Name: Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 Tablespoon butter; 2 ribs celery, diced; 3-4 large carrots, diced; 1 clove garlic, minced; 10 cups chicken stock or broth; 1 teaspoon salt, to taste; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary, or more to taste; 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1 teaspoon better than bouillon chicken flavor (or chicken bouillon granules), or more as needed; 1 batch homemade egg noodles, or 4 cups dry egg noodles, farfalle, or other bite-size pasta; 3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded

If you’ve ever craved the kind of comforting bowl that instantly wraps you in a warm hug, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out each time — rich, flavorful broth, tender chicken, and those perfectly cooked noodles that soak up all the goodness. When I first tried mastering this from scratch, it felt like a game-changer compared to canned soup. Stick with me, and I’ll share everything to help you nail this classic that your family will actually ask for on repeat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredible Depth of Flavor: Using chicken stock and a touch of better than bouillon creates a broth that’s rich without being overpowering.
Perfectly Tender Noodles: Whether you go homemade or store-bought, you’ll end up with noodles that aren’t mushy but still beautifully tender.
Easy Weeknight Comfort: This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy evenings or when you need a little comforting TLC.
Family Favorite Every Time: My family goes crazy for this recipe—trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become your go-to.

A large white pot with red handles, filled with chicken noodle soup, sits on a white marbled surface. The soup has a clear golden broth with small pieces of cooked chicken, wide flat egg noodles, bright orange carrot slices, and green celery bits all mixed together. A black ladle scoops up a portion of the soup, showing the layers of noodles, chicken, carrots, and celery clearly. Some fresh parsley is sprinkled on top, adding small green flecks throughout the soup. A few whole carrots and sprigs of parsley lie out of focus in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, homemade chicken noodle soup, comforting chicken noodle soup, easy chicken noodle soup, best chicken noodle soup

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe brings together simple, wholesome ingredients that balance each other perfectly. I always recommend fresh veggies and rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.

Flat lay of a small pat of butter, two fresh celery ribs with leaves, three large bright orange carrots, one clove of garlic unpeeled, a small white bowl of golden chicken stock, a small white bowl of coarse salt, a small white bowl of freshly ground black pepper, a small white bowl with dried rosemary, a small white bowl with dried thyme, a small white bowl with crushed red pepper flakes, a neat pile of homemade egg noodles, a small heap of shredded rotisserie chicken meat, 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 - Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, homemade chicken noodle soup, comforting chicken noodle soup, easy chicken noodle soup, best chicken noodle soup

Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the veggies perfectly without sticking.
Celery: Provides a subtle crunch and classic flavor base—don’t skip it!
Carrots: Sweetness and color that brighten the broth’s flavor.
Garlic: Just a little punch to elevate the overall taste.
Chicken stock or broth: The heart of your soup—opt for quality stock for the best results.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings—always taste as you go.
Dried rosemary and thyme: These herbs add a lovely earthy aroma and depth.
Crushed red pepper flakes: A pinch adds just the right hint of warmth.
Homemade egg noodles or dry pasta: Homemade noodles are a dream here, but quality dry noodles like farfalle work well too.
Rotisserie chicken: Super convenient and flavorful, making the recipe quick and fuss-free.
Better than bouillon chicken flavor or bouillon granules: A little secret I use to boost the broth’s flavor without extra salt.

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 love how flexible this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is! You can tweak it to match your family’s taste or what you have available in the fridge. Here are a few variations I often try out.

Gluten-Free Version: I swapped in gluten-free pasta one time for a friend and it turned out surprisingly good—just cook the noodles until tender but not mushy.
Spicy Kick: On colder days, I add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to warm things up.
Vegetable Boost: Sometimes, I toss in peas or chopped spinach near the end for added color and nutrition.
Herb Variations: Fresh herbs like parsley or dill added just before serving take the soup to another level.

How to Make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by melting your butter in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced celery and carrots and sauté for about 3 minutes until they start to soften — you’re looking for that gentle caramelization that brings out their sweetness. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Be careful here; garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it and stir constantly.

Step 2: Build Your Flavorful Broth

Pour in the chicken stock and add your dried rosemary, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. I always give the broth a taste at this point because soup can easily get too salty if you overdo it. If you want an extra depth of flavor, this is when I stir in a teaspoon (or a bit more to taste) of better than bouillon chicken flavor. It’s my little secret to take the broth from good to wow.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles Just Right

Bring the broth to a rolling boil and gently stir in your noodles. If you’re using homemade egg noodles, they usually cook really quickly, so keep a close eye on them. For store-bought dry pasta, cook just until al dente—the noodles will keep softening after you remove the pot from the heat, so pull them off a little early to avoid mushiness.

Step 4: Add the Chicken and Final Seasoning

Shred the rotisserie chicken meat and fold it into the soup. This adds fantastic flavor and protein with minimal effort. Give the soup one last taste and adjust seasonings—maybe a pinch more salt, pepper, or herbs—until it feels just right for you. That finishing step is what makes it feel homemade and heartfelt.

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Pro Tips for Making Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Use Rotisserie Chicken: I discovered this trick to cut down prep time while keeping it tasty—rotisserie chicken adds great flavor and juicy texture.
Don’t Overcook Noodles: Once you remove the pot from the heat, the noodles keep cooking in the hot broth, so pull them out just shy of done.
Taste as You Go: Soup salting is all about balance—start with less salt and adjust after adding the bouillon for extra umami.
Sauté Veggies Gently: I always take the time to soften my celery and carrots before adding broth—it brings out their natural sweetness and enhances the soup’s flavor.

How to Serve Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

A white bowl is filled with chicken noodle soup showing three main layers: the clear golden broth with tiny green herbs floating, soft wide flat noodles in light yellow twisting through the soup, and bright vegetable pieces including orange carrot rounds and green celery slices scattered along with small pale chunks of white cooked chicken. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and there is a shiny spoon in the background. The photo looks fresh and warm, inviting to eat. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, homemade chicken noodle soup, comforting chicken noodle soup, easy chicken noodle soup, best chicken noodle soup

Garnishes

I like to top my bowls with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a pinch of cracked black pepper. Sometimes, a little squeeze of fresh lemon juice really brightens the flavors and cuts through the richness of the broth. A scatter of grated Parmesan is also a delicious addition if you want something cozy and indulgent.

Side Dishes

For a more filling meal, I often pair this soup with a warm crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to mop up every last drop. A crisp green salad on the side adds a fresh crunch that balances the warmth of the soup perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve ladled the soup into individual bread bowls—it’s always a crowd-pleaser and feels extra comforting. Another fun idea is serving it in pretty mugs for a cozy casual dinner, especially when you want something informal but hearty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge, and it usually stays fresh and tasty for around 4 to 5 days. Because I use rotisserie chicken, I always check its freshness date first to ensure safety.

Freezing

Freezing works well, but I recommend freezing the broth and chicken mixture separately from the noodles if possible. When I tried freezing soup with noodles already in, they tended to get a bit too soft upon reheating. Separating components gives better texture control.

Reheating

When I reheat the soup, I do it gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors blend beautifully without overcooking anything. If the soup feels too thick, just add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought chicken broth instead of homemade?

Absolutely! While homemade chicken stock adds incredible depth, a good-quality store-bought broth works just fine and speeds up the process. Just be sure to taste before adding salt, as some broths can be quite salty already.
What’s the best way to prevent noodles from becoming mushy?

My best advice is to cook the noodles until they’re just al dente and remove the pot from heat immediately. Noodles will continue absorbing broth and softening off the heat, so it’s better to undercook slightly than overcook.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can! Swap chicken stock for vegetable broth and leave out the chicken. For protein, consider adding beans or tofu. Keep in mind seasoning adjustments to maintain rich flavor.
How do I store leftover soup to maintain flavor?

Store your soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator and consume within 4-5 days. If you want to freeze, separate noodles from broth to keep the texture fresh when reheated.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that’s comfort food at its finest. It’s nourishing, easy, and feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. I’m so glad I finally embraced making it from scratch because the flavors are unbeatable and it’s surprisingly simple to pull off. I hope you give this recipe a try and find it becomes your own kitchen staple, especially for those moments when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones with something truly special.