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

  • Kathleen D
    February 21, 2022

    Great soup. I used rice instead of pasta and Vegeta instead of Mrs Dash. I have never used dill in soups but it really is a nice touch.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 21, 2022

      Hi Kathleen, thanks for your good comments and feedback. I’m glad you liked it!

      Reply

  • Lorrie
    February 17, 2022

    How can I add potatoes to the soup. When would I putvrhem in and would I need to add more broth? How much more?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 17, 2022

      Hi Lorrie, potatoes need about ten minutes in lightly boiling water. If you want to have more broth you can add more. I hope you love this recipe!

      Reply

  • Jenni
    February 3, 2022

    I’m making this tonite but only have 4 cups of broth. Can I use boullion cubes to make 4 more cups of the broth?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 3, 2022

      Hi Jenni, I imagine that will work well too! Please share with us how it goes, if you try this recipe.

      Reply

  • Paul Zampiceni
    February 1, 2022

    Natasha
    Best chicken soup ever!!
    Used diatelle pasta instead and 6 thighs. It was awesome!!
    Thank you!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 1, 2022

      I’m so happy to hear it worked well! Thank you so much for sharing that with us!

      Reply

  • Jan Drinkwater
    January 31, 2022

    I have a great chicken soup recipe- while the baby carrots,celery and onion are cooking in butter in large pot add about 1 tablespoon of Bells Seasoning- and also 1 jar of low sodium Better than Bouillion- I add long grain wild rice ( 1/2) a box to simmer and rotisserie chicken at the end- absolutely delicious! But I want to try yours too- I am a staunch follower of yours! My friend Deb gave me the recipe

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 31, 2022

      Thank you for sharing that with us!

      Reply

  • Karen Stenicka
    January 31, 2022

    Question: 10 cups of water per video or six cups of water per recipe?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 31, 2022

      Hi Karen, I recommend following the written recipe at all times as we can update that compared to the video that once it has been posted, it can no longer be updated.

      Reply

      • Amy Gravelle
        February 6, 2022

        I got confused there as well. Your video says 10 cups water and 4 cups broth but the recipe says 6 cups water a 8 cups broth. Which one is better to use?

        Reply

        • Natasha's Kitchen
          February 6, 2022

          Hello Amy, sorry for the confusion. I recommend following the written recipe at all times as that one can be updated.

          Reply

  • Carol
    January 24, 2022

    Just made this soup. I am enjoiying a cup of it right now.
    The flavor is so good. Another hit! Thanks Natasha!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 24, 2022

      I’m so glad it’s a hit! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

      Reply

  • elin elisa lin
    January 21, 2022

    Hello Natasha,
    Just made this soup for my family and it is lovely:D
    Elin Elisa Lind from Norway

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 21, 2022

      Aww, that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Elin!

      Reply

  • Tanya Wu
    January 19, 2022

    Is there a link for the cute turquoise tongs you use in the video? The ones you used to pull the cooked chicken out of the pot?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 20, 2022

      Hi Tanya, you can find our favorite kitchen tools in our Amazon Affiliate Shop HERE. The tongs are under the Kitchen Tools section!

      Reply

  • Rebecca
    January 17, 2022

    Is it possible to make this recipe with cooked shredded chicken ? Would I still have to add 6 cups of water to the 8 cups of chicken stock ?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      January 17, 2022

      HI Rebecca, that should work great but I would probably use a little more chicken broth and a little less water since you won’t be adding to the flavor of the broth by adding cooked rotisserie chicken.

      Reply

      • Rebecca
        January 30, 2022

        Hi Natasha, thank you for the suggestion will definitely need to try it soon! I’ve tried the original way and it was superbe but as a new mom I’m trying to find faster way to make family dinner!

        Reply

        • Natasha's Kitchen
          January 30, 2022

          Sounds like a good plan, Rebecca. I hope it becomes your family’s new favorite!

          Reply

  • Susie
    December 28, 2021

    The recipe says it makes 10 servings. Is the serving size one cup??

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 28, 2021

      Hi Susie, that’s right, it can serve up to 10 people so more or less 10 bowls too.

      Reply

  • Linda Ray
    December 19, 2021

    I have made this soup several times for guests. Everyone loves it when I do. Thanks

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 20, 2021

      I’m really happy to hear that, Linda. Thank you for sharing that with us!

      Reply

  • Michelle
    December 12, 2021

    It is me again…chicken noodle soup for Christmas dinner. I forgot to rate your recipe Excellent*****

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 12, 2021

      Thank you for the awesome review, Michelle!

      Reply

  • Michelle
    December 12, 2021

    Everyone last year wanted something different for Christmas dinner. I made your soup everyone loved it so much they want it again this year. This is the best chicken soup recipe I have eaten in past 45 years of cooking. Thank you

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 12, 2021

      That’s wonderful to know, Michelle. Thank you so much for sharing that with us, we appreciate it!

      Reply

  • Lynda
    December 9, 2021

    I’m a picky eater and don’t like the veggies or meat in many recipes. I love your recipes that use things I do like. Your seasonings are excellent and timely when added. NOW, how can I save your recipes that I love and eliminate ones I don’t?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 9, 2021

      I’m so glad you’re enjoying my recipes, Lynda! One of my readers mentioned they like to bookmark my recipes to their browser folder! I hope that helps!

      Reply

  • Shelly Turner
    December 7, 2021

    Love this recipe!!!! And wet a paper towel and just place it next to the onion you are chopping. Onions make you cry because the fumes are drawn to moisture (your tear ducts) if you have moisture near it, the fumes will never make it to your eyes!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 7, 2021

      Great idea on the paper towel! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

      Reply

  • Jacqueline
    November 20, 2021

    I love your recipes but with this one the amount of broth and water are different in the video and the recipe below. The ratios are not even the same. Help. 😃

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 21, 2021

      Hi there Jacqueline, I always recommend following the written recipe as that can be updated. I hope it becomes a hit!

      Reply

      • Jacqueline MacDonald
        November 22, 2021

        It was! I will be making it again (my son also loved it) – so good!

        Thank you.

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          November 22, 2021

          That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review!

          Reply

  • Steve
    November 17, 2021

    Except for using four boneless, skinless chicken breast halves instead of thighs, I made this exactly according to the recipe. Wonderful for dinner on a chilly evening along with a grilled cheese sandwich! Next time, I might reduce it to three chicken breasts, try butter instead of olive oil to saute the vegetables, and try basil instead of dill.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 17, 2021

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

      Reply

  • Lisa
    November 14, 2021

    Trick for chopping onions is to wet a paper towel next to chopping. The chemical is absorbed into the paper towel.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 14, 2021

      That’s a good trick, Lisa. Thank you for sharing!

      Reply

  • Jamie Berger
    November 11, 2021

    I wore swim goggles when I would chop onions…then a friend told me how to wet a paper towel, wring out a tiny bit of water and leave it crumpled up next to the onion you are chopping up…it really does work. The fumes goes into the wet paper towel, not your eyes.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 11, 2021

      I heard that advice from different people so I think that works! I’ll make sure to try that out next time. Thank you for sharing, Jamie.

      Reply

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