Name: Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 carrots, sliced; 2 celery ribs, sliced; 8 cups low sodium chicken stock; 1 pound uncooked chicken breasts; 8 ounce bag extra broad egg noodles; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 pounds lean ground beef; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup onion; 1 large green bell pepper; 1 large red bell pepper; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 15 ounce can tomato sauce; 28 ounce can diced tomatoes; 2 cups beef broth; 2 cups cooked rice

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 30 reviews

If you’re craving something comforting, healthy, and downright heartwarming, this Easy Chicken Noodle Soup is about to become your new go-to recipe. Brimming with vibrant vegetables, tender chicken, and slurp-worthy egg noodles, this recipe channels all the nostalgia of homemade soup with none of the fuss. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to whip up whenever anyone in the house needs a little TLC—or simply when you need to warm up from the inside out. Whether you’re serving it to family or friends, Easy Chicken Noodle Soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Chicken Noodle Soup is just how unfussy the ingredients are. Each one brings something essential to the table, from the rich undertones of chicken stock to the brightness of fresh herbs, making this soup shine with every spoonful.

Butter: Adds richness and deepens the flavor base for your vegetables.
Carrots: Bring sweetness and gorgeous vibrant color to the soup.
Celery: Imparts an earthy flavor and classic crunch that’s essential to the best chicken noodle soups.
Low sodium chicken stock: The backbone of the soup, infusing every bite with gentle, savory depth. Go for low-sodium for better seasoning control!
Uncooked chicken breasts: Poach right in the broth, so they stay juicy and tender while soaking up all those delicious flavors.
Extra broad egg noodles: Hold up beautifully in the soup and deliver that signature slurp-factor kids and adults both love.
Fresh parsley: Brings a sprightly, herbal pop that brightens up every bowl.
Fresh ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and subtle heat.

How to Make Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by melting the unsalted butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the sliced carrots and celery, giving them a good stir. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, or until they’re slightly softened and aromatic. This initial sauté builds a flavorful foundation that makes all the difference in the final taste of your Easy Chicken Noodle Soup.

Step 2: Add the Stock and Chicken

Pour the chicken stock into the pot, stirring to combine with the sautéed veggies. Nestle the uncooked chicken breasts into the broth. This method is a game-changer! Gently poaching the chicken in the soup keeps it tender and ensures it soaks up all those comforting flavors.

Step 3: Simmer

Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and let everything simmer for about 20 minutes. Check that the chicken is cooked through—no pink in the middle!—then pull it out of the pot and shred it using two forks.

Step 4: Add the Noodles

While you’re shredding the chicken, drop the egg noodles into the simmering broth. Cook according to the package instructions, usually 6-8 minutes, just until they’re al dente. Overcooked noodles can quickly turn mushy, so keep an eye on them!

Step 5: Finish with Chicken and Seasonings

Return the shredded chicken to the pot and gently stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Season generously with fresh ground black pepper, giving everything a final taste to see if you need a pinch more salt or pepper. In ten more minutes, your Easy Chicken Noodle Soup will be ready to greet hungry mouths!

How to Serve Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

Garnishes

The magic finishing touches are all about freshness and visual appeal. Sprinkle extra chopped fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice for a hint of brightness, or even a light dusting of grated Parmesan to add some savory oomph to every bowl of Easy Chicken Noodle Soup.

Side Dishes

A steaming bowl of Easy Chicken Noodle Soup begs for something on the side to help soak up every last drop of goodness. Try serving it with warm, crusty bread, flaky biscuits, or a simple green salad for a complete, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving Easy Chicken Noodle Soup can be as fun as making it! Ladle it into colorful bowls, serve it in mugs for lunch on the go, or pair small portions with mini grilled cheese sliders at your next family gathering. It’s comfort food that loves a little creativity.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the best things about Easy Chicken Noodle Soup is how well it keeps. Let the soup cool, then ladle into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s bowl even more delicious than today’s.

Freezing

If you plan to freeze your soup, consider leaving out the egg noodles (they tend to get soft after thawing). Freeze the broth, veggies, and chicken in sturdy containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw and add freshly cooked noodles for the perfect texture.

Reheating

To bring leftover Easy Chicken Noodle Soup back to life, simply reheat gently on the stove over medium heat until steaming. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, add a splash of water or chicken stock to loosen it up. Microwaving works too, just use a microwave-safe bowl and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Shred leftover rotisserie chicken and add it during the final few minutes of simmering to warm it through. It’s a terrific shortcut when you’re short on time but still want homemade flavor in your Easy Chicken Noodle Soup.

What other vegetables can I add to this soup?

You can jazz up your Easy Chicken Noodle Soup with diced potatoes, peas, corn, or even a handful of spinach. Just add your extras during the simmering stage so they have enough time to cook through but still keep some bite.

How do I keep the noodles from getting too soft?

The key is to cook the noodles until just al dente and serve the soup right away. If you’re storing or freezing, wait to add noodles until reheating to maintain that perfect texture in your Easy Chicken Noodle Soup.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not in its original form, since traditional egg noodles contain gluten. However, you can easily swap in your favorite gluten-free noodles to make a batch of Easy Chicken Noodle Soup that everyone at the table can enjoy.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, Easy Chicken Noodle Soup adapts beautifully to the slow cooker! Add all ingredients except noodles and parsley, cook on low for 6-7 hours, shred the chicken, then add the noodles and finish cooking for 20-30 minutes. Stir in parsley just before serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s something deeply satisfying about sharing a pot of homemade Easy Chicken Noodle Soup with the people you love. It’s pure comfort in a bowl, ridiculously easy to pull together, and endlessly adaptable. I hope this recipe inspires many cozy mealtimes in your kitchen—so grab those veggies and let’s get simmering!