When the weather cools down or you’re feeling under the weather, nothing soothes quite like Cozy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup. I remember making it for the first time on a Sunday afternoon—the smell of simmering broth, tender chicken, and soft noodles filled the kitchen and instantly brought comfort. This recipe captures the heart of classic homemade cooking: nourishing, flavorful, and simple. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, it’s a dish that warms you inside and out.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 medium onion, diced
3 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
8 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
2 bay leaves
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp black pepper
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
2 cups egg noodles
Salt, to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for a little spice
Instructions
Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, and sauté 5 minutes until softened. Pour in chicken broth, then add bay leaves, thyme, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes. Stir in shredded chicken and noodles, cooking until noodles are tender, about 8–10 minutes. Remove bay leaves, stir in parsley and lemon juice, and season to taste. Serve warm with bread or crackers.
Watch the step-by-step video in our video section.
Substitutions
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Swap noodles with rice or gluten-free pasta. Add spinach, kale, or zucchini for extra vegetables. For more richness, stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk.
Equipment
Large soup pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Ladle for serving
Storage
Refrigerator: Keeps up to 4 days in airtight containers.
Freezer: Freeze without noodles for up to 2 months. Add fresh noodles when reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stove; add broth if needed to loosen consistency.
Top Tips
Shred chicken into bite-sized pieces for easy eating. Cook noodles until just al dente to prevent sogginess. Finish with lemon juice for brightness. Double the recipe for meal prep—it reheats beautifully.
FAQs
Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes, cook broth, vegetables, and chicken on low 6–7 hours, then add noodles in the last 30 minutes.
Can I use turkey instead of chicken? Absolutely, it’s a great way to use leftovers.
How can I thicken the soup? Mash a few potatoes into the broth or stir in a cornstarch slurry.
Is this soup healthy? Yes, it’s high in protein, packed with vegetables, and hydrating.