Name: Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 3 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 8 cups chicken broth; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1½ cups egg noodles; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste

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If you’re searching for the ultimate cozy meal, nothing beats Classic Chicken Noodle Soup. This time-honored recipe serves up a steaming bowl of tender chicken, slurp-worthy noodles, and a fragrant blend of veggies that make every spoonful pure comfort. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, craving something nostalgic, or just want to warm up on a chilly evening, Classic Chicken Noodle Soup delivers on heartiness and flavor. Prepare to fall in love with this soul-soothing favorite all over again!

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of a great Classic Chicken Noodle Soup lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, bringing its own texture and taste to create that perfect, golden broth you crave. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips for the best results:

Olive oil: Adds depth and helps sauté the aromatics for a richer base.
Onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and savory notes that define the soup’s aroma.
Garlic cloves, minced: A little goes a long way in boosting the overall flavor.
Carrots, sliced: Offer color, subtle sweetness, and lots of nutrients.
Celery stalks, sliced: Brings a peppery crunch and classic soup taste.
Chicken broth: The foundation of Classic Chicken Noodle Soup, so choose a good-quality broth for maximum flavor.
Cooked shredded chicken: Tender, juicy chicken is the heart of every satisfying bite.
Egg noodles: The noodles soak up the broth and provide comforting hearty texture.
Dried thyme: An aromatic herb that subtly lifts every other flavor in the bowl.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and making every ingredient shine.
Fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkling some on top gives a beautiful pop of color and bright herbal flavor.

How to Make Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it shimmers, add your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, letting the onions turn soft and translucent while the garlic becomes fragrant. This quick step is your secret to a deeply flavorful Classic Chicken Noodle Soup. Take a moment to breathe in those incredible aromas—they’re the start of something wonderful!

Step 2: Add and Soften the Veggies

Next, toss in the sliced carrots and celery. Continue cooking for another five minutes, stirring occasionally. The veggies will start to soften, their sweet and savory flavors melding with your aromatics and creating that familiar soup base everyone loves.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Simmer

Gently pour in all eight cups of chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any little bits stuck to the pot. Turn the heat up and bring the mixture to a boil. The scent at this stage is pure Classic Chicken Noodle Soup magic. Once boiling, you’re halfway to comfort food perfection!

Step 4: Add Chicken and Thyme

Stir in your cooked shredded chicken and sprinkle in the dried thyme. Drop the heat to a gentle simmer and let everything cook together for about 10 minutes. This lets the chicken soak up those flavors, while the thyme offers a subtle, earthy finish that makes the soup taste so cozy.

Step 5: Cook the Noodles

Now add the egg noodles right into the bubbling broth. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the noodles are perfectly tender but still have a bit of bite. They’ll absorb the savory liquid, thickening your soup and adding that classic, slurpable texture we all love in Classic Chicken Noodle Soup.

Step 6: Season and Finish

Taste your soup, then season with salt and pepper until it’s just right for you. If you’d like, shower the pot with fresh parsley or save it for the bowls at serving time. Ladle up the soup and bask in the heartwarming rewards of your little kitchen project—your Classic Chicken Noodle Soup is ready!

How to Serve Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Garnishes

Garnishing is a simple way to brighten each bowl. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds freshness and color, while a twist of cracked black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice can wake up all the flavors. For a more rustic touch, a grating of parmesan or a swirl of chili oil lets you personalize every serving of Classic Chicken Noodle Soup.

Side Dishes

Pairing your Classic Chicken Noodle Soup with something on the side takes dinner to the next level. Crusty bread or warm biscuits are perfect for dunking and soaking up broth. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can offer refreshing contrast. For a comfort food feast, try serving with a grilled cheese sandwich or even just a handful of oyster crackers.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your Classic Chicken Noodle Soup extra-special by serving it in hollowed-out bread bowls for an edible, cozy touch. For parties, ladle the soup into small mugs or cups for easy sipping. You could also set up a DIY soup bar: set out toppings like lemon wedges, fresh herbs, or shredded cheese so everyone can build their own perfect bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled Classic Chicken Noodle Soup to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The soup will continue to develop its flavors overnight, making next-day leftovers even more delicious. For best texture, store noodles separately if possible, as they love to absorb liquid.

Freezing

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup freezes beautifully if you skip adding the noodles before freezing. Simply ladle the broth, chicken, and veggies into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, heat gently, then add fresh-cooked noodles for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the Classic Chicken Noodle Soup over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until piping hot. If the noodles have soaked up too much broth, just stir in a splash of extra chicken stock. For microwave reheating, cover loosely and heat in intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken in Classic Chicken Noodle Soup?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Simply shred the meat and add it during the simmering step. It adds wonderful flavor and saves even more time.

What noodles are best for Classic Chicken Noodle Soup?

Egg noodles are the traditional choice for Classic Chicken Noodle Soup thanks to their soft texture and heartiness. However, you can use any noodle you prefer—think ditalini, orzo, or wide pappardelle for a fun twist.

How can I make Classic Chicken Noodle Soup gluten-free?

Swap the egg noodles for a certified gluten-free pasta and be sure your chicken broth is also gluten-free. The soup will taste just as comforting, with a texture everyone can enjoy.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely. Classic Chicken Noodle Soup is easy to customize. Try tossing in peas, corn, spinach, or even diced potatoes for extra color, nutrition, and flavor!

How do I keep the noodles from getting mushy in leftovers?

If you know you’ll have leftovers, cook the noodles separately and add them to each bowl just before serving. This keeps them perfectly tender and prevents unwanted sogginess.

Final Thoughts

Nothing warms the heart and soul quite like Classic Chicken Noodle Soup. Whether you grew up slurping this golden broth or you’re tasting it for the first time, every bowl is a celebration of simple, nourishing ingredients and lasting comfort. Give this recipe a try, share it with family and friends, and let Classic Chicken Noodle Soup become a new favorite tradition in your kitchen!