Chicken noodle soup has a way of sneaking into my dinner plans the minute the weather turns chilly. First, there’s something about that comforting aroma that wafts through the house and makes everyone poke their heads into the kitchen, asking when dinner will be ready. I swear, even my dog seems to sense when a pot of chicken noodle soup is bubbling away!
Also, this classic soup isn’t just for when you’re under the weather. So many times, I’ve found myself craving its cozy, familiar flavors after a long, chaotic day. Whether it’s a last-minute weeknight dinner or a lazy Sunday meal, this chicken noodle soup recipe is my go-to for easy, satisfying comfort.
Finally, I love how this soup brings everyone together. Even if my kitchen looks like a tornado hit it (oops, flour on the floor again!), the end result is always worth the mess. Honestly, who can resist a big bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup?
Personal Anecdote
So, picture this: it’s a Tuesday, I’m juggling work emails, laundry piles, and a hungry family. Suddenly, the thought of chicken noodle soup pops into my head. Of course, I immediately start chopping onions, carrots, and celery with kids dodging around my legs and the cat trying to swipe a carrot slice. Oops—there goes another noodle on the floor! I just laugh it off, because honestly, dinner chaos is the best kind of chaos.
Then, as the broth simmers, the whole house fills with that classic smell, and everyone starts hovering. I usually sneak in a quick peek at other Dinner Recipes for backup plans, but nothing beats the nostalgia of this meal. Even when my noodles end up a bit too al dente (or, let’s be real, sometimes a little mushy), the soup always brings smiles around the table.
Why This Recipe is Special
First, this recipe is all about real-life dinner wins. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, but still feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Also, you can play with the noodles—sometimes I swap in egg noodles for that classic twirl, but I’ve also tried twists from Chicken Pasta Soup to even leftover rice noodles. This flexibility means you’ll never get bored and can use whatever you have on hand.
Finally, chicken noodle soup isn’t just a meal—it’s a mood. Whether you’re nursing a cold, celebrating a cozy night in, or just need an easy dinner fix, this soup checks all the boxes. Plus, cleaning up the kitchen chaos is almost fun when everyone’s happy and full!
Ingredients breakdown
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Yellow onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Carrots, sliced | 1 cup |
| Celery, diced | 1 cup |
| Minced garlic | 2 tablespoons |
| Chicken broth or stock | 8 cups |
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs | 2 pounds |
| Freshly cracked black pepper | 2 teaspoons |
| Kosher salt | 1 ½ teaspoons |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Minced fresh thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Egg noodles or small pasta noodles | 6 oz |
Utensils and substitutions
When making Chicken Pasta Soup, I always reach for my trusty Dutch oven. You can use a large soup pot if you don’t have one, and both get the job done beautifully. A wooden spoon helps with sautéing the veggies, while a slotted spoon makes it easy to fish out the chicken for shredding.
If you don’t have egg noodles, any small pasta works great in this Dinner Recipes. Sometimes I use rice noodles for a lighter noodle soup option—just keep an eye on the cooking time, since some noodles cook much faster. Fresh herbs like thyme are lovely, but dried work fine in a pinch.
Finally, if you’re out of chicken, turkey is a wonderful substitute for a cozy Turkey Noodle Soup. The beauty of soup recipes like this is their flexibility. Just use what you have, and it’ll still taste like home.
Step-by-step method for a chicken noodle soup Dinner
Step 1
First, heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Stir gently and sauté for about 4 minutes, just until the vegetables begin to soften and the kitchen fills with that classic soup aroma. Sometimes, I sneak a taste of the broth at this stage, just to see where the flavors are heading.
Step 2
Next, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Then pour in the chicken broth and add the chicken breasts or thighs, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring everything to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Partially cover the pot, leaving the lid slightly ajar. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and shreds easily. Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks (sometimes a little uneven, but that’s part of the charm), and return it to the pot.
Step 3
Then, raise the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil. Add the egg noodles and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes, just until the noodles are al dente. Finally, serve your chicken noodle soup warm, garnished with fresh parsley. For dinner, I love pairing it with crusty bread or crackers—nothing fancy, just comfort in a bowl.
Tips and tricks to make this Dinner recipe shine
For a heartier chicken noodle soup, try using a mix of both chicken breasts and thighs for deeper flavor. Also, if you love variety, swap the egg noodles for a different pasta to create your own spin on Chicken Pasta Soup. If you’re looking for a lighter twist, consider adding extra veggies or even a handful of spinach at the end. If you have leftovers, this soup keeps well in the fridge and makes a wonderful lunch the next day. You might even want to check out these other cozy Dinner Recipes: Best Creamy Ranch Chicken Dinner Easy Kid Friendly Family Approved and Easy Dump Go Marry Me Chicken Best 5 Star Dinner Recipe. Don’t forget, homemade chicken noodle soup is all about comfort and little imperfections—so if your noodles are a bit overcooked or the carrots are uneven, it’s still perfect.
What to serve with this Dinner recipe
First, when you’re serving chicken noodle soup, it’s all about comfort. Fresh, crusty bread or warm dinner rolls are always a hit. Next, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing touch, balancing the warmth of the soup. If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out our Best Easy Mediterranean Chicken Piccata For A Healthy Dinner Tonight for a zesty side idea. Also, roasted vegetables—think carrots or green beans—pair beautifully and add color to your table.
Sometimes, simple is best. Add a wedge of lemon to squeeze over your bowl, or sprinkle in fresh herbs for a pop of flavor. For those who want a heartier meal, serve with a small portion of brown rice or a scoop of mashed potatoes. Finally, don’t forget a cozy drink like herbal tea to round out your dinner. If you love chicken dishes, our Easy Lemon Spinach Parmesan Chicken Healthy Dinner Recipe You’ll Love is a reader favorite.
How to store and reheat
First, let your chicken noodle soup cool to room temperature before storing. Next, pour it into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge for up to four days. If you’re planning ahead, freeze individual portions for quick meals. Just remember, noodles can soak up broth over time. To keep them from getting too soft, store noodles and soup separately if you can. When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding extra broth if needed. Stir well and check that everything’s heated through before serving. That’s it—easy, right?
FAQ
Can I use different noodles for chicken noodle soup?
Absolutely! Egg noodles are classic, but you can try rice noodles or even spaghetti broken into pieces. Use what you have on hand.
What makes chicken noodle soup taste so good?
The combination of tender chicken, savory broth, and aromatic veggies creates that cozy flavor. Adding a bit of fresh herbs or lemon brightens it even more.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap regular noodles for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Many gluten-free options work well in soup noodle recipes!
How do I keep the noodles from getting mushy?
Try cooking the noodles separately and adding them just before serving. That way, they stay firm and delicious.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Definitely! Chicken noodle soup stores well and makes for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. It’s a great addition to your dinner recipes rotation.
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Chicken Noodle Soup – Full recipes (ingredients + preparation)
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Heart Healthy
Description
A comforting chicken noodle soup made with sautéed vegetables, tender shredded chicken, savory herbs, and egg noodles. Perfect to enjoy warm on any day.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup diced celery
2 tablespoons minced garlic
8 cups chicken broth or stock
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
6 oz egg noodles or your favorite small pasta noodles
Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 4 minutes.
2. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and add the chicken, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat.
4. Partially cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar and cook until the chicken is tender and easily shreds, about 15 minutes.
5. Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks, then return the shredded chicken to the pot.
6. Raise the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil, then add the egg noodles.
7. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes until the pasta is al dente.
8. Serve the soup warm, garnished with fresh chopped parsley, alongside your favorite bread or crackers.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for richer flavor.
Substitute gluten-free noodles if desired.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
Reheat gently to avoid overcooking noodles.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering, Sauteing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Thanks for spending time in my kitchen today! There’s just something about a steaming pot of chicken noodle soup that brings everyone together. Next time you’re craving comfort, remember you can always mix things up with other favorites like chicken pasta soup or even turkey noodle soup for variety. If you’re hungry for more cozy ideas, peek at our Mediterranean Chicken Piccata or try the Lemon Spinach Parmesan Chicken for your next meal. For even more dinner inspiration—including ramen noodle soup and plenty of noodle soup recipes—be sure to follow us on Pinterest. Here’s to many more bowls of soup and kitchen memories together!