When life feels a little hectic or you’re just in need of a warm, soothing meal, this Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup is the perfect recipe to turn to. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl, packed with tender chicken, hearty noodles, and flavorful vegetables. The best part? It comes together in just a few simple steps and under 30 minutes of active cooking time.
Let’s Get Started on This Comforting Classic
When the weather starts to cool down, or someone in the family is feeling under the weather, nothing beats the classic taste of homemade chicken noodle soup. I have so many memories of my mom whipping up a pot when I was sick, the aroma of onions and celery sautéing in butter filling the kitchen. This recipe is my homage to that tradition—simple, flavorful, and ready in no time.
What makes this recipe shine is its simplicity. You don’t need fancy ingredients or a long list of steps, just good old-fashioned pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients to create something magical. Ready to dive in? Let’s break it down.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness to the soup’s base.
- ½ cup chopped onion and ½ cup chopped celery: These aromatics form the flavor foundation.
- 4 cans chicken broth and 1 can vegetable broth: The broth is the heart of the soup. It’s light, flavorful, and works as the perfect base.
- ½ pound chopped cooked chicken breast: You can use leftovers or a store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- 1 ½ cups egg noodles: These give the soup its hearty texture.
- 1 cup sliced carrots: Adds a touch of sweetness and color.
- ½ teaspoon dried basil and ½ teaspoon dried oregano: These herbs infuse the soup with warmth and depth.
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste: For seasoning.
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics
The first step in creating any good soup is building a flavor base, and that’s exactly what we’re doing here. Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your chopped onion and celery. These two humble veggies will begin to release their natural sweetness, creating a savory aroma that sets the stage for the soup. Let them cook for about five minutes or until they’re soft and translucent.
Pro Tip: Don’t rush this step! The longer you let the onion and celery sauté, the deeper the flavor of your soup will be.
Step 2: Add the Essentials
Next, it’s time to add the rest of the ingredients. Pour in the chicken broth and vegetable broth—together, they create a rich, layered flavor. Toss in your chopped chicken breast, egg noodles, sliced carrots, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Here’s where the magic starts to happen. As the soup begins to heat, the ingredients start melding together. The egg noodles soften, the chicken soaks up the herbaceous flavors, and the carrots become tender. This step is where your soup starts looking and smelling like the comfort food you’ve been craving.
Why This Recipe Works
This soup’s simplicity is its strength. The combination of broth, aromatics, and fresh ingredients creates a dish that feels like it took hours to make but actually comes together in a fraction of the time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, chilly weekends, or whenever you need a little TLC in a bowl.
Bringing It All Together and Customizing Your Soup
Now that we’ve laid the foundation for our Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup, it’s time to bring everything together. By the end of this step, your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll have a hearty pot of soup that’s ready to serve.
Step 3: Boil and Simmer
Once all the ingredients are combined in the pot, turn the heat up to high and bring the soup to a boil. This step is crucial for cooking the egg noodles and blending all the flavors together. But here’s the trick—don’t let it boil for too long. As soon as you see those happy little bubbles breaking on the surface, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer.
Why simmer? Simmering allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The herbs release their essence, the chicken stays tender, and the noodles cook to perfection without becoming mushy. Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, giving it an occasional stir to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.
Pro Tip: Check the noodles after 15 minutes. Depending on their size, they may cook faster than expected. You want them tender but not overdone.
Taste and Adjust
Before you declare your soup ready to serve, take a quick taste test. Does it need a pinch more salt or an extra grind of black pepper? Maybe you want a little more of that herbaceous kick—feel free to add a touch more dried basil or oregano. Soup is all about balance, and this final adjustment ensures it’s just right for your palate.
Variations and Add-Ins
One of the best things about chicken noodle soup is how versatile it is. Here are a few ideas to make this recipe your own:
- Make It Creamy: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or a splash of half-and-half at the end for a rich, velvety soup.
- Amp Up the Veggies: Add spinach, peas, or chopped zucchini during the last 5 minutes of simmering for extra nutrients and color.
- Kick It Up a Notch: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Go Gluten-Free: Swap the egg noodles for your favorite gluten-free pasta or even spiralized zucchini noodles.
- Herb Upgrade: Use fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or dill to give your soup a fresh, aromatic touch.
Pro Tip: If you’re adding delicate greens like spinach or fresh herbs, wait until the very end of the cooking process. This keeps them vibrant and fresh.
Serving Suggestions
Now that your soup is ready, it’s time to serve it up! Ladle it into bowls and pair it with your favorite sides. Here are a few serving ideas to make your meal extra special:
- Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up every last drop of broth.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Nothing pairs better with soup than a gooey, golden-brown grilled cheese.
- Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the hearty soup.
- Crackers or Croutons: Sprinkle some on top for added crunch and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup isn’t just a recipe; it’s a lifesaver for busy nights, a comfort during cold weather, and a reliable go-to when you need something wholesome and satisfying. The beauty lies in its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients and steps, yet the result is a bowl of goodness that feels like a big warm hug.
FAQ and The Final Touches for Chicken Noodle Soup Success
You’ve made it this far, and your kitchen is likely filled with the comforting aroma of chicken noodle soup. Before we wrap things up, let’s answer some common questions and offer a few extra tips to make sure this recipe is as foolproof as it is delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chicken noodle soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. If you’re planning to make it ahead, cook the soup without the noodles, and add them in when reheating to avoid them becoming overly soft.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup (minus the noodles) for up to 3 months.
3. Can I use uncooked chicken instead of cooked?
Yes! If you’re starting with raw chicken, add it to the broth early on and let it simmer until fully cooked (about 20-25 minutes). Remove the chicken, shred it, and add it back to the pot before serving.
4. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Add all the ingredients except the noodles to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the noodles during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
5. What’s the best way to reheat the soup?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water to thin it out. Be careful not to boil, as this can overcook the noodles.
6. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply swap out the butter for olive oil or a plant-based alternative to sauté the aromatics. The rest of the ingredients are naturally dairy-free!
7. Can I add more protein?
Of course! Add diced cooked turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even some cooked sausage for an extra boost of protein.
The Final Step: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, consider adding a garnish to give your soup a little extra flair. A sprinkle of fresh parsley, a twist of cracked black pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors. You can also serve it with shredded Parmesan cheese for a creamy, savory touch.
Conclusion: Share the Love in a Bowl
Congratulations! You’ve just made a pot of homemade Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup—a dish that’s not just food, but an act of love. Whether you’re serving it to a loved one who’s feeling under the weather or enjoying it yourself on a chilly evening, this soup is sure to warm hearts and bellies alike.
What’s so wonderful about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Add your personal touches, swap in your favorite ingredients, or keep it classic—it will always be a hit. If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below and let me know if you added any special twists.
And don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family—it’s the perfect way to spread a little comfort and joy. After all, there’s nothing quite like gathering around the table with a warm bowl of soup and the people you love.
Print
Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
This comforting and hearty chicken noodle soup comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with tender chicken, egg noodles, and vegetables, it’s a nourishing bowl of goodness!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup chopped celery
- 4 (14.5-ounce) cans chicken broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can vegetable broth
- ½ pound chopped cooked chicken breast
- 1 ½ cups egg noodles
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Sauté aromatics: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes, or until they’re just tender.
2️⃣ Add soup ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth, vegetable broth, and add the cooked chicken, egg noodles, sliced carrots, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
3️⃣ Boil and simmer: Bring the soup to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the noodles to cook until tender.
4️⃣ Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
Notes
- Shortcuts: Use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked shredded chicken to save time.
- Customize it: Add other vegetables like peas, green beans, or corn for extra nutrition.
- Noodle alternative: Try replacing egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for dietary preferences.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
