If you are looking for the ultimate comfort food that warms your heart and soul, this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. It combines tender chunks of chicken, hearty egg noodles, vibrant vegetables, and a broth infused with aromatic herbs and a touch of sherry for depth. Every spoonful bursts with flavor and brings that cozy, nostalgic feeling of home-cooked goodness. Whether you’re nursing a cold, craving a simple dinner, or want to impress your family with an effortless classic, this soup hits every note perfectly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Believe it or not, making this homemade chicken noodle soup starts with simple ingredients that pack incredible flavor and texture. Each one plays a crucial role—from the sweetness of carrots to the fragrant herbs that round out the broth—so be sure to gather these essentials before you start simmering.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a rich, fruity base for sautéing the vegetables.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (¼ stick): Adds luscious creaminess and depth to the soup.
- 3 carrots (peeled and sliced, about 2 cups): Bring natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 ribs celery (sliced, about 1 cup): Adds subtle earthiness and crunch.
- 1 sweet yellow onion (diced): Offers a gentle sharpness that mellows as it cooks.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the broth with a fragrant zing.
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or stock): The soul of the soup, providing a savory and hearty base.
- ½ cup dry sherry: Introduces a delicate acidity and enhances complexity.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds mild heat and spiciness.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 2 tablespoons fresh): Lends a fresh, herbal brightness.
- 1 teaspoon Parisien Bonnes Herbs: A magical combo of chives, dill, basil, French tarragon, chervil, and white pepper for an elegant herbal bouquet.
- 3 bay leaves: Infuse the broth with subtle earthiness and depth.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 3 sprigs fresh): A fragrant woodsy note that complements chicken beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds warmth and a hint of sweetness.
- 3-4 teaspoons chicken granules: (Optional) Boost the chicken flavor if desired—just be mindful of salt levels.
- 4 cups diced cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here to save time and add rich flavor.
- 8 ounces dry egg noodles: Tender and satisfying noodles that soak up all the delicious broth.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Heat Oil and Butter
Begin by warming the olive oil and unsalted butter together in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. This mixture creates a perfect base to unlock the flavors of the vegetables without burning them.
Step 2: Sauté Carrots and Celery
Once your fats are hot and shimmering, add the sliced carrots and celery. Cook them gently for about three minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and release their natural sweetness. This step is key to building flavor right from the start.
Step 3: Add the Onion
Next, stir in the diced yellow onion and continue cooking until it turns translucent and soft. This slow softening develops a mellow sweetness and ensures the onion’s sharp edges don’t overpower your soup.
Step 4: Toss in Garlic
Add the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds—you want it fragrant but never burnt. Garlic adds that unmistakable punch that elevates the broth’s aroma and taste.
Step 5: Combine Remaining Ingredients Except Noodles
Pour in the chicken broth, dry sherry, seasonings, herbs, bay leaves, nutmeg, and chicken granules if using. Add the diced cooked chicken to the pot now. Stir everything to combine and prepare for simmering. The sherry here is a little trick that makes the broth pop with a subtle depth others often miss.
Step 6: Simmer the Soup
Bring the entire pot to a rolling boil, then immediately lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes to let the flavors marry and the vegetables become tender but not mushy. If you plan to freeze the soup later, it’s best to undercook the noodles and add fresh ones when serving to prevent sogginess.
Step 7: Add Noodles and Boil
With 30 to 40 minutes passed, stir in the egg noodles and bring the soup back up to a boil. This step ensures the noodles cook just right and soak up the delicious broth without turning gummy.
Step 8: Simmer Until Noodles Are Tender
Reduce heat again and let the soup simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, until noodles are tender but still have a slight bite. This slow simmer lets every ingredient shine in harmony.
Step 9: Remove Bay Leaves and Serve
Before ladling your soup into bowls, fish out and discard the bay leaves. These leaves have done their work in enriching the flavor but are not meant to be eaten. Now your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few thinly sliced green onions on top adds bursts of freshness and color. For an extra touch of richness, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of good olive oil can elevate the experience wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Serve this soup with warm crusty bread or buttery garlic toast for dipping into the flavorful broth. A simple side salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing balance to the hearty soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, ladle the soup into hollowed-out bread bowls. You can also top each serving with shredded cheese and broil briefly for a gratinéed finish that’s utterly irresistible. And if you’re hosting a cozy dinner, serve the soup in mini crock pots to keep it warm and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe reheats beautifully. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen with time, making your seconds bowl even more comforting.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this soup ahead of time, freeze it without the noodles. The noodles tend to get mushy after freezing, so keep them separate and fresh-cook or add leftover cooked noodles when reheating. Freeze the soup in sturdy airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat until steaming. If you froze it, add fresh noodles at this stage and simmer until tender—around 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid boiling vigorously to keep the chicken tender and the broth clear.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly in this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. Just dice it into bite-sized pieces and add it when you combine the broth and seasonings. It’s a fantastic way to minimize waste and still enjoy a flavorful meal.
What’s the best type of noodle for chicken noodle soup?
Egg noodles are classic for a reason—they have a tender but firm texture that holds up well in broth. You can use any shape you prefer, though avoid pasta types that overcook quickly or become mushy after reheating.
Can I make the soup without alcohol?
Yes, the dry sherry adds subtle complexity but is not essential. Feel free to omit it or replace it with a splash of white grape juice or apple cider vinegar for a gentle tang without alcohol.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Swap the egg noodles for your favorite gluten-free pasta variety or use spiralized vegetables like zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Just add them towards the end of cooking since gluten-free pastas tend to cook quickly.
Is this soup suitable for freezing with noodles in it?
It’s best not to freeze the soup with noodles as they tend to become soggy and mushy. Instead, freeze the broth and chicken mixture separately and cook or add fresh noodles when ready to serve to keep that perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
If you want a cozy, nourishing bowl that never fails to comfort, this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is a treasure to have in your kitchen arsenal. It’s straightforward to make, bursting with layered flavors, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Give it a try soon—you might just discover your new favorite soup for every season.
