The easiest chicken noodle soup recipe requires just 8 simple ingredients and takes 30 minutes to prepare. This quick chicken noodle soup recipe yields 6 servings with 250 calories per serving, featuring tender chicken, carrots, celery, and egg noodles in a flavorful broth. Perfect for beginners and ready faster than delivery!
Why This Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Works
When you're searching for a quick chicken noodle soup recipe, you need something genuinely simple that doesn't sacrifice flavor. This easy homemade chicken soup delivers comforting warmth with minimal effort. Unlike complicated recipes requiring hours of simmering, this version uses boneless chicken breasts and store-bought broth as a time-saving base while still creating that classic comforting flavor everyone loves.
As a chef with decades of experience teaching home cooks, I've refined this recipe to eliminate unnecessary steps while preserving authentic taste. The secret? Sautéing aromatics first and adding noodles at the perfect moment to prevent mushiness. This beginner friendly soup recipe works whether you're cooking for your family or need comforting food when feeling under the weather.
Simple Chicken Noodle Soup Ingredients
You likely have most of these simple chicken noodle soup ingredients in your pantry already. This recipe serves 6 people with preparation taking just 10 minutes and cooking requiring 20 minutes.
| Ingredient | Amount | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken broth | 6 cups | Use low-sodium for better flavor control |
| Chicken breasts | 1 lb, diced | Boneless for quick cooking |
| Carrots | 2 medium, sliced | Adds natural sweetness |
| Celery | 2 stalks, chopped | Essential for classic flavor base |
| Onion | 1 small, diced | Builds flavor foundation |
| Egg noodles | 8 oz | Wide noodles hold up best |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | For sautéing vegetables |
| Seasonings | Salt, pepper, thyme | Simple but essential flavor |
Step-by-Step Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Instructions
Preparation (5 minutes)
Gather all ingredients before starting. Dice the chicken into 1-inch pieces for even cooking. Slice carrots into thin rounds, chop celery and onion into small, uniform pieces. Measure seasonings and have broth ready.
Cooking Process (25 minutes)
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Add chicken: Stir in diced chicken breasts and cook until no longer pink (about 5 minutes).
- Pour in broth: Add 6 cups of chicken broth and seasonings. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Add noodles: Stir in egg noodles and simmer for 8-10 minutes until tender but still firm.
- Final seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat before serving.
Perfecting Your 30 Minute Chicken Noodle Soup
For the best easy chicken soup recipe results, follow these professional tips:
- Noodle timing: Add noodles during the last 10 minutes to prevent overcooking
- Broth boost: Enhance store-bought broth with a parmesan rind while simmering
- Chicken tenderness: Don't overcook chicken - remove it when still slightly underdone as it will continue cooking off heat
- Flavor depth: Add a splash of lemon juice just before serving for brightness
Variations for Your Simple Chicken Noodle Soup
This versatile recipe adapts to your preferences:
- Gluten-free: Substitute rice noodles or gluten-free pasta
- Extra vegetables: Add peas or corn during the last 5 minutes
- Herb variations: Try fresh dill or parsley instead of thyme
- Protein swap: Use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time
Storing and Reheating Your Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze without noodles for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water as the soup thickens when chilled. If you've frozen the soup, add fresh noodles when reheating for best texture.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Soup too bland? Add more seasoning gradually, or a small splash of soy sauce for umami depth.
Noodles too mushy? Next time, cook noodles separately and add to individual bowls when serving.
Soup too thin? Simmer uncovered for 5-10 minutes to reduce and concentrate flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this easy chicken noodle soup recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sauté vegetables first, then transfer to slow cooker with broth and chicken. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add noodles during the last 30 minutes to prevent overcooking.
How can I make this soup even quicker?
Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and frozen vegetable mix. Skip sautéing and add everything to heated broth. Simmer just long enough to heat through and cook noodles (about 10 minutes). This reduces prep time to under 15 minutes total.
What's the best noodle type for chicken soup?
Egg noodles work best for traditional chicken noodle soup as they hold their shape well. Wide egg noodles are ideal, but you can substitute with small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo. Avoid thin noodles that become mushy quickly.
Can I freeze chicken noodle soup with noodles?
It's best to freeze the soup base without noodles, as frozen noodles become mushy when thawed. Freeze the broth with vegetables and chicken, then add fresh noodles when reheating. If already frozen with noodles, expect softer texture upon reheating.
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