Jam Scott
When the air turns crisp and comfort is what you crave, nothing hits the spot like a warm bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. This recipe blends tender shredded chicken, hearty vegetables, and perfectly cooked egg noodles in a rich, savory broth that tastes like a hug in a bowl.
Whether you’re fighting off a cold or just in need of a cozy evening meal, this soup delivers familiar flavors with nourishing depth. It’s a timeless classic with all the soul-satisfying elements you love—soft carrots, flavorful herbs, and the gentle warmth of chicken stock that feels like coming home.
What Kind of Noodles Should I Use?
Egg noodles are the traditional choice for this chicken noodle soup, and for good reason. Their soft, slightly chewy texture holds up beautifully in broth without becoming mushy. You can use wide egg noodles or the thinner variety based on your preference. If you’re in a pinch, any small pasta like ditalini or rotini will do—but egg noodles really make it feel like the classic version everyone loves.
Ingredients for the Coziest Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken: You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for ease or simmer your own chicken breasts or thighs for a deeper flavor.
Carrots: These add color and natural sweetness, softening as they simmer to melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Celery: Brings an aromatic crunch and classic depth to the soup base.
Onion: Diced yellow or white onion adds savory richness as it cooks down.
Garlic: A couple of cloves provide a warm, fragrant base note.
Egg Noodles: These are the heart of the soup, soaking up the delicious broth while adding comfort and texture.
Chicken Broth: Go for a low-sodium variety so you can control the saltiness. Homemade broth makes it even better.
Bay Leaf and Herbs: A bay leaf plus thyme or parsley bring the broth to life with earthy, aromatic notes.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances everything else without overpowering it.
Olive Oil or Butter: Used to sauté the aromatics and begin building flavor from the very first step.
How To Make the Coziest Chicken Noodle Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil or butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion turns translucent. Add minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and drop in a bay leaf and your chosen herbs (thyme or parsley work beautifully). Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the pot to a gentle boil.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
If you’re using uncooked chicken, now’s the time to add it. Simmer for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. If you’re using cooked rotisserie chicken, you can stir it in after the noodles.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Add egg noodles directly to the simmering soup and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente. Be careful not to overcook—they’ll continue to soften as they sit in the broth.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
If you started with raw chicken, remove it once cooked, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Discard the bay leaf, sprinkle in some fresh parsley if you like, and serve hot.
How to Serve and Store Chicken Noodle Soup
Serve this cozy chicken noodle soup hot in wide bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top and some crusty bread on the side. It’s perfect as a stand-alone meal, but also works great with a light salad if you want to round it out.
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Note: the noodles will continue to soak up broth as they sit. You can either add more broth when reheating or store noodles separately if making in advance.
This soup also freezes well—just leave the noodles out until ready to reheat and serve. Freeze in portions for easy weeknight dinners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day. Just be mindful that the noodles may absorb some of the broth—storing them separately is a smart move.
What kind of chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts are great. Rotisserie chicken is also an easy and flavorful shortcut.
Can I use gluten-free noodles?
Absolutely. Choose your favorite gluten-free pasta and cook it separately before adding it to the soup to prevent overcooking.
How can I add more flavor?
Use homemade chicken broth if possible, and don’t skip the aromatics like onion, garlic, and herbs. A splash of lemon juice at the end also brightens things up.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, but for best results, freeze it without the noodles. Add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
You can! Add everything except the noodles to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add cooked noodles just before serving.
Want More Soup Ideas to Warm You Up?
If you’re loving this cozy bowl of chicken noodle soup, you might want to try these soul-warming favorites next:
- Decadent Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup for a cheesy pasta twist in a bowl.
- Moroccan Sweet Potato Soup with Chickpeas if you’re in the mood for something bold and spiced.
- Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup for a heartier, comforting one-pot meal.
- Chicken Pot Pie Soup for a creamy variation packed with classic flavors.
- Creamy Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff when you want a rich and earthy option.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup board so you can pull it up whenever comfort calls.
And I’d love to hear how yours turned out—did you go classic or make it your own? Maybe you tossed in some extra veggies or used homemade noodles?
Drop a comment and let’s chat about it! Sharing tips and tweaks helps all of us create even better bowls together.
The Coziest Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A bowl of this chicken noodle soup is pure comfort—rich, savory broth with tender chicken, soft carrots and celery, and hearty egg noodles. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving a cozy meal, this is your go-to recipe for warmth and satisfaction.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1 medium onion, diced
3 medium carrots, sliced
3 celery stalks, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups shredded cooked chicken (or 1 lb raw chicken breasts/thighs)
3 cups egg noodles
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth. Add bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a gentle boil. If using raw chicken, add it now and simmer for 20-25 minutes. Remove and shred, then return to the pot.
- Add egg noodles and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
- Stir in cooked chicken (if using rotisserie). Discard bay leaf.
- Adjust seasoning, add parsley if desired, and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
