Bowl of classic chicken noodle soup with vegetables and noodles

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Short, Catchy Intro:
So you are craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. This chicken noodle soup recipe feels like a warm hug that does not ask for much in return. It is cozy, forgiving, and you can practically make it with your eyes closed if you are the ambitious sort who cooks on autopilot.

If you want a slightly different take or a quick refresher, check out the classic chicken noodle soup guide for another friendly version of this comfort staple.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Why This Recipe is Awesome

This soup hits all the right notes without drama. It warms you up, cooks in a single pot, and uses ingredients you probably already have. It is idiot proof and forgiving on timing and measurements, so you can wander off for a minute and still come back to something delicious.

Want texture and flavor without extra fuss? This recipe gives you tender chicken, soft but not mushy noodles, and carrots and celery that still have personality. Plus you get the bonus of smelling amazing for an hour, which is great if you enjoy your home smelling like you are a competent human.

Also, if you are in the mood to impress with minimal effort, this soup behaves like a culinary flex without the sweat. For another perspective on homemade versions, you might like this my favorite chicken noodle soup recipe which has some extra tips and tricks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. Cheap, versatile, and they soak up flavor.
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced. Keep them rustic or tiny, your call.
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped. Adds crunch and that classic soup smell.
  • 1 medium onion, diced. The aromatics superstar.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced. Because garlic makes everything more honest.
  • 2 cups egg noodles. Classic noodle energy.
  • 6 cups chicken broth. Use good broth and you will thank yourself later.
  • 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped. Freshness at the finish line.
  • Salt to taste. Start small, taste, adjust.
  • Pepper to taste. Adds attitude.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Set a large pot over medium heat. Let it warm up for a minute.
  2. Add the chicken breast, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to the pot. Stir for a minute.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  4. Add the egg noodles to the pot, and cook for an additional 10 minutes until the noodles are tender.
  5. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Stir in the fresh parsley just before serving.
  7. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcooking the noodles. They swell up and turn sad and gummy. Always cook noodles until just tender and stop when they still have a tiny bite.
  • Not tasting as you go. Salt decides the mood and you need to check its opinion more than once.
  • Dumping herbs in too early. Fresh parsley loses pep when it simmers for ages. Add it near the end.
  • Cutting everything unevenly. Tiny carrot slices cook faster than large chunks. Try to cut to similar sizes so everything finishes at the same time.
  • Using thin broth. If your broth tastes like water you will get watery soup. Use decent broth or enhance it with a splash of bouillon if needed.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Alternatives & Substitutions

  • Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you want juicier, more forgiving meat. Thighs add richness and hide mistakes well.
  • No egg noodles? Use any short pasta like shells or ditalini. Just adjust the cooking time and watch the texture.
  • Vegetarian friend coming over? Replace chicken with firm tofu and use vegetable broth. It still works nicely if you season well.
  • Want homemade noodles? Try making a simple dough or check out tips on homemade noodle options for that old school vibe.
  • Low on fresh herbs? Dried parsley works in a pinch. Use one third the amount and add earlier so it rehydrates.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
A. Absolutely. Why fight with raw meat when glorious rotisserie exists. Add shredded rotisserie chicken in the last 5 minutes so it heats through but does not fall apart.

Q. Do I have to use egg noodles?
A. Nope. Use what you have. I like egg noodles for texture and nostalgia, but pasta or even rice are fine alternatives. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Q. Can I freeze this soup?
A. You can freeze the soup without the noodles to keep texture intact. Freeze the base and add fresh noodles when reheating. If you freeze it with noodles they will become mushy.

Q. How do I make it heartier for lots of people?
A. Add more chicken, toss in beans or chickpeas, or serve with crusty bread. Bulk up without sacrificing flavor.

Q. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A. Yes. Brown the chicken and aromatics first if you want extra flavor, then dump everything into the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Add noodles in the last 30 minutes.

Q. Is store bought broth okay?
A. Of course. Not everyone makes stock from scratch. A good store bought broth wins if you choose wisely. Taste it first and season based on its strength.

Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

This soup is the kind of recipe that keeps on giving. It comforts, it travels well to friends and sick neighbors, and it makes your kitchen smell like you care. Taste as you go, keep the noodles happy, and do not be afraid to improvise. IMO, soup is the perfect canvas for culinary laziness that still feels generous.

Now go impress someone or yourself with your new culinary skills. You earned it.

Conclusion

If you want a beautifully detailed, tried and true version to compare notes with or to get more pro tips, check out Truly Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup – Tastes Better From Scratch.

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Easy Chicken Noodle Soup


  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: None

Description

A comforting and quick chicken noodle soup recipe made with simple ingredients that cooks in a single pot.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups egg noodles
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Set a large pot over medium heat. Let it warm up for a minute.
  2. Add the chicken breast, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to the pot. Stir for a minute.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  4. Add the egg noodles to the pot, and cook for an additional 10 minutes until the noodles are tender.
  5. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Stir in the fresh parsley just before serving.
  7. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Notes

Avoid overcooking the noodles by cooking them just until tender. Taste as you go and add fresh herbs near the end of cooking for the best flavor.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Soups
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: chicken noodle soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, one pot meal

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