Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Click here to learn about our image policy and how to submit your own!
Nothing soothes the soul quite like a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup, with its golden broth, tender chicken, and comforting noodles floating in perfect harmony. Our from-scratch approach builds deep flavor by poaching whole chicken thighs in aromatic vegetables, creating a rich stock that store-bought versions simply can't match. Wide egg noodles and fresh herbs complete this healing bowl that's been America's go-to comfort food for generations.
Time & Quantities
Method & Ingredients
Required Equipment: Large pot or Dutch oven, ladle, strainer, cutting board
Cooking Method: Slow Cooking
Ingredients
- 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs (skin removed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 3 carrots (sliced)
- 3 celery stalks (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 8 cups water
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 oz wide egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened, about 8-10 minutes - this mirepoix base is your flavor foundation!
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add chicken thighs, water, bay leaves, thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 45 minutes until chicken is tender and falling off the bone.
- Remove chicken from pot and let cool slightly, then shred meat and discard bones and any remaining skin - the meat should be incredibly tender!
- Strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer, pressing vegetables to extract maximum flavor, then return clear broth to pot.
- Bring broth back to a simmer and add egg noodles. Cook according to package directions until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Return shredded chicken to pot and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in fresh parsley and dill just before serving - the herbs brighten everything up beautifully!
- Ladle into bowls and serve piping hot with crackers or crusty bread for the ultimate comfort experience.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Storage Advice: Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Note that noodles will absorb liquid, so add extra broth when reheating if needed.
Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips: Soup base freezes well for up to 3 months, but cook noodles fresh when serving. Freeze in portions for easy single servings.
Nutritional & Dietary Information
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 8g (Saturated: 2g)
- Carbohydrates: 28g (Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 4g)
- Vitamin A: 65% DV
- Vitamin C: 12% DV
- Calcium: 4% DV
- Iron: 12% DV
Allergen Information: Contains gluten (egg noodles)
Dietary Information: Gluten-free if using gluten-free noodles. Naturally dairy-free.
Serving & Variations
Serving Suggestions: Serve in deep bowls with oyster crackers or crusty bread. A sprinkle of black pepper and extra fresh herbs make it restaurant-worthy.
Wine or Drink Pairing: Pair with light white wines like Pinot Grigio from Italy or Chardonnay from California. Hot tea, especially chamomile or ginger, provides perfect non-alcoholic comfort.
Possible Recipe Variations: Add corn, peas, or potatoes for heartiness. Try different herbs like sage or rosemary. Some prefer rice or barley instead of noodles for variety.
Additional Notes: Using bone-in chicken thighs creates much more flavorful broth than boneless breasts. Don't skip the vegetable straining step for crystal-clear broth.