Best Chicken Noodle Soup with Egg Noodles Recipe

If you’re craving that cozy, heartwarming comfort food that hugs you from the inside out, you’ve come to the right place. I’m thrilled to share my Best Chicken Noodle Soup with Egg Noodles Recipe—it’s the kind of soup that instantly soothes a chilly day or a feeling-you-need-a-little-love moment. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich, Homemade Flavor: This soup uses fresh herbs and real chicken broth for a depth of taste that store-bought versions just can’t match.
  • Perfectly Tender Chicken: Cooking the chicken gently in the broth makes it so juicy and easy to shred—no dry chicken here!
  • Egg Noodles That Hold Up: I found egg noodles bring that perfect bite without getting mushy too quickly.
  • Family Favorite: My crew goes crazy for this one, and I bet yours will too (it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making the Best Chicken Noodle Soup with Egg Noodles Recipe, keeping things simple is key. I love using classic, fresh ingredients that create a balanced, hearty soup every time.

  • Olive oil: Use a good-quality olive oil to sauté your veggies—it adds just a subtle richness.
  • Yellow onion: This adds a mild sweetness and depth to the broth when cooked down.
  • Carrots: Fresh carrots give both color and a natural sweetness that balances the savory broth.
  • Celery: Adds that classic soup flavor and a little crunch before it softens.
  • Garlic: Minced fresh garlic makes a huge difference in flavor—skip the powder here.
  • Chicken broth or stock: I always use homemade or a quality store-bought broth for fullness of flavor.
  • Chicken breasts or thighs: I prefer thighs for juiciness, but breasts work if you want leaner meat.
  • Black pepper: Freshly cracked gives a brighter, peppery kick to the soup.
  • Kosher salt: Balances all the flavors perfectly—season carefully as you go!
  • Dried oregano: Brings a warm, herbal note that complements the thyme beautifully.
  • Fresh thyme: Adds a subtle earthiness that’s just magic in chicken soup.
  • Bay leaves: These gently infuse the broth with an aromatic depth.
  • Egg noodles: The star noodle for this recipe—soft, slightly chewy, and perfect for soaking up broth.
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.

Variations

I like to think of this Best Chicken Noodle Soup with Egg Noodles Recipe as a starting point you can tweak to make your own. Sometimes I go all in with veggies. Other times, I keep it simple and classic.

  • Vegetable boost: Adding diced zucchini or peas works wonderfully—and I swear my kids never complain!
  • Use chicken thighs: I find thighs give an extra juicy, flavorful result that’s hard to beat.
  • Gluten-free noodles: Swap egg noodles for rice noodles or gluten-free pasta to fit dietary needs without losing yum.
  • Spice it up: When I want a little kick, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes does the trick.

How to Make Best Chicken Noodle Soup with Egg Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Flavor Base

Warm your olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and diced celery. Stir and sauté these veggies for about 4 minutes until they start to soften and become fragrant. The aroma at this step always gets me excited! Then add your minced garlic and cook for just one more minute—don’t let it burn, or you’ll get a bitter taste.

Step 2: Build the Broth and Cook the Chicken

Pour in your chicken broth, then nestle in the chicken pieces. Sprinkle in the kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, dried oregano, fresh thyme, and toss in the bay leaves. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Cover the pot, leaving the lid slightly askew to let some steam escape, and let the chicken cook until it’s tender and shreds easily—about 15 minutes. I like to shred it right there in the pot using two forks. You can shred into bigger chunks if you want a more rustic feel or finer pieces if your family prefers that.

Step 3: Add the Egg Noodles and Finish Cooking

Once your chicken is shredded and back in the broth, turn up the heat slightly until the soup comes to a low boil. Add your egg noodles and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes, or until the noodles are perfectly al dente. I always keep a close eye here because egg noodles can overcook and get mushy quickly, and that’s a no-go in my kitchen. When done, give your soup a final taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Serve with Some Love

Ladle your soup into bowls and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. This step is totally optional, but it makes the soup feel extra special. I usually serve it alongside crusty bread or crackers to soak up every last drop. My family absolutely devours it that way!

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Pro Tips for Making Best Chicken Noodle Soup with Egg Noodles Recipe

  • Don’t Rush the Chicken: Let the chicken simmer gently so it stays juicy and shreds effortlessly—overcooked chicken gets dry fast.
  • Add Noodles Last: Cooking noodles in the stew is fantastic, but add them just before serving to keep them from getting mushy in leftovers.
  • Fresh Herbs Boost Flavor: While dried herbs work, I always throw in fresh thyme at the end because it lifts the whole soup.
  • Save Some Broth: When reheating leftovers, add extra broth to loosen the soup since noodles soak it up.

How to Serve Best Chicken Noodle Soup with Egg Noodles Recipe

A close-up view of a spoon lifting a portion of chicken noodle soup from a bowl with a white marbled texture surface. The soup has multiple layers starting with a clear golden broth at the bottom, filled with shredded white chicken meat mixed with soft yellowish egg noodles. The soup also shows bright orange carrot slices mixed evenly among the chicken and noodles. Scattered small green parsley leaves add a fresh touch throughout the soup. The shiny silver spoon holds a mix of these ingredients with broth dripping off slightly, showing texture and color contrast. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh parsley on top for a touch of brightness and that fresh herbal kick. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice if I want a little tang. For a cozy, homey feel, a pat of butter melted right into the hot soup is downright comforting.

Side Dishes

Serving this soup with crusty bread is my go-to—whether it’s a baguette or some soft dinner rolls. Garlic bread works beautifully if you want to ramp things up. I’ve also had success pairing it with simple side salads or steamed green beans for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, I’ve served this soup in little bread bowls—kids and adults both loved the fun presentation. On chilly evenings, I like to add a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche swirl on top for extra richness. If you’re making it for guests, ladling into pretty bowls with fresh herb sprigs makes a lovely impression.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chicken noodle soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days. Since the noodles soak up broth over time, I usually add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to refresh it. This keeps the noodles from becoming too thick or gummy.

Freezing

Freezing this soup is a lifesaver for busy days! Just make sure to freeze it without the egg noodles because they don’t hold up well and get mushy. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the soup and add fresh noodles during reheating for that perfect texture.

Reheating

I gently reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and adding a little broth if it looks too thick. You can also microwave individual servings but be careful not to overcook the noodles. Adding fresh parsley during reheating keeps it looking and tasting fresh.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Best Chicken Noodle Soup with Egg Noodles Recipe?

    Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually my personal favorite because they stay more tender and juicy during cooking. They add a richer flavor, too. Just be sure to adjust your cooking time slightly if they’re bone-in, and shred off the bones before serving.

  2. How do I prevent the egg noodles from getting mushy?

    The key is to add the egg noodles at the very end of cooking—just before serving. If you’re making soup ahead, keep the noodles separate and add fresh ones when reheating. This keeps them firm and perfectly al dente.

  3. Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

    You can! Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and use tofu or plant-based chicken substitutes. For egg noodles, look for vegan options or use pasta made without eggs. Just remember that the flavor profile will be different but still delicious!

  4. What’s the best way to store leftover soup?

    Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to five days. Since egg noodles absorb broth over time, add a little extra broth or water when reheating to maintain that perfect soup consistency.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so comforting about a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup, and this Best Chicken Noodle Soup with Egg Noodles Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for good reason. Whether you’re nursing a cold, feeding hungry kids, or simply craving a taste of home, this soup has you covered. It’s easy, flavorful, and feels like a hug in a bowl. I can’t wait for you to make it and fall in love just like my family did—enjoy every spoonful!

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Best Chicken Noodle Soup with Egg Noodles Recipe

Best Chicken Noodle Soup with Egg Noodles Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 260 reviews
  • Author: Hannah
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

A comforting and classic chicken noodle soup made with tender shredded chicken, savory vegetables, and egg noodles simmered in a flavorful chicken broth. Perfect for a cozy meal anytime, this soup is easy to prepare and great for meal prep or freezing.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 cup sliced carrots
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic

Soup Base

  • 8 cups chicken broth or stock
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves

Pasta

  • 6 oz egg noodles, or your favorite small pasta noodles

Instructions

  1. Sauté vegetables: In a large dutch oven over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and diced celery, stirring occasionally, and sauté for approximately 4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
  2. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute, releasing its aroma but avoiding browning.
  3. Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the chicken breasts or thighs, kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, dried oregano, minced fresh thyme, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine.
  4. Simmer chicken: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat. Cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape and cook until the chicken is tender and easily shredded, about 15 minutes.
  5. Shred chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken into the broth to your preferred size, either larger chunks or finely shredded.
  6. Cook noodles: Raise the heat to bring the soup to a low boil. Add the egg noodles and cook for 6 to 7 minutes until the pasta is al dente.
  7. Serve: Remove bay leaves and ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve warm, accompanied by your favorite bread or crackers.

Notes

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave; add extra broth when reheating as noodles tend to absorb liquid.
  • Freezing: The soup freezes well without the noodles to prevent them from becoming mushy. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Add fresh noodles when reheating.
  • Make Ahead: Ideal for meal prep, make a large batch and refrigerate. Add noodles fresh when ready to serve to maintain their texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg

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