chicken noodle soup homemade

This recipe is all about comfort you can feel from the first spoonful. It’s a simple pot of tender chicken, soft noodles, and a warm, gently seasoned broth that feels familiar and soothing. Chicken noodle soup homemade is loved because it’s easy to make, uses everyday ingredients, and fits into real life without effort. It’s perfect for busy evenings, quiet family meals, or cold nights when you want something warm and filling without a long cooking list. I usually let it simmer softly on the stove while I handle other things, trusting it to turn into a cozy, satisfying meal.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe feels calm and reliable, the kind you’ll come back to again and again. The flavor is gentle but full, with tender chicken and noodles that soak up the broth beautifully. It’s weeknight-friendly and budget-conscious, using simple ingredients that stretch into several servings. Leftovers reheat well, making it freezer-friendly and ideal for planning ahead. This version of chicken noodle soup is also flexible, so you can adjust the vegetables or seasoning without worry. It’s crowd-pleasing in a quiet way, offering comfort without fuss, and it always feels like a safe, cozy choice when you’re not sure what else to make.

Ingredients

Tip: Boneless chicken thighs stay tender, but breasts work just as well.

Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
Onion, chopped – 1 medium
Carrots, sliced – 2
Celery stalks, sliced – 2
Garlic, minced – 3 cloves
Boneless chicken breast or thighs – 500 g
Chicken broth – 8 cups
Egg noodles – 2 cups
Salt – 1 teaspoon
Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
Dried thyme – 1 teaspoon

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Chop all vegetables into even pieces so they cook gently and evenly. Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks. Measure the broth and noodles ahead of time, keeping everything nearby for an easy, relaxed cooking flow.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This recipe uses one pot and simple steps, so cleanup stays minimal. You can make a full batch in under an hour and enjoy it over several meals. It’s great for Pinterest users who like saving recipes to cook later, knowing dinner will already be handled.

Tips & Tricks

Cut chicken evenly
Uneven pieces cook at different speeds. Cutting the chicken into similar-sized chunks helps everything cook gently and keeps the texture tender instead of dry.
Don’t rush the vegetables
Letting the vegetables soften first builds a mild, comforting base. Skipping this step can leave the soup tasting flat, even if the ingredients are good.
Add noodles near the end
Noodles absorb liquid quickly. Adding them too early can make the soup thick and starchy, especially if you plan on leftovers.
Taste before serving
Broth strength varies. Always taste near the end and adjust seasoning gently so the flavors stay balanced and not overly salty.

Variations

Meaty version
Add shredded leftover roast chicken or turkey near the end of cooking. It warms through quickly and makes the soup even heartier without changing the base flavors.
Vegetarian option
Swap chicken for chickpeas and use vegetable broth. Add extra carrots or potatoes for body, keeping the soup filling and comforting without meat.
Ingredient swap
Use rice or small pasta shapes instead of noodles. Adjust cooking time so the grain or pasta becomes tender without overcooking.
Flavor or herb boost
Finish with fresh parsley, dill, or a squeeze of lemon juice. These small additions brighten the soup and let you adjust the flavor to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

With warm bread
Serve with soft rolls or toasted bread on the side. It’s simple, cozy, and perfect for soaking up the broth.
Light family dinner
Pair with a small salad or sliced fruit. This keeps the meal balanced while letting the soup remain the main focus.
Comfort lunch bowls
Pack leftovers into containers for easy lunches. It reheats well and still feels comforting the next day.
Casual evening meal
Serve in deep bowls with extra pepper on the table. It feels relaxed and welcoming, perfect for quiet nights at home.

Storage Instructions

Fridge storage
Cool the soup completely before storing. Keep in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making leftovers even better.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a little water or broth if the noodles have absorbed too much liquid.
Freezing
Freeze the soup without noodles for best texture, up to 2 months. Add freshly cooked noodles when reheating for a better bite.
Make-ahead tips
Prepare the broth, chicken, and vegetables ahead of time. Store separately and add noodles when reheating to keep them from getting too soft.

Recipe Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Rest Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: About 50 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories: 260–320 per serving
Protein: 20–26 grams
Key nutrients include protein from chicken and vitamin A from carrots. Values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQs

Yes, it tastes better the next day.

Conclusion

This recipe is meant to feel easy, warm, and familiar, without asking much from you. It’s flexible enough to adjust and reliable enough to trust on busy days. Whether you enjoy it fresh or reheated later, chicken noodle soup homemade brings comfort in a simple, steady way. Save it for nights when you want something gentle and filling, and don’t hesitate to make it your own with small changes. It’s the kind of meal that quietly takes care of dinner, leaving you with a warm bowl and a calm evening.