Chicken noodle soup is the kind of meal that does not need much explaining. It is warm, simple, and useful on a cold evening or any day when you want something easy and familiar.
This version uses everyday ingredients and cooked chicken, so you do not have to spend hours making broth from scratch. The vegetables soften in the pot, the chicken warms through, and the noodles cook right in the broth.
What makes this soup easy
The biggest shortcut is starting with cooked chicken. Leftover roasted chicken works well, and rotisserie chicken is even easier. The soup still tastes homemade because the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and thyme cook together before the broth goes in.
How to keep the noodles from getting soft
If you expect leftovers, there is one small change worth making: boil the noodles in a separate pot. Store them apart from the soup and add them when you reheat a bowl. If you plan to eat the soup the same day, cooking the noodles directly in the broth is perfectly fine.
Easy serving ideas
Serve it with warm bread, crackers, or a simple green salad. The soup is filling on its own, so there is no need to make a complicated side dish.
Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
Classic homemade chicken noodle soup with tender chicken, vegetables, and egg noodles.
Cook: 30 mins
Total: 45 mins
Serves: 6
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring now and then.
- Add the garlic and thyme and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the shredded chicken and egg noodles. Cook until the noodles are tender, usually 7 to 9 minutes.
- Taste the soup and add salt and black pepper as needed. Serve hot.
Helpful Notes
- If you plan to store the soup, cook the noodles separately and add them to each bowl. This keeps them from getting too soft.
- Rotisserie chicken is a good shortcut for busy nights.
- A squeeze of lemon at the end can brighten the broth.
