Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe with Chicken Breast

The best chicken noodle soup recipe with chicken breast starts with poaching boneless, skinless chicken breasts in broth with aromatics, then shredding the tender meat to add back to the soup. This method ensures perfectly cooked chicken that stays moist and flavorful, ready in under 45 minutes with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.

Creating the perfect chicken noodle soup with chicken breast requires attention to timing—overcooked chicken breast becomes dry and stringy. The secret is removing the chicken from the broth as soon as it reaches 165°F (74°C), then shredding it to maintain tenderness before returning it to the soup. This easy chicken noodle soup recipe with chicken breast delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Why This Chicken Breast Soup Recipe Works

Unlike traditional recipes using chicken thighs or whole chicken, this version maximizes the lean protein benefits of chicken breast while preventing dryness. By controlling the cooking temperature and timing precisely, you'll achieve perfectly tender chicken breast for soup every time. The recipe balances simplicity with depth of flavor through proper layering of ingredients.

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe with Chicken Breast

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Ingredients

1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 cups (2L) low-sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
3 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
1 bay leaf
8 ounces (225g) egg noodles
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

Poach the chicken: Place chicken breasts in a large pot with 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat (do not boil vigorously). Cook for 12-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken and set aside to cool slightly.
Sauté vegetables: In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add garlic, thyme, and bay leaf, cooking for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Build the broth: Pour in remaining 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to develop flavors.
Prepare noodles: While broth simmers, shred cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add egg noodles to the pot and cook according to package directions (usually 6-8 minutes).
Combine and finish: Return shredded chicken to the pot. Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in fresh parsley just before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup

For an easy chicken noodle soup recipe with chicken breast that stands out:

Don't overcook the chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness at 165°F (74°C)
Boost flavor: Add a parmesan rind while simmering for umami depth
Prevent mushy noodles: Cook noodles separately and add to individual bowls
Make it creamy: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream at the end for a creamy chicken noodle soup recipe with chicken breast
Add greens: Stir in 2 cups fresh spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking

Variations to Try

This simple chicken noodle soup recipe with chicken breast adapts beautifully to different preferences:

Variation	Key Changes	Best For
Low-Carb Version	Replace noodles with spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles	Keto or low-carb diets
Extra Hearty	Add 1 cup diced potatoes and 1/2 cup frozen peas	Cold weather comfort
Asian-Inspired	Use ginger, soy sauce, and rice noodles instead of egg noodles	Fusion flavor lovers
Slow Cooker Method	Cook chicken and broth on low for 4 hours, then add vegetables	Hands-off preparation

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This healthy chicken noodle soup with chicken breast stores well for meal prep:

Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days
Freezing: Freeze without noodles for up to 3 months (add fresh noodles when reheating)
Reheating: Warm gently on stove over medium-low heat. Add splashes of broth if needed to restore consistency
Reviving leftovers: Add fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice to refresh flavors

Nutritional Benefits

One serving (about 1.5 cups) provides approximately:

280 calories
26g protein
22g carbohydrates
8g fat
3g fiber
Rich in vitamins A and C from vegetables

This quick chicken noodle soup recipe using chicken breast delivers balanced nutrition with lean protein and vegetable goodness—ideal for immune support during cold season or as a light, satisfying meal any time of year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken breast in this soup recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breast—simply increase the poaching time by 5-7 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before removing from broth. Never cook frozen chicken directly in the soup with other ingredients, as it will overcook the vegetables while the chicken thaws.

How do I prevent chicken breast from becoming dry in soup?

To keep chicken breast moist, remove it from the broth as soon as it reaches 165°F (74°C), then shred it before returning to the soup. Avoid boiling the chicken vigorously—gentle simmering preserves tenderness. For extra insurance, you can brine the chicken in 4 cups water with 1/4 cup salt for 30 minutes before cooking.

What's the best noodle type for chicken noodle soup?

Egg noodles work best for traditional chicken noodle soup due to their hearty texture that holds up well. For gluten-free options, try brown rice noodles. Wide noodles (like ribbons) provide more surface area for broth adherence, while small stars or alphabets work well for kids. Cook noodles separately if making ahead to prevent mushiness.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes! For an Instant Pot chicken noodle soup with chicken breast, use the sauté function for vegetables, add 4 cups broth and chicken, then pressure cook for 8 minutes. Quick release, remove chicken, add noodles and remaining broth, then use sauté function to cook noodles. Total time: 25 minutes.

How can I add more flavor to my chicken noodle soup?

Enhance flavor by adding umami-rich ingredients like a parmesan rind, 1 tablespoon tomato paste when sautéing vegetables, or 1 teaspoon fish sauce. Fresh herbs added at the end (dill, tarragon, or extra parsley) brighten the flavor. A splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice just before serving balances richness and enhances other flavors.