Nothing beats a warm, comforting bowl of soup on a chilly day—especially when it’s a Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe made from scratch. This classic homemade chicken noodle soup, bursting with fresh veggies, tender shredded chicken, and wide egg noodles, is my go-to for cozy nights in.

A white bowl filled with clear yellow broth soup holds wide, flat egg noodles with a soft texture floating on top. There are thin slices of orange carrots, small pieces of light green celery, and shredded light brown chicken pieces scattered evenly through the soup. Bright green chopped parsley is sprinkled over everything, adding a fresh touch. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface, showing the warm colors of the soup clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this soup countless times, and every batch comes out just right—rich broth, perfectly tender chicken, and noodles that soak it all up beautifully. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, and I can’t wait for you to try it.

Made with fresh vegetables: Adds vibrant flavor and natural sweetness that make this soup truly special.
Uses wide egg noodles: Their hearty texture holds up perfectly without getting mushy.
Quick and easy prep: Ready in just 45 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend meal.
Customizable finishing touches: Fresh parsley or dill and a splash of lemon brighten the flavors beautifully.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before we dive in, here’s a quick look at the ingredients that make this soup shine. I always recommend picking the freshest vegetables you can find and using a good-quality rotisserie chicken—it saves time and amps up the flavor.

Flat lay of a whole large yellow onion, three medium bright orange carrots cut into thick rounds, three fresh green celery stalks sliced, three unpeeled garlic cloves, a few small white ceramic bowls—one with golden unsalted butter, one with coarse kosher salt crystals, one with freshly ground black pepper, two simple white ceramic bowls holding fresh sprigs of thyme and two dried brown bay leaves, a pile of shredded cooked chicken breast pieces, six ounces of dried extra-wide egg noodles arranged neatly, a small bunch of fresh leafy parsley, and half a large bright yellow lemon wedge placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Yellow onion: The foundation for building rich, savory flavor in the broth.
Carrots: Sweetness and color that balance the savory elements.
Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and aromatic depth.
Garlic: Brightens and deepens the overall flavor.
Unsalted butter or olive oil: For gently sautéing the veggies and adding richness.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning layers throughout the cooking process.
Freshly ground black pepper: Offers that gentle kick without overpowering.
Low-sodium chicken broth: The soul of this soup—full of comforting, savory goodness.
Fresh thyme sprigs: Infuse a woodsy herbal note that complements the chicken beautifully.
Dried bay leaves: Boost the broth’s complexity with subtle earthiness.
Rotisserie chicken or cooked boneless chicken: Tender, flavorful protein that’s super easy to shred.
Dried extra-wide egg noodles: Perfect for soaking up broth without falling apart.
Fresh parsley or dill: Added at the end for a fresh, green pop of flavor.
Lemon (optional): A squeeze of bright acidity to lift and balance the hearty soup.

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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.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to adjust flavors or swap ingredients to suit your mood or dietary needs, this soup welcomes your personal touch with open arms.

Vegetarian Variation: Swap the chicken broth with vegetable broth and use sautéed mushrooms or tofu for a hearty boost. I tried this once when guests requested a vegetarian option, and I was amazed at how comforting and flavorful it still felt without the chicken.
Fresh Noodles Twist: Using fresh egg noodles instead of dried ones makes the soup feel extra homey and soft, though it reduces the cooking time significantly—just keep an eye so they don’t get mushy!
Herb Boost: Feel free to double up on fresh herbs like thyme, dill, or parsley to add even more brightness. I often sprinkle some extra dill at the end for a lovely fresh lift that pairs beautifully with lemon.
Spiced-Up Version: For a little zing, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika. It’s a small twist but one of my favorite ways to warm up the soup on chilly nights.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

A beige pot holds a mix of chopped vegetables including bright orange carrot cubes, pale green celery pieces, and translucent white onion chunks, all slightly cooked and shiny with oil. On top of the vegetables lies a small bunch of fresh green thyme sprigs tied together, two long green bay leaves, and a heap of finely chopped pale yellow garlic. A light wooden spoon rests in the pot, touching the vegetables and herbs. The scene is set against a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies for Maximum Flavor

Start by dicing one large yellow onion until you have about 2 cups—this humble veggie builds the base of your soup's flavor. Then peel and slice three medium carrots into half-inch rounds, and slice three celery stalks the same way. Mince three garlic cloves to release their aromatic punch. I find tossing all these prepped veggies in a big bowl keeps things organized and speeds up the cooking flow.

Step 2: Sauté to Soften and Sweeten

Melt two tablespoons of unsalted butter or heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your chopped veggies along with 2 ½ teaspoons kosher salt and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Stir occasionally as you sauté until the onion turns translucent and the veggies start to soften—about five minutes. You'll notice the kitchen fills with a gentle sweetness when they're just right, which tells you the soup is off to a great start.

Step 3: Add Broth & Herbs and Bring to a Boil

Pour in two cartons (64 ounces) of low-sodium chicken broth to your pot, then tuck in five sprigs of fresh thyme and two dried bay leaves. Crank up the heat to medium-high and bring everything to a rolling boil. This step infuses your soup with deep, herbal flavor as it heats up, preparing the perfect stage for the chicken and noodles.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken While Broth Heats

Get your chicken ready by shredding about 3 cups from a 2 ½- to 3-pound rotisserie chicken or use cooked, boneless chicken. Two forks work best for pulling the meat into bite-sized pieces that will be tender and easy to eat. I like doing this step while the broth is coming to a boil to keep the workflow smooth and efficient.

Step 5: Combine Chicken & Noodles, Then Simmer

Once the broth boils, stir in the shredded chicken and 6 ounces of dried extra-wide egg noodles (about 3 ¼ cups). Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook the noodles until they are just shy of al dente—about 6 to 7 minutes, which is roughly a minute less than what the package suggests. This little tip ensures the noodles remain perfectly tender without turning mushy when you reheat leftovers.

Step 6: Final Touches to Brighten and Season

Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves from the pot and discard them. Finely chop about ¼ cup of fresh parsley or dill (using leaves and tender stems) and stir it into the soup for a fresh pop of color and flavor. If you like, squeeze in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice from half a large lemon—this adds a perfect citrus brightness that lifts the whole bowl. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more kosher salt if needed. Now your Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is ready to warm your soul!

Top Tip

Making a delicious batch of this Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe becomes even more satisfying when you follow a few simple tips that bring out the best flavors and textures.

Choose the Right Noodles: I’ve found that using extra-wide egg noodles gives the soup a wonderful, hearty bite. If you switch to fresh noodles, just reduce the cooking time by a couple of minutes to keep them perfectly tender.
Shred Chicken Timing: Shredding the chicken while the broth is heating helps keep the cooking process smooth and efficient. Plus, it means your soup comes together faster.
Fresh Herbs Finish Strong: Adding freshly chopped parsley or dill right at the end brightens the soup with a fresh flavor that takes it up a notch—trust me, it makes all the difference!
Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: Squeezing in the juice of half a large lemon adds just the right zing and helps balance the savory richness. It’s a step I almost never miss and you won’t want to either.

How to Serve Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with chicken noodle soup shows a warm broth with visible pieces of shredded chicken in light beige, rounds of bright orange carrots, green celery chunks, and flat wide noodles floating in the mixture. Small green parsley leaves sprinkle over the top for color contrast, and a silver spoon scoops up a noodle, carrot piece, and chicken. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface that adds a clean background. The soup has three main layers: the clear golden broth as the base, chicken and vegetables distributed throughout, and noodles resting across the surface along with herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup extra special at the table, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a few crumbled crispy bacon bits on top. A dash of crushed red pepper flakes adds a nice kick for those who love a little heat. For a lovely aroma and color contrast, finish with a small handful of chopped fresh parsley or dill right before serving.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread like a fresh baguette or sourdough for dipping, or a soft buttermilk biscuit if you want something more indulgent. For a lighter accompaniment, a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the soup’s bright, comforting flavors perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your warm bowl, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The soup will keep well for up to 3 days. Just give the soup a good stir before reheating, as the noodles tend to settle at the bottom.

Freezing

Freezing your Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is a bit tricky because the noodles can become mushy. If you want to freeze it, consider storing the broth and chicken separately from the noodles. Freeze each in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw completely and cook fresh noodles to add just before serving.

Reheating

Reheat your soup gently over medium heat on the stovetop to separate the flavors without breaking down the noodles too much. Stir frequently and add a splash of chicken broth or water if it looks too thick. If reheating in the microwave, use short bursts of time and stir in between to heat evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh egg noodles instead of dried?

Absolutely! Fresh egg noodles are a great substitute and will give a softer texture. Just be sure to reduce the cooking time by a minute or two because fresh noodles cook faster than dried.

What’s the best way to shred the chicken?

Using two forks is my go-to method for shredding rotisserie or cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. It’s quick, efficient, and keeps the chicken tender without turning it mushy.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! Simply swap the unsalted butter for olive oil when sautéing the vegetables and avoid any cheese garnishes. The soup will still be flavorful and comforting.

How do I keep the broth clear?

If you prefer a clearer broth, strain it before adding the vegetables and chicken. This prevents cloudiness and results in a lighter, cleaner-tasting soup.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of this Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe — it’s like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving a classic homemade meal, this soup is reliably delicious and easy to prepare. I hope these tips and serving suggestions inspire you to make it your go-to comfort food that nourishes both body and soul. Happy cooking, and enjoy every spoonful!