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)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Safiya Maqba
    July 2, 2019

    Wow! This soup was absolutely heartwarming. Im not normally a great fan of dill but it tasted so good in this soup. I didn’t even add any of the seasoning that you mentioned as i felt that is was perfect without it. I think this is my new favourite! Do you think chicken breast will give the same flavour as chicken thighs?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 2, 2019

      That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite! Chicken breast isn’t quite as tender as chicken thighs. If you can get your hands on chicken tenders that would work better but you can make chicken breast work. With chicken breast, it would be better to cook longer (30 minutes or more)

      Reply

  • Lily
    June 26, 2019

    Just made it today, it was so delicious! Soup is great any time of the year! Winter or Summer. 🙂

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 26, 2019

      I’m so happy to hear that Lily! We enjoy soup year round also!

      Reply

  • Lily
    June 25, 2019

    Hi Natasha, the soup looks super good! I think it is a super easy recipe, I will probably soon make it! Thanks!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 25, 2019

      You’re so welcome! I hope you love it!

      Reply

  • Lana
    June 12, 2019

    I love soups. This soup looks super delicious!
    When you cook soups how do you know what spices or what kind of salt to pair up? For example, when you cook tomato soup what spice/s go together? I like to cook a lot but I’m not good or have much experience. I would like and really want to learn a lot. It would be very helpful to post some interesting and good tips or helpful skills.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 12, 2019

      Hi Lana, thank you for that suggestion & I hope you give this recipe a try soon!

      Reply

  • Jen
    May 2, 2019

    Can you freeze this soup ?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 2, 2019

      Hi Jen! Yes, this should freeze just fine. All of the ingredients are freezer friendly.

      Reply

  • Ronna Ashland-Berkowitz
    April 26, 2019

    Hello there. I cannot have salt, does this recipe taste just as good if I use low sodium broth?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      April 26, 2019

      Hi Ronna, it is difficult to replace salt in soup and achieve the same flavor. I would suggest using the most flavorful bone broth you can get your hands on and add a little extra garlic and dill for flavor – maybe a little extra Mrs. Dash or your favorite salt free seasoning.

      Reply

      • Joy
        August 13, 2019

        Hello Natasha! I am looking forward to trying out this yummy recipe. Do you know if this makes enough for 6 adults or should I increase the recipe?

        Thank you!

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          August 13, 2019

          Hi Joy, this recipe makes 10 bowls of soup. If you need more than that, click “Jump to recipe” at the top of the post, it will take you to our printable recipe where you’ll have the option to change the number of servings. Hover over the “10” highlighted in red and slide it to how many bowls you would like to make. I hope that helps!

          Reply

      • Jan Booth
        October 2, 2019

        What is Mrs.Dash. I am an Aussie,and have never heard of it.

        Reply

  • Elizabeth
    April 22, 2019

    Hi Natasha,

    I’ve made this recipe a few times, and the whole family loves it. It’s great! I have a question about method, though. I’m curious as to why you boil the chicken in one pot while sautéing the onion and celery in another? Yesterday I sautéed the onion, celery, and carrots in the pan first, and once they were ready, I added the broth and chicken. Is this just a simple difference in choice of method, or is there another reason why you sautéed in a different pan? Also, in your recipe, how much of the liquid are you adding to the pan to account for the pasta to absorb? Does the pasta absorb four cups of water, or would it be less? Thanks so much! I love your videos and recipes!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      April 22, 2019

      Hi Elizabeth, it is just the process I use but you definitely can make it a one-pot recipe by sautéing the veggies and then boiling the chicken in the same pot. Besides the broth and water listed in the recipe, I don’t add any additional since there is enough liquid to compensate for the pasta cooking in the pot, just be sure not to add too much pasta because it can make the soup thicker as it absorbs the water.

      Reply

      • Elizabeth
        April 23, 2019

        Thanks!

        Reply

  • Deej
    March 6, 2019

    Hi,
    On Yummly page listing for this recipe (BEFORE selecting instructions button!) doesn’t have correct water and broth amounts. Just FYI…

    Reply

    • Natasha
      March 6, 2019

      Hi Deej, that is definitely odd! I don’t control what they show from my recipe but it should at least be accurate. I will re-submit this to yummly and hopefully they will fix it. Thank you for letting me know!

      Reply

  • Shirley Fluney
    February 19, 2019

    Hi
    I love ur show. It is very simple n easy to follow. U r teaching me to cook. I am Ukrainian also but my mom passed when I was only ten.

    I want to know how u decide what to cook when u wake in the morning. I have ur recipes but donot know what to make each day. How do u decide?
    Thankyou. Shirley

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 20, 2019

      Hi Shirley, I’m so happy you are enjoying our blog! That’s a great question! Most days we try to make something we already have in the fridge other days we plan to eat healthier. I recommend just browsing through see what looks appealing to you. 🙂

      Reply

  • Sue
    February 16, 2019

    Natasha, This is so delicious! I am far from a cook and I love how accessible your recipes are. Believe it or not this is the first time I’ve made chicken noodle soup. I put in alphabet pasta so it would appeal to my picky 6 yr old😄. Your videos really help me to see how the veggies should look when you sauté and just give me confidence. I can’t wait to try the next recipe! ❤️❤️

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 16, 2019

      Hi Sue! That is the best when kids love what we moms make. That’s so great! Thank you for that wonderful review!!

      Reply

  • Michael Brown
    February 9, 2019

    I love this recipe so much! I have been making double batches of it and freezing it for months now. Thank you for your website and recipes.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 9, 2019

      I’m so happy to hear you are enjoying my blog! Thank you for sharing that with us and for the wonderful review! 🙂

      Reply

  • christa
    January 29, 2019

    This is the best Chicken Noodle soup recipe ever! we have made it many times. But I feel like the recipe had changed abit. Didn’t you used to have to grate some of the carrots? and I don’t remember it having garlic in it. I feel like the grated carrot was really good in it.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 29, 2019

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that, Christa!! Thank you for that wonderful review!! We have not, are you possibly thinking of one of our other soups?

      Reply

    • JenS
      January 29, 2019

      I was sure it had grated carrot too and no garlic! I have a printed copy somewhere. Are you sure you haven’t updated it? 😉

      Reply

      • BCDeer
        January 31, 2019

        I found a screenshot I took of the original recipe when I first found it on February 17, 2017. There is no way for me to attach it, however, it is different than what is posted now.

        3-4 chicken thighs, skin removed (bone in or boneless) untrimmed
        5 cups of Chicken broth (we used low sodium)
        10 cups of water
        Olive oil to saute veggies (do not use butter)
        1 medium onion, finely chopped
        3 medium carrots (2 carrots grated, 1 carrot sliced into thin rings)
        2 medium celery sticks, finely chopped (or thinly sliced if you prefer)
        1/2 lb spiral pasta such as rotini
        3 Tbsp fresh or frozen dill
        1tsp Mrs. Dash (or your favorite seasoning)
        Salt to taste.

        Reply

        • christa
          February 17, 2019

          Yes that’s it! 😁

          Reply

          • BCDeer
            February 17, 2019

            We LOVE your chicken noodle soup. I make it at least once a month. Very hearty and warms the body. So much healthier than a canned version. Thank you for sharing it with us!!

          • Natashas Kitchen
            February 17, 2019

            We’re so happy you enjoyed that, Beth!! Thank you so much for sharing that with us 🙂

  • Jenny
    January 14, 2019

    Made this soup for me and my husband and we both loved it! thank you

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 14, 2019

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

      Reply

      • Lucy
        October 21, 2019

        What is frozen dill. is there such a thing?

        Reply

        • Natasha
          October 21, 2019

          Hi Lucy, dill grows like crazy and we plant a ton in spring and late summer then we cut it, rinse, pat dry, chop and freeze. It tastes just like fresh in dishes. So nice to have on hand! Chives work the same way. We always have frozen chopped chives and frozen chopped dill in the freezer.

          Reply

  • Dianna
    January 13, 2019

    Hi Natasha, just made your creamy chicken noodle soup & was wondering when it cools does it thicken up?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 14, 2019

      Hi Dianna, ours have not thickened after cooling. Are you trying to attempt a thicker broth?

      Reply

      • Barbara Finley
        January 14, 2019

        I love your recipes, but this one got me. It was “souper” (pun intended) watery. I followed the directions exactly. What’s the secret to getting the soup I see in your pictures and that everybody is raving about? I love, love, love a good chicken soup but this was too watery to enjoy.

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          January 15, 2019

          Hi Barbara, I’d love to help troubleshoot. Did you possibly add too much water or not enough broth/ seasoning? Were any changes made to the recipe?

          Reply

          • Barbara
            January 16, 2019

            Oh, an honor to hear from you! I love your videos and recipes. The recipe calls for 14 cups of liquid (10 cups of water and 4 of chicken broth). It never boiled down and with that much water, there weren’t enough veggies and seasonings. What did I do wrong? I follow your recipes to a “t” and they’re always good. (PS – One of our family favs is the creamy avocado pasta salad!)

          • Natashas Kitchen
            January 16, 2019

            I love that salad! Thank you for sharing that Barbara! We love our soup to have a bit more broth. You are more than welcome to add more broth than water or even more spices. I hope it works out better for you next time!

  • Kathi C
    January 8, 2019

    Natasha,
    to help stop your eyes from watering when chopping onions open a bottle of pure essential oil and set it near by. My favorites are Young Living Peppermint essential oil or Young Living Lemon Essential Oil.
    Give it a try!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 8, 2019

      Thank you for sharing that, Kathi!

      Reply

  • Irene
    January 6, 2019

    Absolutely Delicious!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 6, 2019

      Awww that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me 🙂

      Reply

  • Heather
    January 4, 2019

    This soup tastes amazing! I have been trying for years to recreate my mom’s chicken noodle soup, but was unsuccessful. Then I found your recipe and remembered that my mom always used dill in her soup. Thank you so much for posting this delicious recipe.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 4, 2019

      I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed this recipe!! Thank you for that great review!

      Reply

  • Charlotte Woodward
    December 30, 2018

    Natasha, I was told years ago to cut / slice onion with root attached to avoid the tears and burning eyes…happy to say it has worked for me.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 31, 2018

      Thank you for sharing that!

      Reply

  • Vrutin
    December 30, 2018

    Really tasty even with Chicken breast.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 31, 2018

      Thank you for sharing your feedback with us!

      Reply

  • Jackie
    December 18, 2018

    Natasha your chicken soup was to die for so easy so quick I doubled the recipe for a potluck couldn’t get enough compliments I follow your receipts all the time thank you again for sharing the chicken soup receipe I always make noodles on the side in case I didn’t add enough in the soup you never have enough noodles

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 18, 2018

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the wonderful review!

      Reply

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