There’s something so comforting about a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup, isn’t there? This Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is exactly that — warm, flavorful, and downright soothing on those chilly evenings or sick days. I absolutely love how the herbs and fresh veggies come together with tender chicken and egg noodles to create a soup that tastes like a big, cozy hug.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple ingredients turned into something so satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving a little comfort food for yourself, this recipe hits the spot every time. You’ll find that making this soup from scratch is easier than you think, and the results are far better than any store-bought version.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich Homemade Flavor: Slow-cooked broth with fresh herbs creates deep, comforting flavors that store-bought just can’t match.
  • Versatility: You can make it on the stovetop, in a crockpot, or instant pot—perfect no matter what your day looks like.
  • Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this soup, and I’m sure yours will too once they try it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe lies in the simple, fresh ingredients you likely have on hand. Each one adds layers of flavor and a wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen.

  • Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and a subtle fruitiness when sautéing the veggies.
  • Salted butter: Gives the soup a silky mouthfeel and enhances the flavors.
  • Yellow onion: Provides a mild sweetness that balances the broth.
  • Shallots: Offer a delicate oniony flavor with a hint of garlic.
  • Garlic: Brings that warm, aromatic base that’s essential for chicken soup.
  • Celery: Adds a fresh, crisp texture and earthy background note.
  • Carrots: Sweetness and color that brighten up the soup.
  • Fresh thyme, sage, and rosemary: These herbs add complexity and a cozy, woodsy aroma.
  • Bay leaf: Works quietly in the background, enhancing all the flavors.
  • Dry sherry: A splash that deepens the taste without overpowering.
  • Low sodium chicken broth: For a controlled salt level and full-bodied stock.
  • Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: Tender, juicy protein that soaks up the soup’s flavor.
  • Egg noodles: Classic noodles that hold up well and soak up broth.
  • Shaved parmesan cheese: Adds an umami kicker and creamy finish.
  • Chopped parsley: Freshness and color to brighten right before serving.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this soup my own by swapping out a few ingredients here and there—feel free to put your own twist on it! This recipe is very forgiving and lends itself to plenty of customization depending on your pantry or dietary needs.

  • Variation: I sometimes swap chicken thighs for breasts when I want extra juicy meat; thighs stay tender even after slow cooking.
  • Variation: For a gluten-free version, just use gluten-free noodles or spiralized vegetables instead of egg noodles.
  • Variation: Add diced potatoes or parsnips if you want a heartier soup—my family loves that twist during cold winters.
  • Variation: If you’re in a rush, the instant pot version works wonders without sacrificing flavor.

How to Make Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics with Love

Start by melting the olive oil and butter together in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. I like this combo because butter adds creaminess while olive oil prevents it from burning. Toss in your chopped yellow onion and cook it for 3 to 5 minutes until it’s soft and fragrant. Then add the shallots, garlic, celery, carrots, and your fresh herbs—thyme, sage, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper, and cook everything for another 5 minutes. You want the veggies tender but not mushy at this point.

Step 2: Build Depth with Sherry and Broth

Pour in the dry sherry (yes, a splash of this takes your soup to the next level) and your chicken broth, then bring it all to a rolling boil. Stir in the chicken, bay leaf, and if you have one, a parmesan rind—this little addition adds a subtle umami boost that’s pure magic. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. If you have extra time, you can let it simmer longer on low—up to 4-6 hours—to deepen the flavors even more.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken and Add Noodles

Once the chicken is tender, shred it right in the pot using two forks. Don’t forget to fish out the bay leaf and parmesan rind at this point! Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Bring it back up to a boil, then add your egg noodles. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the noodles are soft but not mushy—timing can vary a bit depending on your noodle brand. Stir in the shaved parmesan and fresh parsley right at the end for a burst of freshness and creamy flavor.

Pro Tips for Making Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

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  • Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage transform this soup into something special, so don’t skip them or replace all with dried herbs alone.
  • Parmesan Rind Magic: Adding a parmesan rind while simmering imparts a rich depth that made me fall in love with this recipe.
  • Don’t Overcook Noodles: Add noodles at the very end and keep an eye on them to avoid turning your soup into mush.
  • Leftover Adjustments: If reheating, add a little extra broth or water as noodles tend to soak up liquid after chilling.

How to Serve Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I always top each bowl with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and some freshly chopped parsley. Sometimes I add a few grinds of black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Crusty bread on the side is a must-have for me to soak up every last drop of the broth.

Side Dishes

Pairing this soup with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables makes for a lovely meal. My family loves it with garlic toast or buttery dinner rolls—perfect for dunking into the yummy broth.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I like to serve the soup in individual bread bowls—it’s always a crowd-pleaser and adds a rustic flair. Garnishing with microgreens or edible flowers takes the presentation up a notch if you want something a little fancy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the noodles soak up too much broth overnight, just stir in a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating—it helps loosen it right up.

Freezing

Freezing works well if you separate the noodles before freezing. That way, you avoid sogginess. Freeze the broth and shredded chicken in a zip-top freezer bag or container for up to 3 months and add fresh noodles when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat. Add fresh noodles or a bit of broth if needed. This careful reheating keeps the chicken tender and the soup fresh-tasting without overcooking the noodles.

FAQs

  1. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this soup?

    Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and still yields delicious results. Just add it after the broth is heated and skip the step of cooking raw chicken in the soup. You’ll still want to simmer the veggies and broth for that rich flavor.

  2. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

    You can! Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip the chicken. Consider adding tofu or chickpeas for protein and extra veggies like mushrooms to deepen the flavor.

  3. How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?

    Add the noodles toward the end of cooking and keep an eye on them, cooking just until tender. If storing leftovers, add fresh noodles when reheating to keep perfect texture.

  4. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

    Yes! Soup often tastes even better the next day. Store it without noodles and add them fresh when reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe has a special place in my heart because it’s both simple and soul-satisfying. Whenever I need a pick-me-up or a meal that feels like home, I turn to this soup. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy the process as much as the delicious comfort it brings to your table.

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Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 128 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

A comforting and flavorful homestyle chicken noodle soup made with fresh vegetables, herbs, tender chicken, and egg noodles, simmered in a rich chicken broth and finished with parmesan cheese and parsley. This versatile recipe can be prepared on the stovetop, in a crockpot, or an instant pot, perfect for warming up any day.


Ingredients

Sauté Base

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 shallots, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 ribs celery, chopped
  • 6 carrots, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf

Liquids and Broth

  • 1/3 cup dry sherry
  • 8 cups low sodium chicken broth

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2-3 cups egg noodles
  • 1/3 cup shaved parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley


Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables and Herbs: Melt together the olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened. Add shallots, garlic, celery, carrots, thyme, sage, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper and cook for an additional 5 minutes to develop flavors.
  2. Add Liquids and Chicken: Pour in the dry sherry and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Stir in the chicken breasts or thighs, bay leaf, and if available, a parmesan rind. Cover the pot and reduce heat to simmer for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Alternatively, the soup can be simmered on low heat for 4-6 hours for deeper flavor.
  3. Shred Chicken and Add Noodles: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Discard the parmesan rind and bay leaf from the soup. Return shredded chicken to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup back to a boil and add the egg noodles. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the noodles are tender.
  4. Finish and Serve: Stir in shaved parmesan cheese and chopped parsley to enrich the soup. Serve hot, garnished with additional parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier texture.
  • If you don’t have a parmesan rind, the soup will still be delicious without it.
  • Adjust seasoning after cooking, especially salt, as broth and cheese add saltiness.
  • This recipe can also be made in a crockpot or instant pot following the alternate method instructions for convenience.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute egg noodles with gluten-free pasta.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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