Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup

Name: Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces; 8 cups chicken broth; 3 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 1 onion, diced; 2 cups egg noodles; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I love warming up on chilly evenings with a bowl of hearty chicken noodle soup. The rich flavors of chicken paired with tender noodles and vibrant vegetables create a comforting dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. I can’t resist the satisfaction that comes from simmering chicken to perfection and letting all the ingredients meld together. This recipe is perfect for gatherings or when I'm looking to make a big batch for meal prep. Plus, it’s versatile and can be adapted to use whatever veggies I have on hand!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-01T15:10:28.265Z

I started making this hearty chicken noodle soup during the colder months, and now it has become a favorite in my household. The process begins with a simple yet flavorful broth made from simmering chicken with fresh herbs. The aroma that fills my kitchen is simply irresistible.

One secret I’ve learned over time is to add the noodles towards the end of cooking. This keeps them al dente and prevents them from becoming mushy, allowing everyone to enjoy the delightful texture in each spoonful. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich, comforting flavors that warm your soul
Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables
Perfect for meal prep and freezing

The Importance of Simmering

Simmering the chicken in broth not only cooks the meat through, but also infuses the broth with an incredible depth of flavor. By bringing the mixture to a boil first, you activate the broth’s natural essence, but it's the gentle simmer that allows for a gradual meld of flavors. Aim for a low simmer, around 180°F to 200°F, and maintain it for about 30 minutes. This technique helps to ensure the chicken stays moist and tender, preventing it from becoming dry.

As the chicken cooks, some fat will render out into the broth, enhancing its richness. If you prefer a lighter soup, consider skimming any excess fat that surfaces once the cooking is done. This can be particularly beneficial if you’re serving the soup to guests or freezing leftovers, as it results in a clearer, more refined liquid.

Customizing Your Veggies

The beauty of this chicken noodle soup lies in its versatility. While the recipe calls for carrots and celery, feel free to experiment with other vegetables like green beans, peas, or even spinach. Just keep in mind that softer vegetables like spinach can be added towards the end of cooking to retain their color and nutrients, while heartier vegetables may need a longer simmer to reach tenderness.

If you're short on time, pre-chopped frozen vegetables can be a fantastic shortcut. Simply add them in with the noodles, reducing the cooking time by about 3-5 minutes. This not only speeds up the process but also cuts down on prep time and cleanup, making it easier to enjoy your comforting soup sooner.

Storing and Freezing Recommendations

Storing your chicken noodle soup properly can help maintain its quality for days. If you're planning to keep it for more than a couple of days, it's best to store the soup and noodles separately. This prevents the noodles from becoming overly soft and mushy when reheating. The soup can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool fully before transferring it to airtight containers.

When you're ready to enjoy leftovers or your frozen batch, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. If the noodles have soaked up too much broth, feel free to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the consistency as it heats.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to make your soup delicious!

Main Ingredients

1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
8 cups chicken broth
3 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 onion, diced
2 cups egg noodles
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to have all of your ingredients prepared before cooking for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the perfect chicken noodle soup!

Cook the Chicken

In a large pot, add the chicken pieces and cover them with chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer for about 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

Add the Vegetables

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery to the broth. Let them simmer for about 10 minutes until tender.

Shred the Chicken

While the vegetables are cooking, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding the bones and skin. Return the chicken to the pot.

Cook the Noodles

Add the egg noodles, minced garlic, thyme, and parsley to the broth. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the noodles are al dente. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy your hearty chicken noodle soup with fresh bread or crackers!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider using homemade chicken stock. Fresh herbs can elevate the taste, and lemon juice gives a nice brightness to the soup.

Ingredient Functions Explained

In this hearty soup, the whole chicken not only provides a rich flavor base but also collagen, which contributes to a silky texture in the broth. When simmered, the bones release gelatin, creating a luscious mouthfeel that enhances the overall experience. Selecting a quality whole chicken is key, as the quality will directly impact the taste of the final soup.

The egg noodles are essential for making this dish comforting and filling. Their slightly chewy texture provides a wonderful contrast to the tender chicken and crisp vegetables. When choosing noodles, look for those specifically labeled as 'egg noodles' for the best consistency; alternatives like spaghetti or whole wheat pasta will alter the texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your soup, consider adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs just before serving, such as parsley or chives. This not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the freshness of flavors in the dish. A squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce can similarly brighten the flavors and add a delightful zing.

For a complete meal, serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or fresh rolls for dipping. A light green salad dressed in vinaigrette can also complement the richness of the soup, balancing the meal nicely. I often enjoy adding a grilled cheese sandwich on the side for an extra indulgence on chilly days!

Scaling the Recipe

If you're cooking for a crowd, this recipe can easily be doubled. Simply increase the quantities of all ingredients proportionally and use a larger pot to accommodate. The cooking times will remain largely the same, though keep an eye on the chicken to ensure it cooks through properly, as larger batches can sometimes require a bit more time to come to a boil.

Conversely, if you're looking to make a smaller batch, it's simple to scale down the recipe. You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead, which can save time and yield similar results. Just reduce the broth and noodles accordingly, ensuring you keep the flavor balance intact.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken can save time and still provide a great flavor.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, feel free to add your favorite vegetables like green beans, peas, or corn!

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free noodles and check that your chicken broth is gluten-free.