If you’re craving something comforting, nourishing, and downright heartwarming, let me introduce you to this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. This isn’t just any chicken noodle soup—it’s a soul-soothing bowl packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked egg noodles, all swimming in a savory, golden broth. Every spoonful brings a warm hug and a smile to your face, making it the ultimate go-to dish for chilly days, cozy dinners, or anytime you want that classic taste of home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s adding depth to the broth, a hint of sweetness, or that tender bite of chicken and noodles you love. Here’s what you’ll need to craft this deliciously satisfying soup.
- Olive oil: Provides a flavorful base and helps soften the vegetables beautifully.
- Medium onion (diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the broth.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the soup with its aromatic, savory punch.
- Carrots (chopped): Bring natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- Celery (chopped): Offers that classic soup crunch and freshness.
- Chicken thighs (skinless, boneless): The star protein—rich and tender for perfect shredding.
- Chicken stock: The soul of the broth, creating a rich, savory foundation.
- Chicken bouillon cubes: Boost the flavor intensity for a deeper broth.
- Frozen homemade-style egg noodles: Soft, tender noodles that soak up all the delicious broth flavors.
- Salt and pepper: To season perfectly and balance flavors.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a burst of fresh herbal brightness at the end.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sautéing the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and cook, stirring often, until they soften and become fragrant—about 2 minutes. This step lays the flavorful foundation for your soup.
Step 2: Adding the Vegetables
Next, add the minced garlic, chopped carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté these for around 5 minutes. You’ll notice the aroma deepen as the vegetables gently soften and mingle, thickening the soup’s character.
Step 3: Introducing the Chicken and Broth
It’s time for the main event. Add your chicken thighs, pour in the chicken stock, and toss in the chicken bouillon cubes. Turn up the heat to medium-high so everything comes to a gentle boil, awakening all those harmonious flavors.
Step 4: Simmering to Perfection
Cover your pot with a lid, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. This slow cooking tenderizes the chicken and melds the veggies into a cozy broth, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Step 5: Shredding the Chicken
Carefully remove the chicken thighs from the pot and place them on a plate. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces that will soak up the soup’s flavors beautifully.
Step 6: Returning the Shredded Chicken
Stir the shredded chicken back into the simmering pot to mingle with the broth and vegetables, infusing the soup with hearty protein.
Step 7: Noodle Time
Toss in the frozen egg noodles and cover the pot once again. This step is about delivering tender noodles that hold onto the broth’s goodness.
Step 8: Cooking the Noodles
Raise the heat to medium-high and let the soup boil for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on your noodles—they’ll swell and soften perfectly under this watchful boil.
Step 9: Adjusting Seasoning
Now it’s time to taste test. Season the soup with salt and pepper according to your preference, enhancing every ingredient’s natural flavor.
Step 10: Final Touch of Freshness
Stir in the finely chopped fresh parsley for a lovely burst of green color and fresh herbal notes that brighten up the whole dish.
Step 11: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle this golden, comforting Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe into bowls and serve it warmly. Trust me, your soul will thank you.
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can elevate your soup from great to unforgettable. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a pinch of cracked black pepper on top adds visual appeal and a flavor boost that feels fresh with each spoonful.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with simple sides like crusty bread or warm crackers, perfect for dipping into that rich broth. For a light contrast, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the hearty soup beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe in charming bowls, topped with a dollop of sour cream or a swirl of pesto, can add flair. For gatherings, consider individual ramekins garnished with herbs and freshly grated Parmesan for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your soup to airtight containers and place them in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it an easy, satisfying second meal that tastes just as good.
Freezing
This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe freezes wonderfully. Store it in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Just remember, noodles might soften further after freezing, so you could freeze the soup and noodles separately for best texture.
Reheating
Warm your soup gently on the stove over medium heat to preserve its fresh flavors and avoid overcooking the noodles. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You certainly can! Chicken breasts are leaner and might cook a little faster. Just keep an eye on them as they can dry out more easily. Shredding the meat soon after cooking helps keep the texture tender and delicious.
Is it better to use fresh or frozen noodles?
Frozen homemade-style egg noodles are perfect because they cook evenly and absorb the broth’s flavors well. Fresh noodles work beautifully too, but dried noodles may become mushy when stored in soup.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a flavorful vegetarian twist.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting soggy?
Cooking the noodles separately and adding them right before serving is the best trick. In this recipe, adding frozen noodles near the end allows them to maintain a nice texture without becoming mushy during storage.
Can I add other vegetables?
Feel free! Peas, corn, or green beans can add color and freshness. Just be mindful of cooking times so everything stays crisp-tender and vibrant in your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There is truly nothing like crafting a bowl of this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe from scratch. It’s a loving reminder of good food made simple, with ingredients working together to bring warmth and comfort. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply want a nourishing meal, give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy classic chicken noodle soup.
