This Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is exactly what you need on a cool day to warm you from the inside out. Filled with juicy chicken and tender noodles, this easy chicken noodle only takes about 30 minutes to make.

P.S. Our secret to seasoning the soup at the end is worth discovering.

Chicken Noodle Soup in a stock pot ready to serve in just 30 minutes

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Sometimes the best recipes are the simplest. You’ll love the easy prep with this classic chicken noodle soup. There’s no need to trim the chicken ahead of time since the fat comes off easily after it’s boiled.

Chicken Noodle Soup Video Tutorial

This simple Chicken Noodle Soup is nutritious, hearty, and makes the perfect dish for busy families. My sister Anna came up with this recipe and first introduced me to it when she sent me a pot of soup after our first child was born over 10 years ago. We’ve been making it ever since and even made a Creamy Chicken Soup version!

Chicken Noodle Soup Ingredients

This Chicken Noodle Soup calls for traditional ingredients and a slight twist on the seasonings.

  • Chicken: The secret to super tender chicken without crazy long cooking times is using chicken thighs! You can use boneless or bone-in chicken. Thighs also provide extra flavor and don’t dry out like chicken breast does.
  • Broth: Our Homemade Chicken Broth is a delicious addition to this soup and provides a rich flavor. However, if you are in a pinch a low-sodium store-bought broth can work.
  • Vegetables: Onions and celery sauteed together provide the traditional base for chicken noodle soup flavor. Diced carrots are another traditional vegetable. You can also add any other fresh or frozen veggies you would like.
  • Seasonings: Dill and freshly-pressed garlic brighten the flavor palette and I love adding Mrs. Dash (no-salt seasoning).

Close-up of plump noodles, flavorful carrots, and moist shredded chicken in Chicken Noodle Soup

Pro Tip: When sauteing ingredients for soups, use oil in the pan instead of butter. Butter will solidify when you refrigerate the soup.

The Best Noodles for Soup

I love using nice spiral noodles or egg noodles in my chicken noodle soup. These noodles plump up nicely and make the soup feel really hearty compared to other noodle varieties. Make sure you don’t overcook your noodles, especially if storing the soup or they will get mushy.

For Gluten-Free Chicken Noodle Soup

This soup is so simple and easy to modify for different food intolerances. To make it gluten-free, just sub your favorite gluten-free noodles.

Easy Chicken Noodle Soup ready to serve with dill and freshly pressed garlic

The Benefits of Homemade Broth

Homemade Chicken Broth adds rich flavor to any soup or recipe that calls for chicken stock or broth. According to Medical News Today (2023), bone broth is highly nutritious and may help reduce inflammation and improve gut health.

When you cook the homemade broth in an instant pot – you can have it ready in about 2 hours. It also makes all the difference in how good your soup tastes.

Easy Chicken Noodle Soup with plump tender noodles and juicy shredded chicken thighs

How to Make Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

This easy chicken soup takes about 30 minutes to make. The SECRET to amping up the flavor happens in the last 2 minutes of cooking. Adding dill and a pressed clove of garlic is what my Mother does for nearly all of her soups and I have adopted this in my own kitchen. It is a brilliant and easy way to make your chicken soup taste fantastic!

  1. Cook the Chicken: In a large soup pot, combine water, Chicken Broth, and salt. Bring to a boil then add chicken thighs and cook uncovered 20 minutes.
  2. Saute Veggies: In a large skillet saute onion and celery in oil until golden then add to the soup pot
  3. Add Noodles and Veggies: Add 1/2 lb pasta and sliced carrots to the pot and cook 15 min at a low boil.
  4. Shred Chicken: As the pasta cooks, remove thighs from the pot and shred with forks (discarding bones and fat), then add the chicken back to the pot.
  5. Season: In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add Mrs. Dash, dill, and press in 1 garlic clove, and add salt to taste. Simmer another minute then turn off the heat.

Picture collage of making Chicken Noodle Soup: creating the broth, adding the juicy chicken thighs, sauteing celery and onions, adding sliced carrots and noodles

Storing Leftover Chicken Noodle Soup

We love making a big pot of chicken soup and enjoying it throughout the week. Keep in mind, if the soup is stored too long, the noodles will turn mushy. If storing longer than 1-2 days, it’s best to store the soup and the noodles separately and recombine right before serving.

  • Refrigerated: Cool the soup completely and store covered in the refrigerator. Once noodles are in, the soup should be enjoyed within 2 days. The soup will keep up to a week if you store the noodles separately and combine when reheated.
  • To Freeze: If you plan to freeze the soup, wait to add the noodles when you reheat the soup. Chicken soup can be frozen up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Recombine noodles and soup in a pot or microwave-safe bowl and heat to the desired temperature on the stovetop or in the microwave. If using uncooked noodles, reheat on the stove until the mixture boils and noodles are tender.

Delicious chicken noodle soup with homemade broth and crackers

More Delicious Soup Recipes:

We love soups, for the ease in preparation and their fun variety. Be sure to give some of our other popular soups a try. P.S. If you love chicken soup, our Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is a must-try!

Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

4.97 from 400 votes
Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com
Chicken Noodle Soup in a blue pot
This easy Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is exactly what you imagine when you think of homemade chicken noodle soup - soothing, warming, comforting and rich in flavor. It is loaded with juicy chicken and tender noodles.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 10 people
  • 4 chicken thighs, skins removed (bone-in or boneless)
  • 8 cups chicken broth, we used low sodium
  • 6 cups water
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil, to saute vegetables
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium celery sticks, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, sliced into rings
  • 6 oz rotini pasta
  • 3 Tbsp fresh or frozen dill
  • 1 tsp Mrs. Dash, or your favorite salt-free seasoning
  • 1 Tbsp sea salt, or to taste
  • 1 garlic clove, pressed

Instructions

  • In a large soup pot, combine 6 cups water with 8 cups chicken broth and 1 Tbsp sea salt. Bring to a boil then add chicken thighs and boil partially covered 20 min while you prep the vegetables, skimming off any foam that rises to the top. 
  • In a large skillet over medium/high heat, add 2 Tbsp olive oil and sauté onion and celery until softened then transfer to the pot.
  • Add pasta and sliced carrots to the soup pot and continue cooking for 15 min at a low boil or until pasta is at the desired softness.
  • While pasta is cooking, remove chicken thighs from the pot and use either forks or your hands to shred the chicken, discarding any bones and fat which should come off easily. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
  • Season soup with 1 tsp Mrs. Dash (or your favorite seasoning) and more salt to taste if needed. Press in 1 garlic clove. Finally, add 3 Tbsp dill and remove from heat. Enjoy!

Nutrition Per Serving

249kcal Calories22g Carbs14g Protein12g Fat3g Saturated Fat44mg Cholesterol807mg Sodium367mg Potassium1g Fiber2g Sugar2091IU Vitamin A2mg Vitamin C35mg Calcium1mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
249
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
12
g
18
%
Saturated Fat
 
3
g
19
%
Cholesterol
 
44
mg
15
%
Sodium
 
807
mg
35
%
Potassium
 
367
mg
10
%
Carbohydrates
 
22
g
7
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
2
g
2
%
Protein
 
14
g
28
%
Vitamin A
 
2091
IU
42
%
Vitamin C
 
2
mg
2
%
Calcium
 
35
mg
4
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chicken noodle soup, chicken soup
Skill Level: Easy/Medium
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 249
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen

4.97 from 400 votes (199 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Theresa Schultz
    November 11, 2021

    I made the chicken noodle soup it was very good I love soup in the winter
    Thank you for sharing love your recipes Natasha

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 11, 2021

      You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Theresa!

      Reply

  • Sandra E Cameron
    November 6, 2021

    I leave a wet paper towel beside me when cutting onions. Works great. 🙂

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 6, 2021

      Great idea, Sandra!

      Reply

  • Theresa
    November 4, 2021

    I can’t wait to make this….can I use dried dill…if so, how much? I don’t have any fresh. Thank you!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 5, 2021

      Hi Theresa, someone else shared this in the comments “I followed your recipe (omitted the garlic) and used dried dill–so GOOD! I tend to add to many things to my chicken noodle soup but I won’t be doing that anymore. The dill was the secret here for me because many recipes call for Italian seasonings which never tasted right to me.”

      Reply

    • Kathy
      January 19, 2022

      Generally speaking you always use 1/3 as much of a dried herb when using that instead of the fresh which is what I did here. You can always add more if you taste and it’s not enough.

      Reply

  • Janet K.
    October 29, 2021

    Wow! This soup is awesome. I used chicken thighs and it was so moist. The dill added a special flavor.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 29, 2021

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Janet! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Julie
    October 28, 2021

    Can I use chicken breast instead of thigh? I’m not a fan of dark meat.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      October 28, 2021

      Hi Julie, yes, chicken breast or chicken tenders would work for this chicken soup.

      Reply

  • Kathy
    October 27, 2021

    I followed your recipe (omitted the garlic) and used dried dill–so GOOD! I tend to add to many things to my chicken noodle soup but I won’t be doing that anymore. The dill was the secret here for me because many recipes call for Italian seasonings which never tasted right to me.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 27, 2021

      Yes, that is right. The dill really brings so much flavor to the recipe and I’m glad you loved it!

      Reply

  • Andrea
    October 26, 2021

    I have tried many chicken noodle soup recipes, but this one was awesome. My picky eater loved it. The dill added some extra special flavor to it. Thank you Natasha.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 26, 2021

      Yay, I’m happy to hear that! Thank you for the review, I’m glad your picky eater enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Brigette
    October 18, 2021

    That was delicious!! My husband said it was the best soup he’s had! Chicken felt apart when we went to shred it. We added extra garlic and dill as we love those particular flavors. This dish is a keeper for sure!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 18, 2021

      I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review, Brigette!

      Reply

  • Kylie C
    October 15, 2021

    My husband makes fun of me but I just swimming goggles that latch at the back!!! Works so well!

    Reply

  • Kylie Callaway
    October 15, 2021

    Do you put raw chicken in or cooked chicken? I couldn’t find that anywhere!

    Reply

    • October 15, 2021

      You use raw chicken in this recipe. I hope you enjoy! Let me know how it turns out. 😊.

      Reply

  • Melissa E.
    August 27, 2021

    This soup was really yummy and I also used the thickener from the creamy chicken noodle soup and it was primo. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 27, 2021

      Glad you enjoyed it, Melissa!

      Reply

  • Barbara
    August 23, 2021

    My family absolutely loved this delicious soup. I sautéed three slices of bacon with the onions and celery and I also added bok choy. Didn’t have garlic or dill and it still turned out incredibly delicious!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 24, 2021

      Sounds awesome! Thank you for sharing your good comments and review with us, Barbara.

      Reply

  • Stephanie
    August 16, 2021

    So, amazing soup!! Thank you! Also, when I wear contacts, onions don’t bother me…haha!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 16, 2021

      Oh that’s interesing! Sounds like a good way to protect your eyes!

      Reply

      • Mike Balzano
        September 10, 2021

        I store my onions in a bag and in my refrigerator. I never have a problem with tears when I cut the onions.

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          September 11, 2021

          Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Mike!

          Reply

    • Koni
      September 1, 2021

      Agree with that, I recently had to start wearing my glasses (getting older and my eyes are dryer now) and I told my husband that now I cry while dicing onions. I really miss my contacts!!!

      Reply

  • marc cormier
    August 12, 2021

    To NOT cry when peeling onions try pluging your nose with tissue or whatever you can think of as long as you don’t smell the onion you won’t cry!

    Reply

  • Paulette
    July 10, 2021

    This was so delicious!! My husband who hates soups absolutely loved it! I do want to add I didn’t have Mrs. Dash on hand so I looked up a homemade recipe for it. I have to say wow it was good!! Thank you for all your recipes I have used alot of them and they are great!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      July 10, 2021

      Hi Paulette, thanks for the amazing feedback and review! I’m gad you loved it.

      Reply

  • Noree False
    June 10, 2021

    Amazing!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 10, 2021

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Kim
    June 1, 2021

    Extremely delicious and comforting. Everyone loved it. Will definitely be making this again

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 1, 2021

      Glad the recipe was a hit, Kim. Thanks for your great feedback!

      Reply

      • Kim
        June 4, 2021

        You’re welcome! Just one question. I noticed that the amount of chicken broth and water in the written recipe is different from the one in the video. Could you please clarify what amount is best?

        Reply

        • Natasha
          June 4, 2021

          Hi Kim, we recently have been using more broth and less water for more depth of flavor.

          Reply

  • Brian
    May 31, 2021

    Can anyone tell me if following recipe to the T how many cups it makes?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      May 31, 2021

      Hello Brian, the serving size is also on the recipe card. It can serve up to 10 people so more or less 10 bowls too.

      Reply

  • Barbara Prowen
    March 18, 2021

    I find that if my yellow onions are chilled they are not so pungent. I just put them in the refrigerator a couple hours before I slice/chop them. It makes a huge difference! Sometimes, when I’m in a hurry, I stick them in the freezer — not to freeze but to give a good chill. Let me know if it works for you. Make sure they’re cold!!!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 18, 2021

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

      Reply

  • Don Nelson
    March 17, 2021

    Be sure to use a sharp knife to cut the onions to avoid exposing cells.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 17, 2021

      Yes a sharp knife is also a must!

      Reply

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