Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

I absolutely love this Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe because it feels like a warm hug in a bowl—cozy, comforting, and packed with rich, fresh flavors. Whenever I’m craving something soothing yet hearty, this soup never fails to hit the spot, whether it’s a chilly evening or just a day when you need a little extra care.

You’ll find that the combination of fresh herbs, tender chicken, and those perfectly cooked egg noodles turns this simple dish into a real crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s versatile enough to make on the stovetop, in a crockpot, or an Instant Pot, so you can tailor it to your schedule without sacrificing flavor or texture.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe plays a part in building those cozy, layered flavors without any complicated fuss. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before starting, and I’ve added a few tips from my kitchen to help you shop smart.

• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a nice fruity base flavor; don’t skip it combined with butter for richness.
• Salted butter: Provides a creamy texture and helps brown the veggies for more flavor.
• Yellow onion: The backbone of nearly every great soup—adds sweetness and depth.
• Shallots: These give a mild, slightly sweet onion flavor that’s more delicate than standard onions.
• Garlic: Freshly chopped garlic is a must for that warm, aromatic punch.
• Celery: Adds crunch and a subtle bitterness that balances the sweetness of carrots.
• Carrots: Choose fresh ones that are firm and bright for the best sweetness.
• Fresh thyme leaves: This herb really lifts the flavor—fresh is best, but dried can work if needed.
• Fresh sage: Adds earthiness and warmth that you’ll notice in every spoonful.
• Fresh rosemary: Just a little bit goes a long way in giving your broth that woodsy note.
• Bay leaf: Don’t skip it—it subtly rounds out the flavors in the broth.
• Dry sherry: A secret ingredient that adds a mild sweetness and complexity to the broth—you can find it near cooking wines.
• Low sodium chicken broth: Using low sodium lets you control the seasoning better—you’ll be glad you did.
• Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs stay juicier; breasts are leaner—either works wonderfully.
• Egg noodles: The perfect tender, chewy noodles that soak up all that delicious broth.
• Shaved parmesan cheese: Adds umami richness and melts slightly into the soup for extra silky texture.
• Chopped parsley: Fresh parsley brightens every bite and gives a lovely green pop at the end.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is, so feel free to tweak it to your taste or dietary needs. You’ll find that making it your own is part of the fun and makes the soup even more special.

• Using turkey instead of chicken: I tried swapping turkey thighs one holiday, and it gave a lovely, slightly gamier flavor that my family loved.
• Gluten-free noodles: For those avoiding gluten, brown rice or chickpea pasta noodles work great and hold up well in soup.
• Adding kale or spinach: A handful of greens stirred in near the end adds color and nutrition without overpowering the classic taste.
• Vegan adaptation: Swap the chicken for hearty mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead—though it’s a different vibe, it’s still comforting.

How to Make Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté your base for rich flavor

Start by melting the olive oil and butter together in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Once melted, toss in the chopped onion and cook for about 3-5 minutes until it starts to soften and become translucent. Then add the shallots, garlic, celery, carrots, and your fresh herbs. Season everything generously with salt and pepper, and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step is where you build so many layers of flavor—don’t rush it, and enjoy smelling the kitchen fill with those warm aromas.

Step 2: Add liquids and chicken, then simmer gently

Pour in the dry sherry and chicken broth and crank the heat to high to bring it all to a boil. Add the whole chicken breasts or thighs, bay leaf, and if you have a parmesan rind, throw that in too—it adds an amazing depth of umami. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. If you have time, letting it simmer on low for several hours really deepens the flavor; I sometimes prep this early and leave it to gently bubble all afternoon.

Step 3: Shred chicken, adjust seasoning, and add noodles

Remove the chicken, parmesan rind, and bay leaf. Shred the chicken finely with two forks, then return it to the pot. Give the soup a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Bring the soup back up to a boil, then add the egg noodles. Cook the noodles for about 6-8 minutes until tender but not mushy—that’s key. Finally, stir in the shaved parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for that finishing touch of flavor and color.

Step 4: Serve and enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with an extra sprinkle of parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent. This soup is delicious on its own or paired with crusty bread to soak up every last drop. I love those simple moments when the whole family gathers around a steaming bowl like this one.

How to Serve Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I typically garnish this soup with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and a handful of chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. Sometimes I like to add a crack of black pepper or a splash of lemon juice to brighten it up even more—it’s a small touch that makes a big difference in flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair your soup with a warm slice of crusty bread, garlic bread, or even a simple crisp green salad. My family especially loves dipping soft bread into the broth—it’s like a little added indulgence that makes dinner feel extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I like to serve the soup in rustic bread bowls—everyone loves this charming presentation, and it adds an unexpected wow factor without extra effort. You can also top soup bowls with a swirl of cream or a few fresh herb leaves to make them look restaurant-worthy at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge and find it keeps beautifully for about 3-4 days. Just keep the noodles on the firmer side to avoid them becoming too mushy overnight, or store the noodles separately and add fresh ones when reheating.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, but I recommend freezing the broth and chicken separately from the noodles if you can. When ready to enjoy, thaw and reheat the broth and chicken, then add fresh noodles so they’re perfectly tender and don’t turn gummy.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until hot and aromatic. If adding fresh noodles, add them during the last several minutes of reheating for the best texture. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it sometimes heats unevenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s both nourishing and downright delicious every single time. I hope you give it a try soon—it’s the kind of meal that brings comfort not just to your body, but to your soul, and to those you share it with too. Trust me, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again, especially on those days when you want something simple, homey, and guaranteed to hit the spot.

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