When you're looking for a warm, comforting meal, Chicken Noodle Soup is a top choice. It's easy to make and packed with delicious flavors.
This recipe features tender chicken pieces, wide egg noodles, and a variety of fresh vegetables.
Beyond taste, it's a versatile dish that can be customized for different dietary needs.

Start by gathering ingredients like boneless, skinless chicken, carrots, celery, and onion.
Cook these with garlic in olive oil for a fragrant base. Add low-sodium chicken broth and herbs like thyme and rosemary for depth.
With its simple steps, you can enjoy a hearty bowl in no time.
For those with specific dietary needs, modifications are simple. Use gluten-free noodles or try a low-carb version with zoodles for a keto-friendly option.
This adaptability makes Chicken Noodle Soup not just a classic comfort food, but a meal that fits a variety of lifestyles, ensuring everyone can enjoy it.
Table of Contents
The Origin and Significance of Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup is a timeless dish with a fascinating history. It is celebrated for its comforting qualities and varies across cultures, each adding their unique touch to this beloved soup.
Historical Context
Chicken noodle soup has an ancient origin, dating back over 2,000 years to China. During the Han Dynasty, the Chinese combined noodles and broth, eventually adding chicken for a hearty meal.
This simple dish spread globally, evolving into various regional specialties. For instance, Italy's brodo con pasta and Germany's Hühnernudelsuppe reflect local flavors with ingredients like parmesan and nutmeg.
The adaptability of chicken noodle soup showcases its long-standing role in international cuisines.
Cultural Impact as Comfort Food
Chicken noodle soup is widely regarded as comfort food, often associated with healing and warmth. Many households enjoy this soup during colder months or when someone is under the weather.
Homemade versions, like the described recipe, are especially cherished. The aroma of simmering chicken, vegetables, and spices creates a comforting atmosphere.
People often rely on this soup for its soothing qualities, making it a staple for family gatherings. Its adaptability to different dietary needs further underlines its significance as a comforting dish enjoyed by many.
Essential Ingredients for Chicken Noodle Soup

Making chicken noodle soup from scratch involves choosing the right chicken meat, selecting the best noodles, and adding vegetables and herbs for flavor. Each element contributes to the comforting taste and aroma of this classic dish.
Choosing the Right Chicken Meat
For chicken noodle soup, both chicken breasts and thighs work well.
Chicken breasts are lean and become tender when cooked, while chicken thighs offer a richer taste due to their higher fat content. Using boneless, skinless pieces makes shredding easier.
Start by cooking the chicken until it's tender, then shred it into bite-sized pieces. You can either boil the chicken in the soup broth or cook it separately and add it later. This way, the chicken absorbs all the wonderful flavors of the soup.
Types of Noodles to Use
Noodles play a key role in chicken noodle soup.
Wide egg noodles are a traditional choice due to their mild flavor and firm texture that holds up well in broth.
If you prefer gluten-free options, consider using rice noodles or gluten-free pasta. For a twist, you can try using whole wheat noodles for a heartier dish.
When cooking noodles, ensure they are al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy. Add them to the soup close to serving time to maintain their texture.
Vegetables and Aromatic Additions
Including vegetables like carrots, celery, and yellow onion in your soup adds nutrition and flavor.
Sauté these vegetables in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the broth. This method enhances their sweetness and enriches the soup’s depth.
For a punch of flavor, add minced garlic. These vegetables bring both color and taste to your soup, making each spoonful delightful.
Herbs and Seasonings
Herbs and seasonings give your chicken noodle soup its signature taste.
Add ingredients like dried thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper to the broth for a balanced flavor.
Don’t overlook rosemary and a bay leaf, which can add a lovely aroma.
Before serving, feel free to sprinkle some fresh parsley on top.
These herbs and spices not only enhance the soup's flavor but contribute to a comforting aroma that warms the heart.
Chicken Noodle Soup Preparation and Cooking Methods
Making chicken noodle soup involves various methods to enhance flavor and texture. You'll learn about cooking techniques, the use of leftover chicken, and how to create a rich broth.
Cooking Techniques and Tips
Start by sautéing your vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions in a bit of olive oil. This releases their natural sweetness and flavors. Then add garlic for more depth.
Using dried herbs like thyme and rosemary adds an earthy aroma.
Keep the soup simmering to meld flavors together. Simmering, rather than boiling, ensures tender, juicy chicken and perfectly cooked noodles.
Wide egg noodles are classic, but you can use your favorite kind.
Finally, adjusting with salt and pepper gives control over the soup's final taste. Garnish with parsley for a fresh touch.
Using Leftover or Rotisserie Chicken
Leftover or rotisserie chicken offers convenience and flavor. Shred your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the soup.
Both kinds of chicken save cooking time and bring a smoky richness.
Once your broth is simmering, combine the shredded chicken just before serving. This prevents it from becoming too mushy.
Using rotisserie chicken enhances the soup with pre-seasoned notes, but remember to adjust other seasonings accordingly.
This method is economical and perfect for busy weeknights.
Creating a Flavorful Broth
The broth can make or break your soup.
Use low-sodium chicken broth to start, adding more flavor with herbs and vegetables.
For even richer broth, consider making your own by simmering chicken bones for a few hours.
A homemade stock captures a savory, deep essence that’s hard to replicate. Toss in a bay leaf for extra flavor.
Simmer the broth with your ingredients for at least 10 minutes before adding noodles or chicken.
This way, the broth has time to develop a complex taste profile that elevates your chicken noodle soup experience.
RECIPE: Healthy Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded
- 2 cups wide egg noodles (or noodles of your choice)
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until the veggies are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Pour in chicken broth. Add thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring it all to a boil.
Turn down the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Then, add the cooked chicken and noodles. Cook until the noodles are tender, about 8-10 minutes.
Take out the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for extra flavor.
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free or rice noodles.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Swap noodles for zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
- Vegetarian: Use chickpeas or tofu and vegetable broth instead.
- Low-Sodium: Use a low-sodium broth and control added salt.
Nutritional Profile of Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup offers a balance of energy and essential nutrients. It features portions of protein, carbs, and dietary fiber. The sodium content varies based on preparation methods.
Caloric and Macronutrient Breakdown
Chicken Noodle Soup provides a moderate amount of calories, mainly from its noodles and chicken. Typically, 100 grams contain about 48 calories. This makes it a hearty yet moderate-calorie option.
Protein is another key component, with approximately 2.37 grams per 100 grams serving. It comes from the chicken, making the soup protein-rich.
Carbs, mostly from egg noodles, are about 6.07 grams in a similar portion size.
Fat content is relatively low, at about 1.55 grams, given that only a bit of oil is used for a healthy balance.
Balancing Dietary Fiber and Sodium Intake
Dietary fiber is present but not overly abundant, roughly 0.9 grams per 100 grams, coming from added veggies like carrots and celery. Fiber helps with digestion and provides satiety.
Meanwhile, sodium, often in higher concentrations, varies. A typical serving can have around 681 milligrams, high compared to daily recommendations. Using low-sodium chicken broth and controlling added salt can reduce this. Always adjust using ingredients like fresh veggies to increase fiber and manage sodium levels.
Storing and Preserving Chicken Noodle Soup
Preserving your chicken noodle soup ensures it stays delicious and safe for later. Using airtight containers can extend its fridge life for several days. If you opt for freezing, it’s important to do it correctly so it maintains its taste and texture.
Best Practices for an Airtight Container
To keep chicken noodle soup fresh, use airtight containers. These help prevent moisture and air from entering, which can cause the soup to spoil faster. Choose containers made of glass or BPA-free plastic.
When storing soup, let it cool slightly before transferring it to a container. Avoid overfilling to allow room for expansion as it cools. Label each container with the date to track how long your soup has been stored.
For leftover cooked chicken, store it separately if not mixed into the soup. This keeps the chicken fresher for longer. Following these tips will help maintain the flavor and safety of your soup.
Freezing and Reheating Soup
If you're not planning to eat the soup within a few days, consider freezing it. Let the soup cool completely before placing it into freezer-safe containers. Again, leave some space for the liquid to expand when freezing.
When it's time to reheat, allow the soup to thaw in the fridge overnight. Heat it gently on the stove over low heat until it's hot. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
If you have leftover soup with noodles, note that they can become mushy after freezing. Consider cooking noodles separately and adding them fresh when reheating. This will keep the texture of your soup just right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chicken noodle soup is a versatile dish that you can easily adjust with different ingredients and cooking methods to suit your taste. Here are some common questions related to making this classic soup.
What ingredients are needed for a classic chicken noodle soup?
To make classic chicken noodle soup, you will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, wide egg noodles, carrots, celery, an onion, garlic, low-sodium chicken broth, olive oil, dried thyme, rosemary, a bay leaf, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for garnish.
What type of chicken should I use? Can I use leftover chicken?
You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Leftover chicken, like rotisserie chicken, works well too. Just shred the cooked chicken and add it to the soup.
What type of noodles should I use?
Wide egg noodles are commonly used, but you can choose any noodles you like. Options include rice noodles or gluten-free noodles if you have dietary preferences.
What are some tips for achieving the perfect flavor balance in chicken noodle soup?
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adding herbs like thyme and rosemary enhances flavor. A splash of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a nice zing to your soup.
Can I use a slow cooker to make this soup?
Yes, you can use a slow cooker. Just add all ingredients except the noodles and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the noodles in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
What variations can you add to a basic chicken noodle soup recipe?
You can substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian version. Consider using spiralized vegetables instead of noodles for a low-carb option. Additional spices or herbs can create a different flavor profile.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Yes, adding vegetables like peas, corn, spinach, or bell peppers can enhance the soup's flavor and nutritional content. Choose your favorites to customize your soup.
Can I use canned vegetables?
You can use canned vegetables, but fresh or frozen ones usually provide better texture and flavor.
How do I prevent the noodles from becoming mushy?
Cook the noodles until just tender. If storing, consider cooking them separately and adding only when serving.
How do I serve the soup?
Serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Pair with a side salad or some crusty bread for a hearty meal.
How long does homemade chicken noodle soup last in the refrigerator?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
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