Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

If you’ve ever craved that warm, cozy bowl of comfort that instantly feels like a hug in a bowl, then you’re in for a treat with this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. It’s the kind of soup that goes beyond the ordinary—packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles swimming in rich, flavorful broth. Whether you’re fighting off a chill or just want a satisfying, home-cooked meal, this recipe delivers all the heartwarming goodness that only homemade can provide.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple, wholesome ingredients come together like old friends to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture in your soup. Each one adds its own special touch—from the sweetness in the carrots to the fragrant freshness of parsley, making this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe truly irresistible.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: A subtle base for sautéing that enhances the aromatics and adds a silky richness.
• 1 medium onion (peeled and diced): Provides a sweet, savory foundation that deepens the soup’s flavor.
• 4 cloves garlic (peeled and minced): Gives a warm, inviting punch that wakes up the broth.
• 2 large carrots (peeled and chopped): Adds natural sweetness and a bright pop of color.
• 1 rib celery (chopped): Brings a subtle earthiness and crunch that balances the dish.
• 6-8 skinless boneless chicken thighs (1.5-2 pounds): Tender, juicy meat that creates the hearty protein centerpiece.
• 2 quarts (64 ounces) chicken stock: The soul of the soup, rich and savory, offering layers of flavor.
• 2 chicken bouillon cubes: Intensifies the broth, making it taste homemade and robust.
• 16-ounce bag frozen homemade-style egg noodles: The comforting, chewy noodles that make every bite satisfying.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring everything together perfectly.
• ¼ cup fresh parsley (finely chopped): A fresh, vibrant garnish that brightens the final dish.

How to Make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions, cooking them for about 2 minutes while stirring often. This step softens the onions and releases their natural sweetness—an absolutely crucial foundation for your soup’s depth.

Step 2: Add Garlic, Carrots, and Celery

Next, introduce the minced garlic, chopped carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté these together over medium heat for about 5 minutes. The garlic will become fragrant, and the veggies will soften slightly, layering in a wonderful balance of textures and flavors that make the broth come alive.

Step 3: Introduce the Chicken and Broth

Now it’s time to bring in the star of the show—the chicken thighs. Place them into the pot along with your chicken stock and bouillon cubes. Bring everything up to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. This step is where the savory magic begins to steep into the soup.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Once boiling, cover the pot and lower the heat to medium-low. Let the soup simmer for 20 minutes, giving the chicken time to cook through gently and infuse the broth with its incredible flavor. This slow simmer is the key to achieving that rich, homestyle taste.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken thighs carefully from the soup and shred the meat using two forks. This shredding creates tender, bite-sized pieces that will blend beautifully with the noodles and veggies.

Step 6: Return the Chicken to the Soup

Stir the shredded chicken back into the simmering broth. This returns all that wonderful tender protein to the pot, ensuring every spoonful is chock-full of chicken goodness.

Step 7: Add the Noodles

Toss in the frozen homemade-style egg noodles and cover the pot once again. Increasing the heat slightly, let the soup come back to a gentle boil, cooking the noodles through for about 10 minutes so they become tender and soak up all the savory flavors.

Step 8: Season and Garnish

Finally, season your soup with salt and pepper according to your taste. Stir in the finely chopped fresh parsley, which adds a bright, herbaceous note that brings the whole dish together with a fresh finish.

Step 9: Serve Hot and Enjoy!

Your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is ready to be ladled into bowls and enjoyed warm, filling your kitchen with a comforting aroma and your heart with pure joy.

How to Serve Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t be shy about garnishing your soup. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a lovely touch of color and brightness, while a few twists of freshly ground black pepper can provide a subtle kick that keeps each bite exciting.

Side Dishes

Pair your soup with crusty bread or warm, buttery dinner rolls. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the comforting richness of the soup, balancing the meal with fresh greens.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party or family meal, serve your homemade chicken noodle soup in charming soup crocks or rustic mugs. You can also float a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top for a delicious twist that feels both fancy and comforting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, making it a perfect second-day meal that tastes even better once the flavors have melded together.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers. Remember to keep the noodles separate if possible, as freezing can cause them to get mushy. The soup itself can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating

Reheat your soup gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much. This simple step restores the soup’s perfect texture and warmth without losing any of its homemade charm.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely, you can swap in chicken breasts if you prefer. Keep in mind that thighs stay moister and more tender during simmering, while breasts might cook faster and can dry out if overcooked.

Are homemade-style egg noodles necessary?

While fresh noodles add great texture and flavor, you can use any egg noodles you like. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking them.

How do I make the broth more flavorful?

Simmering the soup longer, or starting with homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought, will deepen the flavor. Adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves during cooking can also enhance complexity.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, swap the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock and bouillon.

What’s the best way to prevent noodles from getting mushy?

Adding noodles right before serving or cooking them separately and adding them to each bowl helps avoid mushy noodles. If freezing, keep noodles separate from the broth.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe to make your day better, whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or just craving something soulful and satisfying. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s not only simple to make but also endlessly rewarding, with flavors that feel like a warm, delicious welcome home.

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