Name: The Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs (4 to 5 thighs, 450g); 5 ounces egg noodles or pasta of choice (140g); 1 large onion, chopped; 2 large carrots, chopped; 2 ribs celery, chopped (optional); 1 heaped tablespoon minced garlic (4 cloves); 2 tablespoons butter, chicken fat, or olive oil (28g); 8 cups chicken stock or broth, low sodium or homemade (1.89L); 2 bay leaves; 3 sprigs fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

If you are craving comfort in a bowl, look no further than The Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. This homemade version dazzles by using tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs that cook quickly but deliver incredible flavor. Each spoonful bursts with savory broth, hearty noodles, and perfectly softened vegetables, creating a satisfying and timeless classic that’s perfect for cozy weeknights. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just want to treat yourself, this soup feels like a warm hug with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a beige pot, there are three layers of ingredients being cooked: the bottom layer is white and translucent chopped onions, the middle layer consists of bright orange diced carrots, and the top layer has light green celery pieces along with chopped pale yellow garlic. A wooden spatula with fresh green thyme and two bay leaves is resting on the edge of the ingredients, stirring the mixture. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is simple, but each one plays a crucial role in achieving that rich, comforting taste and satisfying texture. Fresh vegetables bring vibrant color and natural sweetness, while the chicken thighs add tenderness and depth. The flavorful herbs and quality chicken stock tie everything together beautifully.

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs: These cook quickly and stay juicy and tender throughout simmering.
5 ounces egg noodles or pasta of choice: Egg noodles create that classic soup feel, but feel free to swap your favorite pasta.
2 tablespoons butter, chicken fat, or olive oil: Adds richness and a lovely base for sautéing vegetables.
1 large onion, chopped: Provides sweetness and depth as it softens and caramelizes slightly.
2 large carrots, chopped: Brings natural sweetness and bright pops of orange color.
2 ribs celery, chopped, optional: Adds subtle aromatic flavor and crunch if you choose to include it.
1 heaped tablespoon minced garlic, about 4 cloves: Infuses the soup with savory warmth and a bit of zing.
2 bay leaves: Imparts an earthy herbal note that rounds out the broth.
3 sprigs fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a gorgeous layer of fragrant herbiness.
8 cups chicken stock or broth, low sodium: The heart of the soup, providing rich and savory depth—homemade is best.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing every flavor in the pot.
¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped: Sprinkled in at the end for a fresh burst of color and brightness.

How to Make The Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Vegetables

Start by melting your choice of butter, chicken fat, or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the onions, carrots, and celery, cooking gently until the onions turn translucent and the veggies soften. This builds a beautiful flavor foundation and gives your soup a vibrant, inviting color that makes it comfort food at its finest.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs

Next, stir in the minced garlic, bay leaves, and thyme. Cook these fragrant ingredients for about a minute until the garlic releases its wonderful aroma. This step infuses the broth with enticing herbal and garlicky undertones that make the soup sing.

Step 3: Add the Broth

Pour in your chicken stock and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Take a moment here to taste the broth and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remember, if your stock is low in sodium, don’t hesitate to add a little more salt to reach that perfect, savory balance everyone loves in The Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe.

Step 4: Poach the Chicken Thighs

Gently nestle the chicken thighs into the simmering broth so they are completely submerged. Cover the pot partially to keep some steam in but allow for some escape, and let the chicken cook until tender, about 20 minutes. This poaching method keeps the meat juicy and yields a broth enriched by the chicken’s flavors.

Step 5: Add the Noodles

Remove the chicken and stir your noodles into the simmering soup. Cook them until tender, which usually takes 6 to 10 minutes depending on your pasta. This timing ensures your noodles soak up the delicious broth without becoming mushy.

Step 6: Shred the Chicken and Finish the Soup

While the noodles cook, shred the chicken into bite-size pieces using two forks. Toss the shredded chicken back into the pot, give it a final taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Stir in the fresh parsley for that bright fresh finish before ladling your bowlful of The Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe.

How to Serve The Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

A white pot filled with chicken noodle soup showing three main layers: a clear yellow broth base with small bubbles, a middle layer of orange carrot cubes and white onion pieces, and a top layer of pale yellow curly egg noodles mixed with shredded white chicken pieces and scattered green parsley leaves, all sitting on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few extra thyme leaves on top add a lovely pop of color and freshness that complements the warm flavors beautifully. For a little extra richness, a dollop of sour cream or a grating of Parmesan can make this soup feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a warm, buttery biscuit to soak up that luscious broth. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette also balances the rich flavors and rounds out the meal nicely without overpowering your star dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the soup in charming, rustic mugs for a cozy weeknight dinner or portion it into small jars for a charming lunchbox surprise. For a fun twist, swirl in a bit of pesto or chili oil on top right before serving to add a burst of color and flavor that elevates every spoonful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making your leftovers just as delicious—if not better—the next day.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully, but hold off on adding noodles until reheating, as they can become mushy. Freeze the soup base in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Then add fresh cooked noodles after thawing and reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. Stir well and add freshly cooked noodles to keep your soup fresh and delightful every time you enjoy leftovers of The Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

You absolutely can! Chicken breasts will work, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender during cooking, which really enhances the soup’s texture and flavor.

Do I have to include celery?

Celery is optional but recommended for the subtle aromatic flavor it adds. If you’re not a fan, simply skip it or substitute with a mild green like fennel for an interesting twist.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply swap the chicken and stock for vegetable broth and add extra hearty veggies or tofu to keep the soup satisfying and flavorful.

What’s the best type of noodles for this soup?

Egg noodles are traditional and wonderful, but you can use any small pasta you like, such as orzo, ditalini, or even broken spaghetti strands. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How can I add more flavor to the broth?

Using homemade chicken stock is ideal, but you can also simmer the broth with extra herbs, a parmesan rind, or roasted chicken bones to enrich the flavor before making the soup.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing as cozy and satisfying as The Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe, and I hope you feel inspired to make it your own special go-to. It’s comforting, quick, and full of those classic flavors that warm both body and soul. Give it a try and see how it becomes a beloved favorite in your kitchen too!