Easy & Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of easy chicken noodle soup to bring comfort and satisfaction. This recipe is packed with tender white meat chicken, an aromatic blend of spices, wholesome vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles, creating a truly hearty and delicious meal. It’s not just a comforting dish; it’s also incredibly versatile and makes for fantastic leftovers, becoming even more flavorful the next day!

To elevate your soup experience, I highly recommend serving it with a side of cheesy garlic bread. It’s perfect for dipping into the rich broth and adds an extra layer of indulgence to this already superb meal.

While this classic chicken noodle soup often finds its way to our tables during the colder months, its nourishing qualities and delightful flavor profile make it an excellent choice year-round. It’s a wholesome meal that can easily be adapted to suit your dietary needs. For those looking to enjoy a healthier, low-carb version, simply skip the noodles and carrots, and instead, load up on your favorite low-carb vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or kale. This flexibility ensures everyone can enjoy a bowl of this comforting soup!

If you’re a soup enthusiast like me, you might also enjoy exploring some of my other favorite recipes. Dive into the bright and zesty flavors of this lemon chicken orzo soup, spice things up with a bowl of spicy chicken noodle soup, or savor the simple goodness of chicken and rice soup. Each recipe offers a unique twist on the beloved chicken soup theme.

Key Ingredients for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup

Crafting the perfect chicken noodle soup starts with selecting quality ingredients. Below, you’ll find a detailed look at the core components of this recipe, along with some helpful notes and substitution ideas. For precise quantities and comprehensive instructions, please refer to the recipe card located further down the page.

Chicken: For ultimate convenience and to significantly cut down on preparation time, I highly recommend using a store-bought rotisserie chicken, specifically the breast meat. Simply remove the skin and cube the chicken into bite-sized pieces using a sharp knife. If you prefer to cook your own chicken, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs can be boiled or baked and then shredded or diced. Leftover cooked chicken also works wonderfully here!
Noodles: While I have a particular fondness for fideo-cut spaghetti due to its quick cooking time and delicate texture, this recipe is incredibly forgiving when it comes to pasta choices. Almost any type of small pasta will work beautifully. Consider egg noodles for a classic touch, or even small shapes like ditalini, alphabet pasta, or macaroni. For a gluten-free option, simply choose your favorite gluten-free pasta, adjusting cooking times as necessary.
Better Than Bouillon: This concentrated chicken paste is a secret weapon for incredibly flavorful broth. It delivers a rich, deep chicken flavor that’s hard to beat. If “Better Than Bouillon” isn’t available in your area, don’t worry! You can easily substitute it with 8 cups of high-quality chicken stock or chicken broth. Just be mindful of the salt content if using store-bought broths, as it can vary.
Turmeric Powder: Beyond adding a beautiful golden hue to your soup, turmeric powder contributes a subtle earthy flavor and boasts impressive health benefits, known for its anti-inflammatory properties. While it enhances both the visual appeal and the nutritional value, if you’re not a fan of its taste, or simply don’t have it on hand, feel free to omit it without compromising the core flavor of the soup.
Fresh Vegetables: Onions, carrots, and celery form the classic “mirepoix” base, providing essential aromatic depth and sweetness to the broth. Using fresh, finely diced vegetables ensures they soften beautifully and release their full flavors.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent, savory kick that is crucial for building a robust flavor profile. Don’t skip this!
Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning work in harmony with the fresh ingredients to create a well-rounded and comforting taste. These pantry staples ensure a consistently delicious result.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables, olive oil helps to release their flavors and provides a rich base for the soup.
Salt: Essential for seasoning the soup to perfection. Always taste and adjust salt at the end of cooking for the best results.

Step-by-Step: How to Make This Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup

Creating this delicious chicken noodle soup is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these simple steps for a truly satisfying meal:

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics. Begin by heating two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the finely diced onions, sliced carrots, and finely sliced celery. Sauté these vegetables for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and become fragrant. If the pot appears dry at any point, add a little extra olive oil. This initial sautéing step is crucial as it helps to build a foundational layer of flavor for your broth.
Step 2: Infuse with Flavor. Next, stir in the fresh minced garlic, Better Than Bouillon chicken paste (or your choice of chicken broth/stock equivalent), garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and turmeric powder (if using). Cook this aromatic mixture for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly. This brief cooking time allows the spices to bloom and release their full aroma without burning the garlic.
Step 3: Simmer the Broth. Pour in 8 cups of water (or chicken stock/broth if not using Better Than Bouillon) and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This simmering period allows the flavors from the vegetables and seasonings to meld beautifully, creating a rich and savory broth.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Noodles. After the 10-minute simmer, add the pre-cooked chicken and your chosen noodles to the pot. Continue to cook for approximately 6 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente – tender but still firm to the bite. Be careful not to overcook the noodles, as they will continue to absorb liquid and soften even after the heat is turned off.
Step 5: Season and Serve. Finally, taste the soup and season generously with salt, adding more if needed, until the flavors are perfectly balanced. Ladle the warm, hearty chicken noodle soup into bowls and enjoy immediately! A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill can add a lovely touch of freshness, if desired.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup

Achieving a truly exceptional bowl of chicken noodle soup is easy with these expert tips:

Season Generously and Taste Often: This is perhaps the most crucial tip. Soup can often taste bland if not seasoned properly throughout the cooking process. Don’t be shy with the salt, especially at the very end. Taste the broth before adding the noodles, and then again after everything has cooked. Adjust the salt content gradually until the flavors sing! A good broth should be well-seasoned, but not overly salty. You can also add a splash of lemon juice at the end for brightness.
Mind the Noodles’ Absorption: When the noodles are fully cooked and you turn off the stove, you might notice that they continue to absorb a significant amount of the delicious broth. Don’t fret if your soup seems to have less liquid than you’d expect after resting. This is normal! Allowing the soup to rest for 10-15 minutes off the heat gives the noodles a chance to fully soak up the broth, enhancing their flavor and texture. If you prefer a very brothy soup, you can add a bit more hot water or broth just before serving.
Pre-cook Chicken for Speed and Tenderness: Using pre-cooked chicken, like rotisserie chicken, is a game-changer for speed. If you cook your own, aim for tender, easily shreddable chicken to integrate seamlessly into the soup. Avoid overcooking the chicken in the soup itself, as it can become dry.
Don’t Skimp on Fresh Aromatics: The combination of fresh onion, celery, and carrots (the “mirepoix”) forms the aromatic backbone of classic chicken noodle soup. Sautéing them properly until softened and slightly translucent unlocks their sweet and savory notes, which are then absorbed into the broth.
Consider Fresh Herbs: While Italian seasoning provides a great base, a handful of fresh chopped parsley, dill, or even a touch of thyme added at the end of cooking can elevate the freshness and aroma of your soup significantly.

Can I Make Chicken Noodle Soup in Advance?

Yes, you can certainly prepare this chicken noodle soup in advance, which makes it an excellent meal prep option! However, there’s a crucial consideration when doing so: the noodles. I highly recommend against adding the noodles if you plan to make the soup several days ahead. Noodles, especially delicate ones, will continue to absorb the liquid from the broth over time, becoming excessively soft, thick, and potentially mushy. This also reduces the overall broth in your soup.

Instead, prepare the soup base (broth, chicken, and vegetables) as directed, but stop before adding the noodles. Store this rich, flavorful broth separately. Noodles cook very quickly, so it’s much better to cook and add them to the soup on the day you plan to serve it. This method ensures your noodles retain their perfect al dente texture and your broth remains wonderfully flavorful and abundant.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftovers

This easy chicken noodle soup makes fantastic leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors deepen and meld. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy it safely and deliciously for days to come:

Refrigeration: Allow any leftover soup to cool completely before transferring it to an air-tight container. Refrigerate promptly for up to 3 days. This prevents bacterial growth and maintains freshness.
Freezing (Noodle-Free Option Recommended): If you plan to freeze the soup, it’s best to do so without the noodles. As mentioned, noodles can become mushy upon thawing and reheating. Freeze the noodle-free soup base in air-tight, freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stovetop and cook fresh noodles just before serving.
Reheating: To reheat, simply transfer the desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl and heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can reheat it gently on the stovetop in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. If the soup appears too thick or has absorbed too much liquid (especially if it contains noodles), add a splash more water or chicken broth and a pinch of salt to restore its original consistency and flavor.

Have you tried this incredibly easy and comforting chicken noodle soup recipe? Please take a moment to leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or share your thoughts in the comments section further down the page. Your feedback is greatly appreciated! And for more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, consider following me on Facebook or Pinterest!

chicken noodle soup in a dutch oven with a ladle.

5 from 1 vote

Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

By

Julie Maestre

This easy chicken noodle soup is loaded with white meat, spices, veggies, and noodles. It’s so hearty and delicious and makes the best leftovers!

Prep:

10 minutes

Cook:

20 minutes

Total:

30 minutes

Servings:
6

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Ingredients

▢

2
cups
cooked chicken ,
*Check Notes*
▢

1
cup
noodles ,
I used fideo cut spaghetti
▢

8
cups
water,
*Check Notes*
▢

2
tablespoons
better than bouillon
▢

1
onion,
finely diced
▢

1
cup
celery ,
finely sliced
▢

1
cup
carrots ,
sliced
▢

4
garlic cloves ,
finely minced
▢

2
teaspoons
garlic powder
▢

1
teaspoon
onion powder
▢

1
teaspoon
Italian seasoning
▢

1
teaspoon
turmeric ,
optional
▢

2
tablespoons
olive oil
▢

salt to taste

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Instructions

Heat oil over medium heat in a large pot.
Add the onions, carrots, and celery and cook for 3-4 minutes while stirring occasionally. Add more oil if needed. Stir in the fresh garlic, better than bouillon, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and turmeric powder. Cook for 30 seconds.
Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Once it comes to a boil, let it cook for 10 minutes. Once the 10 minutes are up, add the noodles and chicken. Cook for 6 minutes or until the noodles are al dente. Season generously with salt and enjoy!

Notes

If you can’t find better than bouillon chicken paste, use 8 cups of chicken stock or chicken broth instead.
Only use water, if you add 2 tablespoons of better than bouillon. If you don’t add better than bouillon, use chicken stock or chicken broth!
To save yourself some time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken breast. Make sure to remove the skin and cube up the chicken using a sharp knife.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:

Julie Maestre

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cook Time:

20 minutes

Total Time:

30 minutes

Course:
Entree

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
6

Calories:
184

Keyword:
Chicken Noodle Soup, Chicken Soup, easy chicken noodle soup, how to make chicken soup

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