Literally the BEST Chicken Noodle Soup - The Recipe Critic (2024)

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This is literally the BEST chicken noodle soup full of chicken, sliced carrots,celery, and tender wide noodles. A classic homemade soup seasoned and cooked to perfection. It’s the perfect warm and comforting soup for the winter!

Warm up to this savory soup this wintertime. Or make a hot pot of soup for your loved ones who aren’t feeling well. I have some classic favorites that everyone will love! Try this homemade tomato basil soup, broccoli cheese soup, or this delicious minestrone.

Literally the BEST Chicken Noodle Soup - The Recipe Critic (1)

The BEST Chicken Noodle Soup

This is literally the BEST chicken noodle soup recipe EVER! The flavoring is absolutely incredible, and the ingredients are simple. Colder days are here and still ahead of us, and you know a good chicken noodle soup is going to be needed to get you through. This soup is perfect because it’s so hearty and filled with chunks of chicken, thick slices of vegetables, and all the flavor you can imagine with simple and easy ingredients.

Homemade chicken noodle soup is made for those days when you are sick and just need some comfort food to fill you up and warm your core. When I make this soup, my entire family loves it, and I know that yours will too! Pair this soup with easy no-knead bread, my Grandma’s homemade bread, or these rolls, and you’re all set! Trust me when I say that you will want to double this recipe to have more often than not this winter season.

Ingredients to Make Chicken Noodle Soup

This chicken noodle soup is just what you need this winter season. Everything is so simple to throw together and perfect for that leftover chicken! See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact ingredient measurements.

  • Olive oil: Olive oil is great for sautéing your vegetables and making sure that they don’t stick.
  • Carrots: Slice these up as thick as you prefer.
  • Celery: You can cut these up into larger or smaller slices, depending on your preference. My kids always like all the vegetables chopped up into tiny pieces!
  • Onion: Chop this onion up into pieces that are the same size so that it cooks evenly.
  • Garlic Cloves: If you don’t have any fresh garlic cloves on hand then you can use minced garlic. 1/2 teaspoon equals about 1 clove of garlic.
  • Thyme: Fresh thyme stems really add a deep flavor to the broth.
  • Salt and pepper: You only need a pinch to have these make an impact.
  • Chicken broth: The chicken broth adds a lot of depth and flavor to the base of the soup.
  • Egg noodles: Using egg noodles that are thick will help to soak up the broth when eating.
  • Chicken: You can use the leftover chicken that you have on hand. Or make it easy on yourself and grab a rotisserie chicken from the store and shred that up to put in this recipe!
  • Parsley: The parsley pairs well with the thyme creating a very flavorful seasoning.

How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup comes together quickly and effortlessly with these few steps. Simply sauté your vegetables, add broth and noodles, then simmer with your leftover chicken- it is that simple! You will have a quick and easy dinner within 20 minutes.

  1. SautéVegetables and Seasonings:In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the olive oil, carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté until tender 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic, fresh thyme, and salt and pepper and sauté for 1 minute more.
  2. Add Brothand Noodles: Pour in the chicken broth and egg noodles and bring to a boil on high heat. Reduce to a simmer and let the noodles cook until al dente for about 10 minutes.
  3. Add Chicken and Simmer Until Ready to Serve:Add in the chicken, and fresh parsley right before serving and continue to simmer until the chicken is heated throughout. Salt and pepper additionally to taste.
Literally the BEST Chicken Noodle Soup - The Recipe Critic (2)

Variations to Try

I love my chicken noodle soup simple with just a few ingredients and flavorings. But here are more adventurous ways of making chicken noodle soup recipes! Substitute or add in to make this chicken noodle soup recipe your own.

  • Oil: Instead of oil you can use butter to sauté the vegetables.
  • Vegetables: Spinach, green beans, peas, zucchini, canned tomatoes, corn, or even potatoes are some things to try.
  • Seasoning:Try adding or substituting any herbs for fresh or dry.
  • Meat: Leftover meat is always best and tryingturkey, variations of chicken, or shredded ham is always great.
  • Broth: Switch out your chicken broth for turkey broth or bone broth for different variations.
  • Noodles: Tortellini, bowtie pasta, small shell pasta, or even spaghetti noodles are great to have if you don’t have egg noodles on hand.
Literally the BEST Chicken Noodle Soup - The Recipe Critic (3)

Cooking Tips

This chicken noodle soup recipe is simple and easy to make. And then, what is even better is how quickly and easily it all comes together and tastes AMAZING! With these simple-to-use tips, you will have one fantastic chicken noodle soup! You will have your family and friends asking for more because it is one of the BEST chicken noodle soup recipes out there.

  • Cut Veggies In Advance: To plan ahead, cut up your vegetables the night before or the morning before cooking. That way it just takes minutes to put everything in the pot.
  • Larger Slices: Avoid your vegetables from getting soft and mushy by cutting them larger if you plan to simmer or use a slow cooker.
  • Use a Slow Cooker: Use a slow cooker for cooking your chicken noodle soup. Follow the recipe just leave out your noodles until ready to serve.
  • Thicker Soup: To thicken your soup, add starch like flour or cornstarch. In a separate bowl, add about one tablespoon mixed with water and then continue to add more depending on the thickness and consistency you are looking for. If you plan to thicken your soup don’t add the flour or cornstarch directly into the soup. It will clump up and won’t work to thicken the broth.
  • Add More Broth: As your noodles sit in the broth it will continue to absorb the broth and you will need to add more when warming up again.
Literally the BEST Chicken Noodle Soup - The Recipe Critic (4)

Storing Leftover Soup

I love to double my chicken noodle soup recipe to have for now and then store it in the freezer. It will be the one soup everyone is raving about this winter season! It makes it perfect for warming up on cold winter days or when I know someone is not feeling well.

  • In the Refrigerator: Follow the recipe and let cool completely. Once your chicken noodle soup is cooled, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. When reheating you may need to add in more broth.
  • In the Freezer: Yes, this chicken noodle soup will freeze well. Follow the directions for making the chicken noodle soup except skip adding in the noodles. Allow the chicken noodle soup to cool completely. Place in a ziplock bag and lay flat in the freezer. Make sure that you label the bag with the date! This will last in the freezer for about one month. When ready to warm up you can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
  • To Reheat: When you are ready to eat you can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave and add in the noodles at this time. As your noodles sit in the broth it will continue to absorb the broth and you will need to add more when warming up again.

More Delicious and Hearty Soup Recipes

I love to make sure I have a lot of soup recipes on hand for those long winter months! If you need some more ideas for new soups to try then you must try these other amazing recipes! They are favorites in our family and requested again and again. Plus, soups can last a few days in the refrigerator and make fantastic leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day!

Soup

Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup

45 mins

Soup

Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

35 mins

Soup

Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

6 hrs 20 mins

Soup

Slow Cooker Pasta e fa*gioli Soup

7 hrs 10 mins

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Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

4.89 from 18 votes

By: Alyssa Rivers

This is literally the BEST chicken noodle soup full of chicken, sliced carrots,celery, and tender wide noodles. A classic homemade soup seasoned and cooked to perfection. It's the perfect warm and comforting soup for the winter!

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 people

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the olive oil, carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté until tender 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper, and sauté for 1 minute more.

  • Pour in the chicken broth and egg noodles and bring to a boil on high heat. Reduce to a simmer and let the noodles cook until al dente for about 10 minutes.

  • Add in the chicken, and fresh parsley right before serving and continue to simmer until the chicken is heated throughout. Salt and pepper added to taste.

Video

Notes

Originally Posted on December 1, 2019

Updated on October 5, 2023

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 17gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 1134mgPotassium: 562mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 5312IUVitamin C: 28mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dinner, Main Course, Side Dish, Soup

Cuisine: American

Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!

About Alyssa Rivers

Alyssa Rivers is the author of 'The Tried and True Cookbook', a professional food photographer and experienced recipe-developer. Having a passion for cooking, her tried and true recipes have been featured on Good Morning America, Today Food, Buzzfeed and more.

Read More About Me

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Literally the BEST Chicken Noodle Soup - The Recipe Critic (2024)

FAQs

What is the number one soup in the world? ›

According to the Taste Atlas Awards, the international food database, the Filipino favorite, Sinigang, is hailed as the best soup in the world.

Why do doctors recommend chicken noodle soup? ›

Although the ingredients in chicken noodle soup are there for flavor, they also provide important health benefits. The broth provides hydrating fluid and electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium. That's especially helpful when you have a fever and run the risk of becoming dehydrated.

Why do people put lemon juice in chicken noodle soup? ›

use a bit of lemon juice in mine to brighten up the. flavor, and it adds such a welcome element. I love to. use a fun pasta shape for a soup like this, such as.

Why do they say to eat chicken noodle soup when you're sick? ›

Compared with hot water alone, studies show chicken soup is more effective at loosening mucus. The herbs and spices sometimes used in chicken soup, such as pepper and garlic, also loosen mucus. The broth, which contains water and electrolytes, helps with rehydration.

What is the healthiest soup to eat why? ›

Think chicken and vegetable, turkey and black bean chili, or lentil. The liquid will fill you up for relatively few calories, while the fiber from the vegetables and the protein from the chicken or beans will help keep you satisfied until your next meal or snack.

What is the oldest soup in the world? ›

Wattana Panich is best known for its beef and goat soup that was first cooked half a century ago. The owner of the restaurant said they store the soup every night and add water to it in the morning.

Is it okay to eat chicken noodle soup everyday? ›

We recommend finding a good paleo chicken soup recipe (our Pasturebird blog posts are full of them!) and making a weekly pot of soup so that you always have some on hand. Eating chicken soup every day for better health is an easy and delicious way to lower inflammation, boost immunity, and improve digestion.

Is chicken noodle soup healthy or unhealthy? ›

All those bits of carrot, celery, and onion commonly found in chicken noodle soup are a great source of vitamins C and K, as well as other antioxidants and minerals. “Not only does this help build a healthy immune system to fight off viruses, it also helps your body recover from illness more quickly,” Allonen says.

Why is chicken soup anti-inflammatory? ›

Renard et al. (2000) found that chicken soup inhibited the migration of neutrophils, thus showing anti-inflammatory activity.

Why add vinegar to chicken noodle soup? ›

It can take a cacophony of flavors and sync them into perfect harmony. It both balances and awakens them. Plus, if you accidentally add too much salt to your soup, a little vinegar will tame the saltiness.

Why is the chicken in chicken noodle soup pink? ›

Chickens are slaughtered young.

Moreover, the lack of fat under the skin of young chickens allows more oven gases to get through to the meat, which can also create a pink tint, the USDA says.

Why does chicken soup turn to gel? ›

When you simmer a fresh chicken — complete with bones, skin, and meat — you extract the collagen from the bones. This collagen in the bones is what is causing your soup to gel. It's completely natural, and it only happens in rich, well-made chicken stock. It can be a little freaky, though, if you're not expecting it!

Is chicken bouillon the same as chicken broth? ›

Bouillon is made by removing the water from chicken broth, leaving all the flavor of the broth without the volume. Bouillon is typically sold as a loose powder or compact cube, which can be redissolved in boiling water to create an instant broth. One benefit of using chicken bouillon is its shelf stability.

What is in Panera chicken noodle soup? ›

Water, Chicken Raised Without Antibiotics, Carrots, Enriched Noodles (Semolina Wheat Flour, Eggs, Egg Whites, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Celery, Contains 2% or less of: Onions, Chicken Stock, Natural Flavor, Sea Salt, Chicken Fat, Corn Starch, Garlic, Yeast Extract, Parsley, ...

What's the best soup to eat when you're sick? ›

Chicken Noodle Soup

Not only does homemade chicken noodle soup taste great, but chicken broth is known to help any cold. Hot chicken soup can relieve a sore throat and stimulate nasal clearance. Load it up with whatever vitamin-rich veggie medley strikes your fancy.

What is America's favorite soup? ›

According to a survey conducted by StrawPoll, the most popular soup in America is tomato soup. It's a classic favorite that has been enjoyed for generations, often paired with a grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting and satisfying meal.

What are the 4 main soups? ›

There are four main categories of soup: Thin, Thick, Cold and National. These types of soup are widely recognised in today's modern kitchen.

What is the fanciest soup in the world? ›

The most expensive soup available on a menu is served in London's upscale Mayfair neighbourhood. Guinness World Records certified that the £108 bowl of “Buddha Jumps Over the Wall soup” is the most expensive on any menu in the world.

Which state eats the most soup? ›

Instead, it's the people in Salt Lake City, Utah, and drizzly Portland, Ore., who consume more condensed soup on a per capita basis than residents of any other U.S. city. The people of Portland and Salt Lake City eat 66 percent more Campbell's soup than the national average.

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