Chicken Noodle Soup
Warm, hearty, and easy chicken noodle soup with tender meat and fresh veggies. Perfect for a quick meal on a chilly day.
Chicken Noodle Soup starts with a clear broth and ends with a cozy bowl of warmth.
It’s not complicated, but a few details matter. Like cooking the chicken just right and not over-salting the soup.
You’ll need a few ingredients, but the recipe is forgiving if you don’t have one or two.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
1 cup (250g) cooked chicken, shredded
Shredded chicken adds a soft texture without needing to cook it fresh. Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
2 cups (500ml) chicken broth
Chicken broth gives the soup its base. Use low-sodium if you want more control over the salt.
1/2 cup (125g) egg noodles
Egg noodles are traditional but you can swap with any pasta or rice noodles in a pinch.
1/2 cup (125g) carrots, sliced
Carrots add sweetness and color. Use frozen if you’re short on time and want to skip peeling.
1/2 cup (125g) celery, sliced
Celery brings a fresh, crisp flavor. If you don’t have it, use more onions or leeks instead.
1/4 cup (50g) onions, diced
Onions form the flavor foundation. Red or white onions both work well, just adjust for sweetness.
2 tbsp (30g) butter
Butter adds richness. Substitute with olive oil if you prefer a lighter flavor.
1 tsp (5g) garlic powder
Garlic powder is convenient. Fresh minced garlic gives more depth if you have it.
1/2 tsp (2.5g) salt
Salt enhances flavor. Use less if your broth is already salty or you’re on a low-sodium diet.
1/4 tsp (1.25g) black pepper
Black pepper adds a subtle heat. Use white pepper if you want a milder kick.
Tips & Tricks
- Use a splash of lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
- Let the soup sit for 5 minutes after turning off the heat to let flavors settle.
- If the soup is too thin, mix 1 tbsp of flour with a little broth to thicken it.
- Add a handful of frozen peas or green beans for extra color and nutrition.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the base
Heat the butter in a pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic powder, and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add veggies
Toss in carrots and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until they start to soften.
3. Pour in broth
Add chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the veggies to cook.
4. Stir in chicken
Add the shredded chicken and let it warm through for 5 minutes. Don’t let the soup boil too hard or it will become tough.
5. Add noodles
Stir in egg noodles and cook for 8-10 minutes until they are tender. Check by tasting one noodle.
6. Season and finish
Add salt and pepper, or adjust to taste. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Delicious Variations
- Use leftover roast chicken for a quicker, more flavorful soup.
- Add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas for a heartier, protein-rich version.
- Swap egg noodles with rice noodles or barley for a different texture and dietary need.
How to Store Chicken Noodle Soup
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight.
Freezer
Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before freezing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a little water or broth if it’s too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this soup?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure it’s fully thawed before adding it to the soup.
Q: How do I know when the noodles are done?
Check one noodle with a fork. It should be soft but not falling apart. Cooking time varies slightly by brand.
Q: What if I don’t have egg noodles?
Any type of pasta works, but egg noodles are the most traditional. Use rice noodles for a lighter option.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. Make it a day early and store in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving.
This Chicken Noodle Soup is simple, satisfying, and easy to adapt. Make it for lunch, dinner, or even a quick breakfast. It’s a recipe that feels like a hug.

Chicken Noodle Soup
Warm, hearty, and easy chicken noodle soup with tender meat and fresh veggies. Perfect for a quick meal on a chilly day.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup (250g) cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups (500ml) chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (125g) egg noodles
- 1/2 cup (125g) carrots, sliced
- 1/2 cup (125g) celery, sliced
- 1/4 cup (50g) onions, diced
- 2 tbsp (30g) butter
- 1 tsp (5g) garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp (2.5g) salt
- 1/4 tsp (1.25g) black pepper
📋 Instructions
- 1Sauté the base — Heat the butter in a pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic powder, and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- 2Add veggies — Toss in carrots and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- 3Pour in broth — Add chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the veggies to cook.
- 4Stir in chicken — Add the shredded chicken and let it warm through for 5 minutes. Don’t let the soup boil too hard or it will become tough.
- 5Add noodles — Stir in egg noodles and cook for 8-10 minutes until they are tender. Check by tasting one noodle.
- 6Season and finish — Add salt and pepper, or adjust to taste. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.


