Easy Chicken Noodle Soup – Warm, Cozy, and Ready in No Time

There’s something timeless about chicken noodle soup—something that feels like a hug in a bowl, no matter what season it is. Whether you’re under the weather, craving something warm and soothing, or looking for a comforting family dinner that comes together quickly, this Easy Chicken Noodle Soup recipe has you covered. It’s one of those dishes that checks all the boxes: flavorful, nourishing, simple, affordable, and unbelievably comforting.

What makes this recipe so special is that it doesn’t require hours of simmering or complicated steps. With just a handful of classic ingredients—chicken, vegetables, broth, noodles, and herbs—you can create a pot of soup that tastes like it’s been simmering all afternoon. The broth becomes infused with garlic, onions, carrots, and celery, while tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles make each bite rich with familiar, cozy flavor.

This soup is perfect for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, or meal prep. It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Whenever life gets hectic or you just want something that warms you from the inside out, this bowl of easy chicken noodle goodness hits the spot every time.

Let’s take a cozy dive into this classic, home-style soup that never disappoints.

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Ingredients:

Soup Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 2 cups egg noodles
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins

• Fresh chopped parsley
• Lemon juice (½–1 tablespoon)
• Cooked shredded rotisserie chicken
• Extra vegetables (peas, corn, spinach)

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Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened.
3. Add garlic and cook 1 additional minute.
4. Pour in chicken broth.
5. Add the whole chicken breasts (or thighs), thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
7. Remove cooked chicken and shred with two forks.
8. Add shredded chicken back into the pot.
9. Add egg noodles and simmer an additional 8–10 minutes, until noodles are tender.
10. Taste and adjust seasonings.
11. Remove bay leaf.
12. Serve warm topped with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon if desired.

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Tips & Tricks

• Use thighs for richer flavor: Chicken thighs stay extra tender and add depth to the broth.
• Don’t overcook the noodles: Add them at the end to prevent mushiness.
• Boost flavor with bouillon: Add ½–1 teaspoon chicken bouillon for enhanced depth.
• Add lemon: Brightens the soup and enhances the chicken flavor.
• Meal prep: Cook noodles separately if storing long-term to prevent them from absorbing broth.

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Variations

• Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or evaporated milk.
• Vegetable Chicken Soup: Add peas, corn, spinach, or zucchini.
• Herb Lovers: Add rosemary, oregano, or fresh thyme sprigs.
• Rotisserie Shortcut: Skip cooking the chicken and add pre-shredded rotisserie chicken.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles or rice.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or classic saltine crackers.
• Pair with a simple side salad for a balanced meal.
• Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for extra richness.
• Serve in a bread bowl for a cozy, restaurant-style treat.

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Storage Information

• Refrigerator: Lasts 4 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer: Freeze without noodles for optimal texture (up to 2 months). Add noodles when reheating.
• Reheat: Warm on stove or microwave. Add more broth if thickened.

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FAQ

Can I use leftover chicken?
Absolutely—rotisserie or cooked chicken works great.

Can I cook noodles separately?
Yes, especially for meal prep to prevent mushy noodles.

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, simmer 10–15 minutes longer, ensuring chicken reaches 165°F internally.

Why is my soup bland?
Add more salt, pepper, herbs, or bouillon—broth needs seasoning adjustment.

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History / Fun Facts

Chicken noodle soup has been a comfort classic for centuries, often referred to as “Jewish penicillin” due to its soothing qualities. Nearly every culture has a version of chicken soup, and the American-style noodle version became widespread in the early 20th century. Its pairing of tender chicken, warming broth, and hearty noodles is a timeless combination that people turn to for comfort, nourishment, and simple joy.

Easy Chicken Noodle Soup continues this long tradition by offering a no-fuss, flavorful version that feels like home in every spoonful.