✨ Introduction
There are few meals as universally comforting as a bowl of Easy Chicken Noodle Soup 🍲. It’s the recipe many of us grew up with—the one that appears on chilly evenings, sick days, or whenever life calls for something warm and reassuring. Simple, nourishing, and deeply satisfying, this soup has earned its reputation as a timeless classic.
What makes chicken noodle soup truly special isn’t just the ingredients—it’s the feeling. The gentle simmer of broth, the aroma of garlic and herbs, and the soft noodles soaking up flavor all work together to create a dish that feels like care in a bowl. And while some versions can take hours to develop flavor, this easy chicken noodle soup is designed for real life: approachable, efficient, and still incredibly flavorful.
Made with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and comforting noodles, this soup comes together with pantry staples and minimal prep. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or anytime you need a reliable, nourishing meal that everyone will enjoy.
If you’re looking for a homemade soup that’s both easy to make and deeply satisfying, this recipe is exactly what you need.
💛 Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
This soup is a go-to for so many reasons:
- 🍗 Tender chicken in every spoonful
- 🥕 Classic vegetables for balanced flavor
- 🍜 Comforting noodles that make it hearty
- ⏱️ Simple and efficient, no long simmer required
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly and freezer-friendly
It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again because it’s dependable, comforting, and easy to adapt.
🕒 When to Make This Recipe
Easy chicken noodle soup is perfect for:
- Cozy weeknight dinners
- Cold or rainy days
- Sick days and recovery meals
- Meal prep for the week
- Light but filling lunches
Because it reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day, it’s also a smart choice when you want leftovers that stay comforting.
🔗 Explore More Comforting & Easy Meals (Internal Links)
If you love cozy recipes like this one, explore our Quick & Easy Meals for stress-free dinners, browse our High Protein Meals for filling chicken-based dishes, or check out our Healthy Recipes collection for lighter comfort foods that still satisfy.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, familiar ingredients that come together effortlessly.
Protein
- Chicken breast or thighs (boneless, skinless)
Vegetables
- Onion
- Carrots
- Celery
- Garlic
Broth & seasoning
- Chicken broth
- Bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper
- Dried thyme or parsley
Noodles
- Egg noodles or pasta of choice
Optional additions
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon juice (for brightness)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step: How to Make Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
This is the reader-friendly walkthrough. Exact measurements and formatting live in the Tasty Recipes card.
Step 1: Sauté the vegetables
Heat a bit of oil in a large pot. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened. Stir in garlic until fragrant.
Step 2: Add broth and chicken
Pour in chicken broth and add the chicken pieces along with bay leaf and seasonings. Bring to a gentle boil.
Step 3: Simmer until tender
Lower heat and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Remove chicken, shred it, then return it to the pot.
Step 4: Cook the noodles
Add noodles to the soup and cook until just tender. Avoid overcooking.
Step 5: Finish and serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Add fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Print
Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
Easy chicken noodle soup made with tender chicken, vegetables, and comforting noodles. A classic homemade soup ready in under an hour.
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 6
Ingredients
- 1½ lb chicken breast or thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables.
- Add broth, chicken, and seasonings.
- Simmer until chicken is cooked.
- Shred chicken and return to pot.
- Add noodles and cook until tender.
Notes
Add noodles just before serving for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmered
💡 Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup
- Use low-sodium broth so you can control seasoning
- Don’t overcook the noodles — they soften more as the soup rests
- Shred chicken while warm for easier handling
- Add fresh herbs at the end for brighter flavor
💡 Did you know?
Chicken noodle soup has long been considered a comfort food because warm broth helps hydrate and soothe, while protein and vegetables provide gentle nourishment.
🔄 Variations & Substitutions
- 🌾 Gluten-free: use gluten-free pasta or rice
- 🍋 Add lemon zest for brightness
- 🌿 Add fresh dill or thyme
- 🍗 Use rotisserie chicken to save time
- 🥦 Add extra vegetables like spinach or peas
🍽️ How to Serve Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
Serve hot with:
- Crusty bread or rolls
- Crackers
- Simple side salad
This soup works beautifully as a light dinner or hearty lunch.
🧊 How to Store & Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. If storing longer, freeze without noodles and add fresh noodles when reheating.
📣 Final Thoughts & Call to Action
This Easy Chicken Noodle Soup is proof that simple ingredients and straightforward steps can create something truly comforting. It’s warm, nourishing, and endlessly reliable—the kind of recipe every home cook should have on hand.
💬 How do you like your chicken noodle soup—extra noodles or extra veggies?
📌 Save this recipe for later.
📷 Tag #YankeeYums — I’d love to see your soup!