This warm and cozy chicken noodle soup is just like Grandma used to make! Full of tender chicken, soft noodles, and colorful veggies, it’s perfect for chilly days.
It warms your heart and makes you feel better, no matter what! I love throwing in some crusty bread for dipping—it’s the best way to enjoy this classic dish.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using bone-in chicken keeps the soup flavorful and rich. If you’re short on time, boneless chicken breasts work too. For a twist, you can use rotisserie chicken—just add it in later to warm it through.
Broth: Store-bought chicken broth is convenient, but homemade stock adds depth. You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or to make it vegetarian; just replace the chicken with extra veggies or beans.
Noodles: Egg noodles are classic, but feel free to swap in whole grain or gluten-free noodles if needed. Just be aware that cooking times will vary, so check package instructions closely.
Vegetables: Carrots and celery are traditional, but you can add peas, corn, or even spinach for extra nutrients. Just remember to add softer veggies towards the end to keep them from getting mushy.
How Do You Sauté Vegetables Perfectly for Soup?
Sautéing your veggies is crucial for building flavor in your soup. Here’s the best way to do it:
- Use medium heat to avoid burning and ensure even cooking.
- Start with onions, as they take longer to soften. Cook for about 3-4 minutes.
- Add carrots and celery next, which also take a bit of time to cook down—about 5-7 minutes.
- Finally, toss in the garlic and stir for about a minute until fragrant. This layering of flavors creates a delicious base for your soup!
Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 whole chicken breast (bone-in, with skin for flavor) or 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 8 cups chicken broth or stock
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups egg noodles or wide egg noodles/homemade egg noodles
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep the ingredients and around 30–40 minutes to cook everything. So, you’re looking at about 1 hour in total from start to finish. Just enough time to get the house smelling delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes until the vegetables become tender. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. This creates a lovely base for your soup!
2. Adding the Chicken and Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Then, add the whole chicken breast (or boneless breasts) to the pot. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, dried parsley, and thyme for that cozy flavor.
3. Cooking the Chicken:
Allow the soup to simmer gently for about 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Once done, carefully remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly.
4. Cooking the Noodles:
While the chicken cools, add the egg noodles to the simmering broth. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 7–8 minutes, until the noodles are al dente.
5. Shredding the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks, discarding the skin and bones if necessary.
6. Combining and Final Seasoning:
Return the shredded chicken back to the pot. Stir everything together, taste the soup, and adjust seasonings with more salt and pepper if needed to suit your taste.
7. Serving the Soup:
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot, ideally alongside some crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
This recipe yields a clear, golden broth filled with tender chicken, soft noodles, and sweet carrots—a delightful comfort food classic just like Grandma would make. Enjoy every delicious spoonful!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works great. Just shred it and add it to the soup towards the end of cooking to warm through. This can save you time and enhance the flavor!
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Yes, you can! Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.
How Do I Adjust the Seasoning?
Start with the amounts suggested in the recipe, but feel free to taste as you go! If you love herbs, consider adding more dried parsley or thyme. A splash of lemon juice can also brighten flavors if desired!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add peas, green beans, or even spinach for extra nutrition. Just add soft vegetables in the last few minutes of cooking to keep them vibrant and tender.
