Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Cozy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for Soulful Comfort

Comfort and warmth radiate through this classic homemade chicken noodle soup that promises to heal and delight.

Rich broth simmers with tender meat and soft vegetables, creating a melody of flavors.

Grandmothers across generations have perfected this soul-soothing recipe, passing down secrets from kitchen to kitchen.

Fresh ingredients dance together, promising a bowl filled with nourishment and love.

Aromatic herbs whisper tales of home-cooked memories, inviting you to embrace each spoonful.

Nutritious and simple, this soup stands as a testament to culinary simplicity.

Ladle up a bowl and let healing begin.

Why You’ll Love Healthy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

  • Craft a Comforting Meal: Perfect for soothing souls and warming hearts with a nutritious, homemade chicken noodle soup that feels like a loving embrace.
  • Simplify Cooking Process: Requires minimal cooking skills, making it an ideal recipe for beginners or busy home cooks wanting a delicious, stress-free meal.
  • Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with lean protein from chicken, vitamins from vegetables, and wholesome ingredients that support overall health and wellness.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for family dinners, sick days, potlucks, or casual gatherings, appealing to both kids and adults with its classic, satisfying flavor profile.

Everything You Need For Healthy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Protein Base:
  • Chicken: Shredded meat provides the primary protein and hearty texture of the soup.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Carrots, Celery: These classic soup vegetables add depth of flavor and nutritional value.
  • Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic base for the soup's flavor profile.
Liquid and Seasoning:
  • Chicken Broth: Creates the foundational liquid and savory base for the soup.
  • Dried Thyme, Bay Leaf, Salt, Pepper: Essential herbs and spices that enhance the overall taste and complexity of the soup.
Noodle Component:
  • Egg Noodles: Adds comforting texture and makes the soup more filling.
Finishing Touch:
  • Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh garnish that adds color and light herb flavor.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and creating a flavorful start to the soup.

Steps To Make Healthy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature. Allow the oil to become hot and shimmer slightly before adding ingredients.

Step 2: Transform Onions

Add diced onions to the hot oil. Stir and cook until onions become soft and translucent, developing a sweet and mellow flavor. This process takes approximately 4-5 minutes.

Step 3: Introduce Aromatic Vegetables

Mix in the following ingredients:
  • Minced garlic
  • Sliced carrots
  • Sliced celery

Sauté the vegetables together, stirring frequently to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. The vegetables will start to soften and release their delightful fragrances.

Step 4: Create Liquid Foundation

Pour chicken broth into the pot and add:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Dried thyme
  • Bay leaf
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, allowing all ingredients to meld together and create a rich, comforting base.

Step 5: Welcome the Noodles

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Add egg noodles and cook until they reach a tender consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Refine the Flavor

Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. The goal is to create a balanced and satisfying flavor profile.

Step 7: Prepare for Serving

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a bright, fresh finish. Serve with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.

Helpful Tips For Healthy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

  • Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select high-quality, fresh chicken, crisp vegetables, and good-quality broth for maximum flavor and nutritional value.
  • Control Sodium Levels: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth and add salt gradually to manage overall salt content and make the soup heart-healthy.
  • Boost Vegetable Nutrition: Add extra vegetables like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking to increase nutrient density without compromising texture.
  • Perfect Noodle Texture: Cook noodles separately and add them just before serving to prevent them from becoming mushy and maintain their ideal al dente consistency.
  • Enhance Immune-Boosting Properties: Include a small amount of fresh ginger or turmeric while sautéing vegetables to add anti-inflammatory benefits and enhance the soup's healing potential.

Different Styles Of Healthy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

  • Gluten-Free Zucchini Noodle Soup: Replace egg noodles with spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that adds extra vegetables to the dish.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or white beans to create a plant-based version while maintaining the soup's hearty protein content.
  • Spicy Mexican-Inspired Soup: Add diced jalapeños, cumin, and cilantro to transform the classic recipe into a zesty, warming soup with a southwestern kick.
  • Instant Pot Quick Version: Adapt the recipe for pressure cooking by combining all ingredients except noodles, cooking on high pressure for 10 minutes, then adding noodles and simmering for an ultra-fast meal preparation.

What Goes With Healthy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

  • Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the soup's delicate chicken and vegetable flavors without overpowering the dish.
  • Bread Companion Selection: Choose a rustic sourdough or herbed focaccia that provides a crunchy texture contrast and helps soak up the rich, comforting broth, enhancing the overall meal experience.
  • Herbal Garnish Enhancement: Sprinkle fresh chopped chives or extra parsley on top to add a bright, zesty note that lifts the soup's warmth and introduces a fresh, garden-like dimension to each spoonful.

How To Store Healthy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

  • Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick.
  • Pour soup into a pot, heat over medium-low temperature, stirring occasionally. Add a little water or broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking.

FAQs For Healthy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

  • Why use egg noodles specifically?

Egg noodles absorb broth beautifully and provide a soft, tender texture that complements the chicken and vegetables perfectly. They also cook quickly and add a rich, slightly eggy flavor to the soup.

  • Can I use different types of chicken?

Absolutely! You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or poach chicken breasts specifically for this recipe. Shredded or diced chicken works equally well, depending on your preference.

  • How can I make this soup more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking. These boost the nutrient content without changing the soup’s classic flavor profile. You can also use whole wheat noodles for added fiber.

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Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 23-29 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comforting Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup warms hearts with its rich, savory broth and tender chicken nestled among perfectly cooked noodles. Delicious memories of grandma’s kitchen come alive with each spoonful, inviting you to savor this classic culinary embrace.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
  • 6 cups chicken broth

Vegetables:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Other Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups egg noodles
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Crusty bread

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat (around 350°F) until shimmering.
  2. Add diced onions and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become translucent and release their aromatic sweetness.
  3. Incorporate minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery into the pot, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until vegetables start to soften and develop a slight golden edge.
  4. Pour chicken broth into the vegetable mixture, then introduce shredded chicken, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
  5. Increase heat to high and bring the liquid to a rolling boil, allowing flavors to meld together for approximately 2-3 minutes.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low and gently add egg noodles, simmering for 6-8 minutes until noodles reach an al dente texture.
  7. Carefully remove bay leaf from the soup to prevent any bitter undertones.
  8. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding extra salt and pepper as needed to enhance the overall flavor profile.
  9. Ladle the piping hot soup into serving bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
  10. Serve immediately with optional crusty bread for a complete and comforting meal.

Notes

  • Swap egg noodles with gluten-free or zucchini noodles for a low-carb, celiac-friendly version that maintains the soup’s comforting essence.
  • Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or diced sweet potatoes during the last few minutes of cooking for increased vitamins and minerals.
  • Create a make-ahead friendly recipe by preparing the soup base and chicken separately, storing them in the refrigerator, and combining just before serving to prevent noodles from becoming soggy.
  • Boost immune-boosting properties by adding a small piece of fresh ginger or a squeeze of lemon juice when serving, which introduces additional antioxidants and brightens the overall flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 8-9 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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