoning provides an aromatic blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme. The secret ingredient that truly makes this soup sing is a touch of fresh lemon juice, which brightens all the flavors and adds a zesty finish. If you enjoy cooking with bay leaves, you can add one to the broth while it’s simmering for an even deeper flavor, but remember to remove it before serving.

The Art of Simplicity: How to Make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Creating this soul-warming chicken noodle soup is a surprisingly straightforward process, proving that the most comforting meals often require the simplest steps. Follow these clear instructions to build layers of flavor and achieve that perfect bowl of goodness:

• Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics. Begin by melting the butter in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the butter is shimmering, add your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. These humble vegetables are the backbone of your soup’s flavor. Cook them gently, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and become tender, which typically takes about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for developing a deep, aromatic base. Next, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for just about 1 minute more, until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can turn bitter.
• Step 2: Build the Broth. After the vegetables have softened and the garlic is aromatic, sprinkle in the flour. Stir constantly for about another minute. The flour will lightly toast, losing its raw taste, and act as a thickening agent for your broth, giving it a lovely body. Then, gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Add the salt and black pepper at this stage. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to slightly thicken.

• Step 3: Add Chicken and Noodles. Now, it’s time to incorporate the main components. Stir in the shredded chicken breast and then add the egg noodles. Continue to simmer the soup, stirring occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking, until they are tender. This usually takes about 8 minutes, depending on the type and thickness of your noodles. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking, which can make them mushy. Finally, stir in the frozen peas and let the soup simmer for another 2-3 minutes, just until the peas are warmed through and retain their vibrant green color.

• Step 4: Finish with Freshness. Reduce the heat to low to prevent further cooking. Stir in the fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, and the crucial touch of freshly squeezed lemon juice. The lemon juice brightens all the flavors and adds a wonderful zing that truly elevates the soup. Taste the soup and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Adjust to your personal preference, ensuring the flavors are perfectly balanced. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting aroma and taste!

Serving and Storing Your Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup

Once your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is ready, it’s best served hot, allowing the steam to carry its inviting aromas throughout your home. For an extra touch of freshness, consider garnishing each bowl with a sprinkle of additional fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon. You can also offer crusty bread for dipping, or a side salad for a complete meal.

To store leftover soup, first allow it to cool fully to room temperature. This is important to prevent bacterial growth and to protect your refrigerator. Once cooled, transfer the soup into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to five days. The flavors often deepen beautifully overnight!

To freeze for future enjoyment, ensure the soup has cooled completely. Soups are best stored in sturdy plastic freezer containers or freezer-safe bags. This storage container set is a fantastic option as it offers various sizes, perfect for individual portions or family meals. When freezing, consider undercooking the noodles slightly, or even cooking them separately and adding them fresh when reheating, as pasta can sometimes become mushy after thawing and reheating. If freezing with noodles, the texture may change slightly.

To reheat your delicious soup, if frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed (or if simply refrigerated), gently heat the soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature. If the soup appears too thick after storage, you can add a splash of extra chicken broth or water to achieve the perfect consistency. Alternatively, for a quick reheat, microwave on 50% power, stirring every minute, until thoroughly warmed. Always ensure the soup is piping hot before serving.

Perfect Pairings: What Goes with Chicken Noodle Soup?

While Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, it truly shines when paired with complementary sides. If you’re in search of the ultimate comfort food experience, classic chicken noodle soup goes exceptionally well with your favorite carb-heavy accompaniments. The richness of the soup is beautifully balanced by a crunchy, savory side. Serve your chicken noodle soup with simple sandwiches, fluffy biscuits, or warm, homemade bread to soak up every last drop of that flavorful broth.

• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The quintessential pairing! Learning how to make a truly great grilled cheese can transform any ordinary day into something special. A warm, melty grilled cheese, with its perfectly crisp, buttery exterior and gooey, melted cheese center, is the ultimate comfort food companion to a savory soup. Dip it right in for a delightful textural contrast.
• Homestyle Buttermilk Biscuits: Flaky, tender, and incredibly buttery, these biscuits are pure comforting goodness made from just a few simple ingredients. Their wholesome appeal and delicious flavor make them a crowd-pleaser and an ideal vehicle for soaking up the rich chicken noodle broth.
• Grilled Cheese Roll Ups: A fun and kid-friendly twist on the classic! Everyone loves these easy-to-eat Grilled Cheese Roll Ups. They’re quick to prepare, perfect for little hands, and incredibly satisfying when dipped into a hearty bowl of soup.
• 5-Ingredient Homemade French Bread: Nothing beats fresh, warm bread. This French bread is perfectly crusty on the outside and wonderfully light and fluffy on the inside – just begging for a generous smear of butter. With only five ingredients, it’s surprisingly simple to bake and incredibly delicious to enjoy alongside your soup.

More Comforting Soups Your Family Will Love

Soup season extends far beyond just one recipe! There’s something inherently magical about a hot bowl of soup – it’s a meal that fills bellies, warms souls, and always brings a smile to faces. A hearty bowl of soup is truly the perfect dinner option for any chilly evening. Explore these other delightful soup recipes that are sure to become new family favorites:

• Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup: Experience the vibrant flavors of this homemade version of Chick-fil-A’s Chicken Tortilla Soup. It tastes even better than the original, offering a rich, spicy, and satisfying meal you can enjoy year-round – even on Sundays!
• Tuscan Tortellini Soup: A truly comforting one-pot meal, this soup is perfect for a brisk winter day. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and bursting with the rich, savory flavors of Tuscany, featuring tender tortellini in a flavorful broth.
• Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Soup: This creamy and indulgent soup is packed with fresh broccoli florets, tender shredded chicken, and plenty of sharp cheddar cheese. It makes for the ultimate cozy and satisfying dinner on a chilly night, reminiscent of your favorite bistro soup.
• Baked Sweet Potato Soup: A surprising twist on classic comfort, this sweet potato soup is loaded with delicious toppings like tangy cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh green onions. It’s a decadent and flavorful soup that epitomizes comfort food.

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup: The Recipe

If you embark on the delightful journey of making this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, we would absolutely love to see your culinary creations! Be sure to snap a picture and share it with me, or tag me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can admire your delicious work. If you’re on Facebook, I encourage you to join my Friends of The BakerMama group. It’s a wonderful community where we connect, share our cooking adventures, and celebrate all the fun and yummy recipes from my kitchen that you make! I truly enjoy seeing how inspired and creative you all get with the dishes I share. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!

xoxo,