Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is the kind of cozy dinner that’s easy to make and full of comforting flavors. It comes together with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, a flavorful broth, soft noodles, and herbs that add a homemade touch. We love chilly days because meals like this bring everyone back to the table for a warm and satisfying dinner.

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup with chicken noodles and carrots in bowl

If you enjoy simple comfort food, try our Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie for another cozy meal idea. I’m a big fan of dishes that feel wholesome, comforting, and nourishing without being complicated.

This soup is warm, simple, and just right for those busy evenings when you want something delicious and easy.

Ingredients

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup ingredients with vegetables and chicken

Here’s what I use for this recipe and you can always make substitutions if you prefer.

  • boneless chicken breast: Simmered and shredded for tender protein pieces.
  • egg noodles: Added near the end for soft texture.
  • chicken broth: Creates the flavorful soup base.
  • carrot: Sliced for sweetness and color.
  • celery stalk: Sliced for fresh savory flavor.
  • yellow onion: Diced to build the broth aroma.
  • fresh parsley: Chopped for a fresh finish.
  • salt: Balances the soup flavor.
  • black pepper: Adds mild warmth.

Tools You’ll Need

  • 6-quart heavy-bottom pot: Use it for even soup cooking and choose thick material because thin pots can create hot spots.
  • sharp chef knife: Use it for vegetables and choose a balanced blade to avoid uneven cuts.

Instructions

Step 1: Slice the vegetables

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup vegetables prepared before cooking

Slice 2 carrots, celery stalks and onion into even pieces at 375°F for 10 minutes while organizing ingredients. Use a sharp knife with smooth downward motions.

You’ll see bright vegetable colors and fresh moisture on the cuts. Skip this prep and the vegetables won’t soften evenly during cooking.

Cut evenly because consistent sizes create balanced texture.

Tip: Choose firm carrots and celery for better texture after 30 minutes of simmering.

Step 2: Simmer the chicken broth

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup chicken simmering with vegetables

Add 2 boneless chicken breasts with broth and vegetables. Simmer at medium heat about 185°F for 25 minutes and gently stir with a spoon.

The broth becomes golden and the chicken smells savory. Miss this timing and the chicken can become dry before shredding.

Simmer gently so proteins stay tender and flavors blend.

Tip: Keep the simmer below boiling because hard bubbling makes chicken fibers tougher.

Step 3: Shred chicken and add noodles

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup with shredded chicken and noodles

Remove chicken, shred it and return it with egg noodles. Cook at 190°F for 8 to 10 minutes while folding gently with a spoon.

(I tried cooking noodles too long first. They absorbed too much broth and became soft.

) You’ll see tender noodles and a thicker soup texture. Cook noodles briefly because starch controls the final broth texture.

Tip: Add noodles near the end to prevent them from becoming mushy overnight.

Step 4: Finish and serve the soup

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup served with herbs and noodles

Season the soup with herbs and rest it at 165°F for 5 minutes before serving. Ladle gently and add fresh parsley using a spoon.

The surface shows golden broth, uneven noodles and tender chicken pieces. Skip the rest and flavors won’t settle properly.

Resting 5 minutes helps the ingredients stabilize.

Tip: Store noodles separately when meal prepping to keep the broth clear.

Pro Tips

  • Use homemade broth when possible and simmer it for 30 minutes for deeper flavor.
  • Cut vegetables into similar sizes so they soften evenly during the 25-minute simmer.
  • Use a 6-quart pot because smaller pots can crowd ingredients and reduce broth quality.
  • Add noodles during the final 10 minutes to keep their texture firm.
  • Taste the broth before serving and adjust salt after the chicken releases flavor.
  • Freeze soup without noodles for better texture after reheating.
  • Add garlic and thyme for a more aromatic herb version with deeper flavor.
  • Use gluten-free noodles for a dietary adaptation with a slightly softer texture.
  • Add lemon juice before serving for a brighter chicken soup flavor.
  • Replace chicken breast with turkey for a holiday leftover variation.

Storage Instructions

Keep Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup in a sealed glass container for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Freeze portions without noodles for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating.

Warm soup at 165°F for about 10 minutes and add fresh noodles if needed. Discard it if you notice sour smells, bubbles or unusual texture.

Print
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Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup with chicken noodles and carrots in bowl

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup


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  • Author: Lina
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This easy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is one of the best quick and simple ideas for a healthy weeknight dinner, meal prep, holiday gathering or potluck. The secret is slow simmering with fresh vegetables and herbs until the broth smells comforting and the noodles stay tender. This version brings a rich homemade taste with a clear broth, juicy chicken texture and cozy flavor for brunch or party menus.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless chicken breast
  • 8 ounces egg noodles
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 3 medium carrot
  • 3 celery stalk
  • 1 large yellow onion
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Slice 2 carrots, celery stalks and onion into even pieces at 375°F for 10 minutes while organizing ingredients. Use a sharp knife with smooth downward motions. You’ll see bright vegetable colors and fresh moisture on the cuts. Skip this prep and the vegetables won’t soften evenly during cooking. Cut evenly because consistent sizes create balanced texture.
  2. Add 2 boneless chicken breasts with broth and vegetables. Simmer at medium heat about 185°F for 25 minutes and gently stir with a spoon. The broth becomes golden and the chicken smells savory. Miss this timing and the chicken can become dry before shredding. Simmer gently so proteins stay tender and flavors blend.
  3. Remove chicken, shred it and return it with egg noodles. Cook at 190°F for 8 to 10 minutes while folding gently with a spoon. (I tried cooking noodles too long first. They absorbed too much broth and became soft.) You’ll see tender noodles and a thicker soup texture. Cook noodles briefly because starch controls the final broth texture.
  4. Season the soup with herbs and rest it at 165°F for 5 minutes before serving. Ladle gently and add fresh parsley using a spoon. The surface shows golden broth, uneven noodles and tender chicken pieces. Skip the rest and flavors won’t settle properly. Resting 5 minutes helps the ingredients stabilize.

Notes

Pro Tips:

  • Use homemade broth when possible and simmer it for 30 minutes for deeper flavor.
  • Cut vegetables into similar sizes so they soften evenly during the 25-minute simmer.
  • Use a 6-quart pot because smaller pots can crowd ingredients and reduce broth quality.
  • Add noodles during the final 10 minutes to keep their texture firm.
  • Taste the broth before serving and adjust salt after the chicken releases flavor.
  • Freeze soup without noodles for better texture after reheating.

Storage: Keep Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup in a sealed glass container for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Freeze portions without noodles for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating. Warm soup at 165°F for about 10 minutes and add fresh noodles if needed. Discard it if you notice sour smells, bubbles or unusual texture.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 879g
  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 2628mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 216mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the broth and chicken up to 2 days ahead and add noodles when reheating. Store chilled soup below 40°F and warm it gently for 10 minutes before serving.

How long does chicken noodle soup last in the fridge?

Store it in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Reheat at 165°F and check that the smell and texture remain fresh before eating.

Why is my soup watery?

A watery soup usually needs longer simmering or more concentrated broth. Simmer uncovered for 10 extra minutes at medium-low heat to reduce excess liquid.

Can I freeze chicken noodle soup?

Freeze the broth and chicken for up to 3 months. Add fresh noodles after thawing because frozen noodles can become soft.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, use a larger 8-quart pot and extend simmering by about 10 minutes. Keep the chicken temperature at 165°F for safety.

Final Thoughts

If you try this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup recipe, I hope you enjoy it just as much as my family does. It’s become one of those comforting meals we make again and again throughout the year.

Leave a comment below and tell me how yours turned out. If you’re searching for more easy dinner ideas, save this page for later.

I’m always sharing new recipes that are simple, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights, like Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie.

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