Chicken noodle soup is my ultimate kitchen hug—seriously, it’s the only thing that can rescue me from a wild weeknight or a never-ending sniffle. First, you know those days when your brain feels like leftover pasta and you just want to wrap yourself in a blanket? That’s when I crave this soup the most. I always keep noodles and chicken on standby, just in case the craving hits (which is often, let’s be honest).
Also, nothing beats the feeling of coming home to the smell of chicken noodle soup bubbling away in the slow cooker. My family swears it has magical powers—one bowl and suddenly everyone’s mood is lighter, even if I forgot to chop the carrots evenly (oops). So, if you love a recipe that forgives your quirks and delivers comfort with every spoonful, you’re in the right place.
My Kitchen Story
First, let me confess: my slow cooker and I have a complicated relationship. Sometimes, I forget to plug it in; sometimes, I get distracted by a wild pasta chase across the kitchen floor. However, when I nail it, chicken noodle soup saves the day. There was one winter night—kids squabbling, dog barking, and me desperately Googling Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Comfort In Every Spoonful—when I realized, this isn’t just soup. It’s a lifeline.
Then, the slow cooker does the heavy lifting. I toss in the onion, carrots, celery, and chicken, and the whole house smells like a hug. Even if I’m running late (again), dinner’s ready. That’s why I keep coming back to this recipe. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable—sometimes I swap egg noodles for pasta twists, or sneak in extra veggies when no one’s looking.
What Makes It Stand Out
So, what’s the secret sauce? First, it’s the slow simmer that lets flavors mingle, making each spoonful taste like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen (even if you were really just binge-watching your favorite show). Also, the chicken turns out juicy enough to make you forget about dry, sad dinners of the past. If you’re after more inspiration, you’ll love The Best Cozy Turkish Chicken Noodle Soup—trust me, it’s a flavor adventure. Finally, chicken noodle soup is the original dinner fixer, perfect for busy nights or lazy Sundays.
What You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Yellow onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Carrots, sliced | 1 cup |
| Celery, diced | 1 cup |
| Minced garlic | 2 tablespoons |
| Chicken broth or stock | 8 cups |
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs | 2 pounds |
| Freshly cracked black pepper | 2 teaspoons |
| Kosher salt | 1 ½ teaspoons |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Minced fresh thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Egg noodles or small pasta noodles | 6 oz |
Handy Kitchen Helpers
First, let’s talk about the Dutch oven. This sturdy pot is the heart of classic chicken noodle soup, and it helps everything simmer evenly. You could use a large soup pot if that’s what you have, but the Dutch oven holds heat like a champ and really brings out the flavors. If you’re in the mood for slow cooker meals, you could swap to a Crockpot for that cozy, set-it-and-forget-it feel. Just know your cooking times will stretch out a bit.
Also, a good sharp knife makes prepping the veggies quick and easy. I always keep a wooden spoon handy for stirring, and two forks for shredding the chicken once it’s tender. If you’re craving a twist, try different noodles—egg noodles are classic, but rice noodles work great for a lighter Chicken Pasta Soup or even a Turkey Noodle Soup variation after the holidays. For more on healthy swaps and family-friendly nutrition, you can check out this helpful guide from MyPlate.gov.
Finally, don’t forget to serve your chicken noodle soup with a hunk of crusty bread or crackers on the side. If you’re on the hunt for more comforting Dinner Recipes or crave creamy flavors, you might like this Creamy Ranch Chicken—it’s a crockpot favorite in my house. There’s just something about a steaming bowl of soup that brings everyone to the table, no matter the weather!
Step-by-step method for a One-Pot recipe
Step 1
First, warm the olive oil in a large Dutch oven set over medium heat. Then, toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Stir and sauté for about four minutes, just until the vegetables start to soften and you catch that familiar, cozy aroma of homemade chicken noodle soup.
Step 2
Next, add the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute. Afterward, pour in the chicken broth and gently nestle in the chicken breasts or thighs. Sprinkle in black pepper, kosher salt, oregano, thyme, and drop in the bay leaves. Cover the pot partially, leaving the lid slightly ajar, and bring everything to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is tender enough to shred easily with two forks.
Step 3
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it into pieces—big or small, it’s up to you. Then, return the chicken to the pot. Raise the heat and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Now, add the egg noodles and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, just until al dente. Finally, ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and your favorite bread or crackers. There’s nothing quite like a classic Chicken Pasta Soup made in one pot.
Tips and tricks to make this One-Pot recipe shine
First, don’t rush the sauté step—it really builds the base flavor for your chicken noodle soup. If you like a heartier texture, try using extra carrots or even toss in a handful of spinach at the end. Also, if you’re searching for more Dinner Recipes that come together in one pot, check out this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe For A Healthy Weeknight Dinner for another cozy meal. For those who enjoy experimenting, swap egg noodles for rice noodles and you’ll have a tasty spin on Rice Noodle Soup. Finally, if you’re pressed for time, using rotisserie chicken can speed things up. And for a truly set-it-and-forget-it meal, this Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Recipe Easy Dump And Go Crockpot Dinner is another family favorite. Remember, a little imperfection in chopping veggies just adds to the homemade charm!
What to serve with this One-Pot recipe
First, when you make chicken noodle soup, a cozy side is always a good idea. Next, classic saltine crackers or a slice of crusty bread will soak up all that delicious broth. Sometimes, I like to toss together a quick green salad for a fresh crunch. If you’re in the mood for more hearty comfort, try a simple roasted vegetable medley. Also, for those craving a little more protein, check out this One Pot Merry Me Chicken Pasta Creamy Dinner Recipe Easy And Delicious. It brings more pasta goodness to your table! For fans of zesty flavors, these Pan Fried Chicken Piccata Meatballs With Lemon And Capers Recipe offer a lemony twist that pairs beautifully with soup. Finally, don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh herbs—parsley or dill make every spoonful brighter.
How to store and reheat
Because this is a one-pot recipe, cleanup and storage are a breeze. Next, simply let your soup cool, then pop it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. If you want to freeze it, just remember to undercook the noodles a bit—they’ll soften when reheated. Reheating is easy: warm gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen things up. Also, the one-pot method means all those flavors meld together even more as it sits, so leftovers taste even better the next day! No need to fuss with extra pots or pans—just heat and serve.
FAQ
Can I use other noodles in this recipe?
Absolutely! Egg noodles are traditional, but you can swap in rice noodles or even spaghetti broken into pieces. Just keep an eye on cooking time.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, but slightly undercook your noodles before freezing. That way, they won’t get mushy when reheated.
Can I make this with turkey instead of chicken?
Definitely! Turkey noodle soup is a tasty variation, especially after a holiday meal.
How can I make it gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free noodles. Most varieties work well in this recipe.
What veggies work best in chicken noodle soup?
Carrots, celery, and onion are classics, but feel free to add peas, spinach, or even corn for more color and flavor.
Print
Chicken Noodle Soup – Full recipes (ingredients + preparation)
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Heart Healthy
Description
A comforting chicken noodle soup made with sautéed vegetables, tender shredded chicken, savory herbs, and egg noodles. Perfect to enjoy warm on any day.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup diced celery
2 tablespoons minced garlic
8 cups chicken broth or stock
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
6 oz egg noodles or your favorite small pasta noodles
Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 4 minutes.
2. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and add the chicken, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat.
4. Partially cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar and cook until the chicken is tender and easily shreds, about 15 minutes.
5. Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks, then return the shredded chicken to the pot.
6. Raise the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil, then add the egg noodles.
7. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes until the pasta is al dente.
8. Serve the soup warm, garnished with fresh chopped parsley, alongside your favorite bread or crackers.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for richer flavor.
Substitute gluten-free noodles if desired.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
Reheat gently to avoid overcooking noodles.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering, Sauteing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Finally, there’s just something comforting about a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, no matter the weather. If you’re looking for more soup noodle recipes, or even a creative twist like chicken ramen noodle recipes, we’ve got loads of ideas to keep dinner exciting. Also, if you’re a pasta lover, don’t miss our pasta soup recipes for more one-pot wonders. For daily inspiration and new dinner recipes straight to your feed, follow us on Pinterest. Thanks for cooking along with me—here’s to many more cozy meals together!