Chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort in a bowl—steaming, savory, and packed with tender chicken, hearty egg noodles, and classic vegetables. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just need a cozy meal on a chilly night, this homemade version hits all the right notes. Made from scratch with easy-to-find pantry staples, it’s as nourishing as it is nostalgic. Forget the canned stuff—this version brings home-cooked flavor in under an hour.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe

- Quick & simple: Just 10 minutes of prep time!
- One-pot wonder: Fewer dishes, more flavor.
- Great for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite pasta or use rotisserie chicken.
- Comfort food classic: Perfect for cold days, sick days, or any day.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups egg noodles (uncooked)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and water. Add the chicken breasts and Italian seasoning.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover the pot (lid slightly ajar) and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove the lid, add the egg noodles, and cook uncovered for another 8–10 minutes, or until noodles are al dente.
- Take out the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in chopped parsley just before serving, if desired.
Recipe Details

- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 to 6
Nutrition Facts (estimated per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
(Values will vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Tips & Variations
- Use chicken thighs: For extra flavor and tenderness.
- Rotisserie shortcut: Add cooked chicken near the end to save time.
- Lemon twist: Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
- Broth boost: Replace the water with more chicken broth for a richer taste.
- Freezer-friendly: Omit the noodles before freezing and add fresh ones when reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. The noodles may absorb some broth, so add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
Can I freeze chicken noodle soup?
Yes, but for best results, freeze it without the noodles. Add freshly cooked noodles after thawing.
Can I use different pasta?
Definitely! Small pasta like ditalini, rotini, or fusilli work great too.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer—165°F (74°C) is the safe internal temperature for chicken.

Chicken Noodle Soup
Equipment
- Large soup pot
- – Knife & cutting board
- Ladle
- – Forks (for shredding)
Ingredients
- – 1 tablespoon olive oil
- – 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- – 1 medium onion chopped
- – 2 carrots peeled and sliced
- – 2 celery stalks chopped
- – 2 cloves garlic minced
- – 4 cups chicken broth
- – 2 cups water
- – 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- – ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- – 2 cups uncooked egg noodles
- – Salt and pepper to taste
- – 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley optional
Instructions
- Heat oil and butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Add chicken broth, water, chicken, and seasoning. Bring to a boil, then simmer with the lid ajar for 15 minutes.
- Stir in noodles and cook another 8–10 minutes until tender.
- Shred chicken and return to pot. Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
– Add lemon juice for brightness.
– Freeze without noodles for best texture.
Conclusion
Homemade chicken noodle soup is more than a meal—it’s a warm hug in a bowl. With wholesome ingredients and a simple method, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Keep this in your back pocket for sick days, snowy evenings, or anytime you need something soothing and satisfying.