Can I use raw chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! If using raw chicken, cut boneless chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot after sautéing the vegetables. Simmer until the chicken is fully cooked (about 10-15 minutes) before adding the noodles. This method takes a bit longer but works wonderfully.

Why did my noodles get soggy?

Noodles continue to absorb liquid even after cooking stops. To prevent soggy noodles, cook them just until al dente or even slightly underdone. For leftovers, consider storing noodles separately from the broth and combining only when reheating.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Add all ingredients except the noodles and chicken to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, add the noodles and shredded chicken. Cook until the noodles are tender, then serve.

Is there a way to make this soup creamier?

For a creamier version, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half during the final few minutes of cooking. You could also stir in a tablespoon of flour mixed with butter (a roux) after sautéing the vegetables to create a slightly thicker base.

Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Name: Comforting 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 batch homemade egg noodles or 4 cups dry egg noodles, farfalle, or other bite-sized pasta; 3 cups rotisserie chicken*; 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon chicken flavor (or more, as needed), or chicken bouillon granules

This homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is true comfort in a bowl. With tender chunks of rotisserie chicken, perfectly cooked vegetables, and silky egg noodles swimming in a flavorful broth, this classic soup comes together in just 40 minutes. It’s the perfect balance of simplicity and heartwarming goodness that’s guaranteed to soothe the soul on busy weeknights or chilly days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Simple: From prep to table in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen.
Adaptable: Easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand. The recipe is forgiving and flexible!
Soul-Warming Comfort: There’s a reason chicken noodle soup is the universal comfort food. Each spoonful delivers that perfect balance of savory broth, tender chicken, and satisfying noodles.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop, making it perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Butter: Creates a flavorful base for sautéing the vegetables, adding a subtle richness to the broth.
Celery and Carrots: These aromatic vegetables form the classic mirepoix base, providing essential flavor and nutrients. Dice them uniformly for even cooking.
Garlic: Just one clove adds a wonderful depth of flavor without overpowering the soup.
Chicken Stock: The foundation of any good soup. Use homemade if you have it, or a quality store-bought version for convenience.
Herbs and Spices: Rosemary, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper create the perfect seasoning blend. These classic herbs complement the chicken beautifully.
Noodles: Use homemade egg noodles for an extra-special touch, or substitute with store-bought egg noodles or other short pasta shapes like farfalle.
Rotisserie Chicken: This time-saving ingredient brings pre-cooked, flavorful meat to the soup. The dark and white meat combination adds richness and texture.
Better Than Bouillon or Bouillon Granules: The secret ingredient that instantly deepens the flavor of your broth. Add to taste for perfect flavor intensity.

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

Want to put your own spin on this classic? Here are some delicious ideas:

Lemon and Herb: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill before serving.
Vegetable Boost: Incorporate additional vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach in the last few minutes of cooking.
Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of cream or half-and-half just before serving for a richer, creamier soup.
Gluten-Free Option: Simply substitute the regular noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta or rice.
Spicy Kick: Double the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to give your soup some heat.

How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large stock pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced celery and carrots, sautéing for about 3 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. This creates a flavorful foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Add Liquid and Seasonings

Pour in the chicken stock and season with rosemary, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Enhance the broth with a spoonful of Better Than Bouillon or bouillon granules. Bring the mixture to a boil, giving everything a good stir to combine.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

Once the broth is boiling, add your noodles. Whether using homemade egg noodles or store-bought pasta, cook just until they reach al dente texture. Keep a close eye on them—this is crucial for perfect soup!

Step 4: Add the Chicken

Remove the pot from heat once the noodles are just tender. Add the rotisserie chicken pieces, stirring gently to incorporate. The residual heat will warm the chicken without overcooking it.

Step 5: Final Seasoning

Take a moment to taste your soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. This is your chance to perfect the flavor, adding more salt, pepper, or bouillon to suit your preference.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Watch Those Noodles: The number one secret to perfect chicken noodle soup is not overcooking the pasta. Remove the pot from heat when noodles are slightly firmer than you’d like, as they’ll continue cooking in the hot broth.
Season in Layers: Add seasonings at different stages to build depth of flavor. The final taste adjustment before serving makes all the difference.
Even Cutting: Dice your vegetables into similar sizes for consistent cooking. Nobody wants some pieces crunchy while others are mushy!
Use the Rotisserie Wisely: Pull both white and dark meat from the chicken for the best flavor balance. Tear into bite-sized pieces rather than cutting for a more rustic texture.
Taste Before Adding Salt: Between the bouillon and store-bought broth, there might already be plenty of sodium. Always taste before adding additional salt.

How to Serve

Chicken noodle soup is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving options:

Perfect Pairings

Serve with a crusty piece of bread for dipping or alongside a simple green salad for a complete meal. A grilled cheese sandwich makes for the ultimate comfort food combination.

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese, or a squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness and freshness to each bowl.

Serving Temperature

This soup is traditionally served hot, but in summer months, it can be enjoyed at a warm temperature rather than piping hot.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. For best results, if you’re planning on leftovers, slightly undercook the noodles as they’ll continue to absorb liquid while stored.

If storing for multiple days, consider keeping noodles separate from the broth and combining only when reheating to prevent mushy noodles.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully minus the noodles, which can become mushy when thawed. Freeze the broth with vegetables and chicken for up to 3 months, then add fresh noodles when reheating.

Reheating

Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of fresh broth or water if the soup has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! If using raw chicken, cut boneless chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot after sautéing the vegetables. Simmer until the chicken is fully cooked (about 10-15 minutes) before adding the noodles. This method takes a bit longer but works wonderfully.
Why did my noodles get soggy?

Noodles continue to absorb liquid even after cooking stops. To prevent soggy noodles, cook them just until al dente or even slightly underdone. For leftovers, consider storing noodles separately from the broth and combining only when reheating.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Add all ingredients except the noodles and chicken to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, add the noodles and shredded chicken. Cook until the noodles are tender, then serve.
Is there a way to make this soup creamier?

For a creamier version, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half during the final few minutes of cooking. You could also stir in a tablespoon of flour mixed with butter (a roux) after sautéing the vegetables to create a slightly thicker base.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Noodle Soup recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. Whether you’re fighting off a cold, looking for a comforting dinner option, or simply craving a classic, this soup delivers every time. The beauty lies in its adaptability—make it exactly as written or put your own spin on it. Either way, you’ll have a delicious, satisfying meal ready in just 40 minutes that will make everyone at your table happy!