There’s nothing quite like a bowl of chicken noodle soup homemade. For me, it brings back memories of rainy afternoons, cozy kitchens, and the smell of simmering chicken filling the house. I remember making this soup from scratch for my family, carefully shredding the chicken and slowly simmering the broth until it was rich and flavorful.
As a recipe lover, I love how homemade chicken noodle soup feels both nourishing and personal. Unlike store-bought versions, every spoonful carries that warmth and care that only comes from making it yourself. This recipe has become my go-to whenever I crave comfort, simplicity, and a hearty meal that feels like home.

What Makes This Recipe Special
What makes this chicken noodle soup homemade truly special is the depth of flavor you get from making the broth from scratch. Unlike pre-packaged soups, this recipe lets you control the seasoning, the quality of the chicken, and the texture of the noodles. Every ingredient contributes to a rich, comforting, and wholesome bowl.
This recipe is special because it’s both classic and customizable. You can add extra vegetables, fresh herbs, or a hint of garlic to suit your taste. The slow-simmered chicken creates a naturally flavorful broth that’s hearty, nourishing, and full of that homemade goodness you just can’t replicate in a store-bought version.
As a recipe lover, I also love how this soup feels timeless. It’s the ultimate comfort food that works for sick days, cozy nights, or family dinners, bringing warmth and satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this comforting chicken noodle soup homemade, you’ll need simple, fresh ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing
- 1 medium onion, chopped – adds natural sweetness
- 2–3 carrots, sliced – for color and subtle sweetness
- 2 celery stalks, sliced – for savory flavor
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – enhances aroma
- 8 cups chicken broth – forms the flavorful base
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced – the star protein
- 2 cups egg noodles or your preferred pasta – adds heartiness
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – brings warm herbal notes
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley – for fresh flavor
- Salt and black pepper, to taste – essential seasoning
- Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice or red pepper flakes for extra brightness
These ingredients combine to make a hearty, flavorful, and comforting soup that’s perfect for any time of year.
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
Making this chicken noodle soup homemade is simple and rewarding. Here’s how to get that rich, comforting soup every time:
Step 1: Sauté the vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add broth and seasonings
Pour in chicken broth and add dried thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 3: Add chicken
Stir in shredded or diced cooked chicken. Let it warm through for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the noodles
Add egg noodles directly to the soup and cook according to package instructions (usually 6–8 minutes) until tender.
Step 5: Taste and adjust
Check seasoning and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Optional: add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes for brightness.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy hot, with a slice of crusty bread if desired.
This method ensures your homemade chicken noodle soup is flavorful, cozy, and perfectly comforting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this chicken noodle soup homemade is simple, a few mistakes can affect its flavor and texture:
Overcooking the noodles
Add noodles at the end to avoid mushiness. Overcooked noodles can make the soup gummy.
Skipping the sauté step
Sautéing onions, carrots, and celery brings out their natural sweetness and depth. Skipping this can result in a flat-tasting soup.
Using pre-cooked or bland broth
A flavorful homemade or quality store-bought broth is key. Bland broth leads to a less satisfying soup.
Adding chicken too early
Overcooking cooked chicken can dry it out. Add it near the end to warm through.
Not adjusting seasoning at the end
Even with good broth, taste and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs at the end for a perfect balance.
Following these tips ensures your homemade chicken noodle soup is rich, hearty, and comforting every time.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken noodle soup homemade is comforting on its own, but a few simple additions can elevate the experience:
- Crusty bread or rolls – perfect for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth.
- Fresh herbs – sprinkle chopped parsley or thyme on top for a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Grated Parmesan – adds a subtle richness that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
- Side salad – a crisp salad balances the warm, hearty soup for a complete meal.
Serve in deep bowls, garnished with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for brightness. This makes the soup inviting and keeps that cozy, homemade feeling intact.
Storing & Freezing
This chicken noodle soup homemade keeps well, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep:
Storing:
- Let the soup cool completely before refrigerating.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Freezing:
- For best results, freeze the soup without noodles to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and cook fresh noodles before serving.
Following these tips ensures your soup stays flavorful, hearty, and comforting even after storing or freezing.
Print
Chicken Noodle Soup Homemade – Classic, Comforting, and Full of Flavor
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This chicken noodle soup homemade is a timeless, hearty, and comforting meal made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s perfect for family dinners, cozy nights, or when you need a bowl of warmth.
Ingredients
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2–3 carrots, sliced
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2 celery stalks, sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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8 cups chicken broth
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2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
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2 cups egg noodles or preferred pasta
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon dried parsley
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Optional: lemon juice or red pepper flakes
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
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Pour in chicken broth and add thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer 10–15 minutes.
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Stir in cooked chicken and warm through for 5 minutes.
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Add noodles and cook according to package instructions until tender.
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Taste and adjust seasoning. Optionally, add lemon juice or red pepper flakes.
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Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or with a slice of crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
