If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, look no further than my Ultimate Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup.

It’s the perfect balance of savory chicken, tender vegetables, and hearty egg noodles, all simmered in a flavorful broth.

Whether you’re battling a cold or simply seeking something cozy on a chilly day, this soup will warm you up from the inside out.

Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or even fresh chicken for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients List

Soup Ingredients

1 Tablespoon olive oil
2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
2 ribs of celery, chopped
1/2 cup onion, chopped
10 cups chicken stock
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
3 cups cooked and shredded chicken (see notes for using fresh chicken)
8 oz egg noodles
Salt & pepper to taste

Required Kitchen Tools

Having the right tools makes cooking this hearty Chicken Noodle Soup much easier. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Large Stock Pot: A large pot is essential for simmering the chicken stock, vegetables, and noodles together.
Wooden Spoon or Stirring Spoon: For stirring the soup ingredients as they cook, ensuring they mix together perfectly.
Chopping Knife: A sharp knife will make chopping the carrots, celery, and onion quick and easy.
Measuring Spoons: For measuring out the thyme, basil, and other seasonings to create the perfect flavor.
Ladle: Ideal for serving the soup in bowls without any mess.

These kitchen tools will ensure that you’re fully prepared to make this comforting and flavorful soup.

Preparing the Soup

This Chicken Noodle Soup is incredibly easy to prepare, making it the perfect weeknight dinner or lunch. Here’s how to get started and cook it to perfection.

Cooking the Vegetables

Sauté the Veggies: Heat the olive oil in a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Add the sliced carrots, chopped celery, and chopped onion to the pot. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the veggies to become tender but not overly soft.

Adding the Broth and Seasonings

Add the Chicken Stock: Once the vegetables have softened, pour in the 10 cups of chicken stock. Stir in the bay leaf, dried thyme, and dried basil. These herbs will infuse the broth with that comforting, savory flavor that makes this soup so special.
Bring to a Boil: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 20-40 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, 20 minutes is fine, but the longer you simmer it, the richer the flavors will become.

Adding the Chicken and Noodles

Now that the soup has had time to simmer and develop those beautiful flavors, it’s time to add the chicken and noodles to complete this hearty dish.

Adding the Shredded Chicken and Noodles

Add the Chicken: Stir in your 3 cups of cooked and shredded chicken. This is a great way to use up leftover chicken, but if you’re using fresh chicken, just cook and shred it before adding it to the soup.
Incorporate the Noodles: Once the chicken is in, add the 8 oz of egg noodles to the pot. Stir everything together and allow the noodles to cook for about 10 minutes. You’ll want to make sure the noodles are tender and the chicken is heated through.

Seasoning to Taste

Taste and Season: After the noodles are cooked, give the soup a taste. Add salt and pepper as needed to balance out the flavors. This is your chance to adjust the seasoning and make the soup just right for your taste buds!

Serving and Storing the Soup

Now that your soup is ready, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! This Chicken Noodle Soup is perfect for serving hot on a cold day, and it’s just as tasty as leftovers.

Serving the Soup

Ladle into Bowls: Use a ladle to serve generous portions of soup into bowls. For an extra burst of flavor and color, garnish with some fresh, chopped parsley on top. It’s a simple touch that makes the soup look and taste even better!
Pair with Crusty Bread: This soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a warm roll on the side. It’s perfect for dipping and making the meal even more satisfying.

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (though it’s hard to resist), you can store this Chicken Noodle Soup for later enjoyment:

How to Store: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing. Transfer it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing the Soup: If you want to store the soup for a longer period, you can freeze it. Place the soup in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat on the stove until heated through.