Name: Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into thin rounds; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 8 cups (2 liters) low-sodium chicken broth; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well); 2 cups (about 150 g) wide egg noodles; 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves); 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped); 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste); ½ teaspoon black pepper; Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness); ; Extra parsley, for garnish

Few dishes bring the same comfort and warmth as a bowl of chicken noodle soup. It’s the ultimate remedy for chilly days, long weeks, or moments when only a nourishing homemade meal will do. The beauty of chicken noodle soup lies in its simplicity—it requires only a handful of pantry staples and a short amount of time, yet it delivers a rich, savory flavor that feels like home.

This quick and easy chicken noodle soup recipe is perfect for weeknights, busy schedules, or anyone craving comfort without spending hours in the kitchen. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and slurp-worthy noodles simmered in a flavorful broth, it’s a meal that pleases the whole family.

Ingredients

This recipe makes about 6 servings. Use fresh ingredients for the best results:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
2 celery stalks, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups (2 liters) low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well)
2 cups (about 150 g) wide egg noodles
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped)
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)
Extra parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the chicken broth. Add thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

Once boiling, add the egg noodles. Cook according to package directions, usually 6–8 minutes, until the noodles are tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Add the Chicken

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the cooked chicken and simmer for another 3–4 minutes, just until the chicken is heated through and the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Finish the Soup

Remove the bay leaf. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning as needed with more salt or pepper. For a fresh, bright note, squeeze in lemon juice before serving.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm. Pair with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.

Conservation and Storage

Chicken noodle soup stores well, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.

Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep in mind that noodles continue to absorb broth, so the soup may thicken over time.
Freezing: If freezing, prepare the soup without noodles (as they don’t freeze well). Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, add freshly cooked noodles directly into the soup.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.

Variations

One of the best things about chicken noodle soup is how adaptable it is. Here are some tasty variations to try:

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or evaporated milk after adding the chicken for a richer, creamier texture.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or stir in 1 tablespoon of hot sauce for a warming kick.
Vegetable Boost: Toss in peas, corn, or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrients.
Gluten-Free Option: Replace egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice.
Asian-Inspired Flavor: Add a splash of soy sauce and a drizzle of sesame oil, then garnish with green onions.
Slow Cooker Method: Combine all ingredients except noodles in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours. Add noodles in the last 20 minutes of cooking.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

Use rotisserie chicken for convenience—it adds flavor and saves time.
For deeper flavor, simmer the broth with the bay leaf and herbs for 10 minutes before adding the noodles.
Avoid overcooking the noodles by following the package instructions carefully.
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving—broth brands vary in saltiness.
Add lemon juice at the end for a bright, fresh finish.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken noodle soup is versatile and pairs well with many sides. Consider these serving ideas:

Classic Pairing: Serve with warm, crusty bread or buttered rolls.
Light Option: Pair with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
Comfort Combo: Add grilled cheese sandwiches or simple quesadillas.
For Entertaining: Serve in mugs as a starter before a main course.
Kid-Friendly: Offer with crackers or mini breadsticks for easy dipping.

Conclusion

Quick and easy chicken noodle soup proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a hearty, flavorful soup in less than 40 minutes. Its flexibility allows for endless variations, and its storage-friendly nature makes it perfect for meal prepping.

Whether you’re fighting off a cold, looking for a cozy dinner, or simply craving a nourishing homemade meal, this recipe delivers every time. Warm, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable, chicken noodle soup remains a timeless classic—and now you have a reliable version to make your own.

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Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Few dishes bring the same comfort and warmth as a bowl of chicken noodle soup. This quick and easy version delivers tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and flavorful broth in under 40 minutes—perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely diced

2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into thin rounds

2 celery stalks, sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

8 cups (2 liters) low-sodium chicken broth

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well)

2 cups (about 150 g) wide egg noodles

1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)

1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped)

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)

½ teaspoon black pepper

Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)

Extra parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

Step 2: Add the Broth and Seasonings
Pour in chicken broth. Add thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring to a gentle boil.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Add egg noodles to boiling broth. Cook 6–8 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Add the Chicken
Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in cooked chicken. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to warm through.

Step 5: Finish the Soup
Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasonings. Add lemon juice for brightness, if desired.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley, and serve warm with bread or crackers.