Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup from Scratch: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Few dishes evoke the warmth and solace of home quite like a steaming bowl of **homemade chicken noodle soup**. Forget bland, store-bought alternatives; this is the authentic, from-scratch recipe reminiscent of grandma’s kitchen, where every ingredient contributes to a symphony of flavors and a profound sense of well-being. This classic chicken noodle soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, a cherished memory, and a true culinary masterpiece that stands the test of time. With its deeply savory, slow-simmered broth, tender pieces of succulent chicken, garden-fresh vegetables, and perfectly toothsome wide egg noodles, it’s designed to nourish your body and soothe your soul. Whether you’re battling a seasonal cold, seeking refuge from a chilly day, or simply yearning for the comforting embrace of home cooking, this hearty chicken noodle soup recipe is the ultimate answer. It’s an easy chicken noodle soup to master, delivering unparalleled satisfaction.

For me, this classic homemade chicken noodle soup isn’t just a recipe; it’s a vibrant tapestry of cherished childhood memories. It was, without a doubt, my absolute favorite meal growing up, and its reign as my ultimate comfort food continues to this day – a testament to its timeless appeal. Even when the summer sun beats down, a craving for this soul-warming soup can strike, and it always delivers that inimitable feeling of contentment.

I can still recall the distinct aroma that would fill our home as my Mom prepared a fresh batch of this from-scratch chicken noodle soup. There’s one particular memory that always brings a smile to my face: every single time I ate this soup, I’d get the hiccups. Looking back now, it’s clear why – I was devouring it at an incredible speed, eager to savor every last drop of that rich, homemade goodness! It was too delicious to eat slowly.

My bond with this soup goes even deeper. My childhood friend, Lisa, and I spent countless hours in my play kitchen, where our culinary adventures always revolved around one dish. We’d fill my miniature “soup kettle” with warm water, pretending to “cook” the most amazing homemade chicken noodle soup on my tiny stove. It wasn’t just play; it was an early lesson in the joy of preparing a nourishing, beloved meal, foreshadowing a lifelong love for this hearty chicken soup recipe.

Crafting The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup from Scratch

What truly elevates this traditional chicken noodle soup above all others is its commitment to being made entirely from scratch. This isn’t your average hurried weeknight meal; it’s a culinary journey, a deliberate process that rewards patience with unparalleled depth of flavor. If your goal is a quick 30-minute soup, this might not be the recipe you’re seeking. Instead, this classic chicken noodle soup is designed for those who appreciate the profound difference that slow, gentle simmering makes. It allows the robust flavors of a whole chicken, fresh vegetables, and carefully selected seasonings to meld and deepen over time, creating a broth that is incredibly rich, savory, and truly soul-soothing.

The magic happens as the ingredients slowly cook together for at least an hour, sometimes even longer, allowing the chicken to become incredibly tender and the vegetables — carrots, celery, and onion — to soften perfectly, releasing their natural sweetness into the broth. This extended cooking time is the secret to achieving that rich, nourishing chicken soup experience, reminiscent of the treasured recipes passed down through generations. It’s a hearty chicken noodle soup that promises to comfort and satisfy with every spoonful, making it a staple in any home.

If you love Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup recipes, you are sure to love these too: Thai Chicken Noodle Soup, Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup, and this Italian Chicken Noodle Soup.

Your Go-To Hearty Homemade Chicken and Noodle Soup Recipe

This versatile homemade chicken noodle soup recipe is an absolute culinary chameleon, perfectly suited for any occasion or craving. It’s the ideal antidote to crisp, cold evenings, providing a comforting embrace that warms you from the inside out. Beyond its role as a winter warmer, it transforms effortlessly into a delightful weekday lunch, a satisfying weekend family meal, a nourishing afternoon pick-me-up, or a thoughtful packed meal for work or school. Its robust flavors and wholesome ingredients make it a fantastic choice to fuel your day.

To truly elevate the experience, I highly recommend serving this hearty chicken soup with a generous slice of crusty, artisanal bread. The bread serves as the perfect companion, ideal for dipping into the rich, savory broth and ensuring not a single drop of its exquisite flavor goes to waste. Furthermore, one of the many beauties of this easy chicken noodle soup is its exceptional freezer-friendliness. Prepare a large batch and portion it out into airtight containers; you’ll have delicious, home-cooked goodness ready to thaw and enjoy on busy days, providing instant comfort whenever you need it most. It’s the ultimate make-ahead comfort food!

The Secret to Unrivaled Flavor: Whole Chicken and Homemade Noodles

The foundation of this extraordinary homemade chicken noodle soup lies in two crucial elements: starting with a fresh, whole chicken and, ideally, crafting your own homemade egg noodles. Using a whole chicken ensures an incredibly rich, flavorful broth that simply cannot be replicated with pre-cooked chicken or mere broth from a box. As the whole chicken simmers, it releases its natural fats, collagen, and deep savory essence into the liquid, transforming it into a golden, aromatic elixir – the very heart of this classic chicken noodle soup.

Beyond the chicken, I believe in loading my soup with an abundance of vibrant, fresh vegetables, which contribute not only essential nutrients and texture but also layers of natural sweetness and earthiness. But to truly elevate this dish to an art form, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making your own egg noodles. While store-bought frozen egg noodles are certainly an option, the difference that fresh, tender, chewy homemade egg noodles make is simply incomparable. They absorb the rich broth beautifully, adding a delightful texture and an authentic touch that will unquestionably “up your noodle soup game,” making this a truly unforgettable homemade chicken noodle soup experience.

The Healing Power of Chicken Noodle Soup: More Than Just a Myth?

For centuries, **homemade chicken noodle soup** has been the quintessential remedy for anyone feeling under the weather. While it’s true that no bowl of soup can magically “cure” a cold or flu, the scientific community and countless generations agree: this nourishing chicken soup offers a remarkable array of benefits that can significantly help alleviate symptoms and make the recovery process far more comfortable. It’s a powerhouse of wellness disguised as delicious comfort food.

• Superior Hydration and Nutrient Boost: When you’re sick, staying hydrated is paramount. The warm, savory broth of this homemade chicken noodle soup is an excellent source of fluids, replenishing your body’s essential liquids. Beyond hydration, the broth and ingredients provide vital nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and easily digestible protein, all of which are crucial for supporting a robust immune system as it works to fight off infection.
• Anti-Inflammatory Properties and Symptom Relief: Emerging research suggests that chicken soup may possess mild anti-inflammatory properties. The various ingredients, particularly the vegetables and chicken, contain compounds that could potentially help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract. This can directly contribute to easing common cold symptoms such as a sore throat, coughing, and nasal congestion. The steam rising from a hot bowl of soup acts as a natural decongestant, helping to clear blocked nasal passages and provide immediate, soothing relief.
• Emotional Comfort and Psychological Uplift: Perhaps one of the most underestimated benefits of this classic chicken noodle soup is its profound psychological impact. It’s the ultimate comfort food, triggering feelings of security, love, and care. This emotional boost can play a significant role in making you feel better, reducing stress, and fostering a sense of well-being, which is incredibly important when your body is working hard to recover. While it may not shorten the duration of your cold, it undeniably makes the journey back to health feel much more manageable and pleasant.

Feeling under the weather? Try my Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea recipe!

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Crafting the perfect batch of this easy homemade chicken noodle soup begins with a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layered, comforting flavors that make this classic chicken noodle soup so irresistible. For the precise measurements and detailed instructions, please refer to the full printable recipe card at the very bottom of this post.

• Whole Chicken: This is the star of our homemade chicken noodle soup. Utilizing a whole chicken, rather than just parts, is crucial for creating an incredibly rich, gelatinous, and deeply flavorful broth. As it simmers, the bones, skin, and meat all contribute to a complex, savory base that store-bought broth alone simply cannot match. It’s the secret to that authentic, hearty chicken soup taste.
• Onion (Medium, Chopped): Onions are foundational aromatics in almost any great soup. When slow-simmered, they release a delicate sweetness and a pungent depth that forms a crucial layer of flavor in our broth. I recommend a medium-sized onion, roughly chopped.
• Celery (4-5 stalks, Diced): Celery provides a refreshing, slightly peppery note and a satisfying texture. Diced pieces soften beautifully during cooking, infusing the broth with their distinctive taste and adding wholesome goodness to every spoonful of this nourishing chicken soup.
• Carrots (5, Peeled and Sliced): Carrots are essential for both flavor and visual appeal. Their natural sweetness balances the savory notes of the chicken and other vegetables, while their vibrant orange color makes the soup look as good as it tastes. Slice them into coin shapes or half-moons for uniform cooking.
• Chicken Broth: While we’re making broth with the whole chicken, a good quality store-bought chicken broth (or even better, your own homemade stock from scratch) serves as an excellent foundational liquid. It jumpstarts the flavor development and ensures a robust base for your classic chicken noodle soup.
• Chicken Bouillon Granules (Optional, 1-2 Tablespoons): This is your secret weapon for intensifying flavor. If your broth needs a little extra boost or you find it slightly less “good batch” worthy, a spoonful or two of chicken bouillon can rescue it, deepening the savory notes and rounding out the taste profile.
• Salt and Pepper (To Taste): Essential for seasoning. These basic spices are critical for bringing out and enhancing all the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables. Always taste and adjust as you go!
• Water: Used in conjunction with the chicken broth to cover all ingredients and ensure ample liquid for a generous batch of soup.
• Egg Noodles (12 ounces, Frozen or Homemade): The “noodle” in chicken noodle soup! Wide egg noodles are traditional for their comforting texture and ability to soak up the flavorful broth. While frozen egg noodles are convenient, I highly recommend trying my Homemade Egg Noodle Recipe for an unparalleled taste and texture experience that truly elevates this homemade chicken noodle soup from scratch.

Keep reading to discover invaluable tips, creative substitutions, and answers to all your pressing questions about mastering this ultimate homemade chicken noodle soup recipe.

Crafting Your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup from Scratch: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this deeply satisfying homemade chicken noodle soup using a whole chicken is a rewarding experience. While it requires a bit of time, the process is straightforward, and the resulting flavor is absolutely worth every moment. Follow these detailed steps to bring this classic comfort food to life in your kitchen:

Step 1: Prepare the Base. Begin by carefully placing your whole raw chicken into a large, sturdy soup pot, a Dutch oven, or a stockpot. Around the chicken, arrange your prepared vegetables: the roughly chopped onion, diced celery, and sliced carrots. Don’t worry about finely dicing them at this stage; larger cuts are perfectly fine as they will simmer and release their flavors into the broth.

Step 2: Season and Hydrate. Pour in the chicken broth, then generously season everything with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember, a well-seasoned broth is key to a truly flavorful homemade chicken noodle soup. Finally, add enough water to completely cover all the ingredients, ensuring there’s about 2 to 3 inches of liquid above the chicken and vegetables. This ensures you’ll have an ample supply of that delicious, rich broth.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection. Cover the pot with a lid and bring the liquid to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing the soup to gently simmer. The goal is to cook the chicken until it’s incredibly tender, practically falling off the bone. Depending on the size of your chicken, this usually takes about an hour to an hour and a half. This slow simmering process is vital for extracting maximum flavor from the chicken and vegetables, creating a deeply aromatic and nourishing chicken soup.

Step 4: Prepare the Chicken. Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender, carefully remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. While it’s still warm but manageable, discard the skin and bones. Then, dice or shred the cooked chicken meat into bite-sized pieces. Return all the tender chicken meat back into the soup pot, where it will continue to absorb the wonderful flavors of the broth.

Step 5: Cook and Add Noodles. While your soup is simmering or as you’re de-boning the chicken, prepare your egg noodles. Boil them in a separate pot of salted water until they are perfectly al dente, according to package directions (or your homemade noodle recipe). Cooking them separately prevents the soup from becoming overly starchy. Once cooked, drain and rinse the noodles, then add them directly into the pot of hot soup. Stir gently to combine.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve. Ladle generous portions of this magnificent homemade chicken noodle soup into bowls. For a fresh burst of color and flavor, I love to garnish mine with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately and savor the comforting warmth and rich flavors of your labor of love.

This incredible homemade chicken noodle soup is also fantastic for meal prepping. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or you can freeze portions for up to 3 months. It’s the perfect way to ensure you always have a comforting, home-cooked meal ready to go.

Michaela’s Insider Tips for Your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Over decades of making this classic chicken noodle soup, I’ve gathered a few observations and tricks that I’m happy to share to ensure your batch is always a “good batch” and to help you manage your leftovers like a pro.

• Achieving the Perfect Broth: It’s a funny thing, but some batches of broth simply turn out richer and more flavorful than others. In our family, when it hits that sweet spot, we lovingly call it “a good batch!” If, by chance, your broth feels a little less robust – as my Mom and Grandma always did – we playfully “blame the chicken.” But fear not, a less-than-perfect broth is incredibly easy to remedy. A simple addition of a tablespoon or two of quality chicken bouillon granules can deepen the savory notes and bring your homemade chicken noodle soup back to its full, flavorful potential. Always taste and adjust!
• Managing Noodle Absorption: One common characteristic of any chicken noodle soup, especially this hearty version, is that the noodles tend to soak up a significant amount of the delicious broth as it sits, particularly overnight. This is completely normal! If you’re enjoying leftovers, you’ll likely find the soup thicker than when it was first made. My solution is simple and highly recommended: always have extra chicken broth on hand to add to your reheated portions. This restores the soup to its original, luscious consistency, ensuring you get to enjoy that wonderful, rich broth we all love so much.
• Tips for Fat Reduction: For those mindful of their fat intake, a simple trick can make a big difference without sacrificing flavor. Prepare your homemade chicken noodle soup a day in advance. After cooking, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to the refrigerator overnight. As it chills, the fat from the chicken will rise to the surface and solidify into a distinct layer. The next day, you can easily skim off and discard this hardened fat before reheating and serving. This method leaves you with a clearer, lighter broth without compromising the deep, savory essence of your traditional chicken noodle soup.

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Customizing Your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup: Smart Substitutions

The beauty of a classic recipe like homemade chicken noodle soup lies in its adaptability. Don’t hesitate to personalize this recipe to suit your unique tastes, dietary needs, or simply whatever ingredients you have readily available. Think of it as a canvas for your culinary creativity; make it truly your own!

• Vary Your Vegetables: While carrots, celery, and onion form the traditional base, feel free to experiment with other vegetables. Adding a cup of frozen corn or peas towards the end of cooking can introduce a burst of sweetness and vibrant color. Spinach or kale can be wilted in for added greens and nutrients. Mushrooms, parsnips, or even diced potatoes can also make wonderful additions, altering the texture and flavor profile of your hearty chicken soup.
• Experiment with Noodles: This recipe traditionally calls for wide egg noodles, but the world of pasta is your oyster! If you don’t have egg noodles on hand, or simply prefer something different, feel free to use thin spaghetti broken into small pieces, elbow macaroni, or even a short pasta like ditalini. Just be mindful of cooking times and remember to cook them separately to prevent starchiness.
• Stock Options: While making your own stock with a whole chicken provides the deepest flavor, it’s not always feasible. If you have homemade chicken stock in your fridge or freezer, it’s an excellent substitute for store-bought chicken broth and will still yield a remarkably flavorful homemade chicken noodle soup. Otherwise, a good quality store-bought chicken broth or stock works perfectly fine as your base.
• Chicken Choices: For the ultimate flavor, cooking a whole raw chicken directly in the broth is highly recommended. However, if you’re looking for a shortcut, you can certainly use bone-in chicken thighs or even boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just remember that cooking chicken pieces might reduce the overall richness of the broth compared to a whole chicken. For a truly expedited process, leftover cooked chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken can be shredded and added to the hot broth with vegetables, but you might need to lean more on chicken bouillon to enhance the depth of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Hearty Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Here are answers to some common questions you might have about preparing and enjoying this comforting, traditional chicken noodle soup recipe, ensuring you achieve the best possible results every time.

• What is the broth for this chicken noodle soup made of? The foundation of this incredibly flavorful homemade chicken noodle soup broth starts with a quality store-bought chicken broth. However, its true depth and richness are significantly enhanced by simmering a whole raw chicken directly in the pot. This process extracts natural flavors, collagen, and fats, creating a robust, savory liquid. Further complexity is added through the slow cooking of fresh vegetables like onion, celery, and carrots, alongside careful seasoning.
• Should I cook the chicken before adding it to the soup? Absolutely not, especially for this homemade chicken noodle soup from scratch! The secret to a deeply flavorful broth lies in cooking the raw, whole chicken directly in the soup pot with the other ingredients. As the chicken simmers, it releases all its wonderful juices, fats, and essence into the liquid, forming the rich stock that is the soul of this classic chicken noodle soup. Pre-cooking the chicken would mean missing out on this vital flavor development.
• Do I cook the noodles separately before adding them to the chicken soup? This is a matter of personal preference, but I strongly recommend cooking your noodles separately before incorporating them into the soup. If you cook the egg noodles directly in the soup pot, they will release starch, which can make your beautiful broth cloudy and give it a slightly gummy texture. By cooking them in a separate pot of salted water until al dente, draining, and rinsing them, you ensure your broth remains clear and flavorful, and your noodles retain their perfect texture.
• What’s the “secret ingredient” in truly great homemade chicken soup? Beyond the essential ingredient of love and patience, the true secret to an outstanding homemade chicken noodle soup is a phenomenal stock. This is precisely why we advocate using a whole chicken from the outset. Simmering an entire chicken, complete with bones and meat, alongside fresh aromatic vegetables, slowly extracts all the deep, savory goodness. This long, gentle cooking creates a rich, gelatinous, and incredibly flavorful chicken stock that forms the magnificent base of your soup.
• Is chicken stock the same as chicken broth? While the terms “chicken stock” and “chicken broth” are often used interchangeably in everyday cooking, there’s a subtle but significant difference. Generally, chicken stock is made primarily by simmering chicken bones (sometimes with a little meat and vegetables) for an extended period, resulting in a richer, more gelatinous liquid. Chicken broth, on the other hand, is typically made by simmering chicken meat (with vegetables and seasonings) for a shorter duration, yielding a lighter, more delicate flavor. For this classic homemade chicken noodle soup, we essentially create a robust stock by cooking a whole chicken, then further enhance it with additional broth.
• What can I add to bland chicken noodle soup to make it better? If your homemade chicken noodle soup broth tastes a bit bland, don’t despair! The first step is always to adjust your basic seasonings: add a bit more salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting as you go. Salt is a flavor enhancer, and sometimes that’s all it takes. If it still needs a deeper, more savory punch, a teaspoon or two of chicken bouillon granules can work wonders, adding that umami richness without altering the overall flavor profile too much. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill stirred in at the end can also brighten the taste.
• Can I freeze homemade chicken noodle soup? Absolutely! This homemade chicken noodle soup freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep or saving for a rainy day. Just allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight, freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of extra chicken broth to restore its original consistency, as the noodles tend to absorb liquid during freezing and thawing.
• Is homemade chicken soup healthy? Yes, this homemade chicken noodle soup is incredibly healthy! Made from scratch with a whole chicken and an abundance of fresh vegetables, it’s packed with essential vitamins, minerals, protein, and hydrating fluids. It’s a wholesome, nourishing meal that supports your immune system and provides sustained energy, making it a fantastic choice for overall well-being.

Expert Tips & Tricks for Your Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Elevate your homemade chicken noodle soup from great to absolutely extraordinary with these practical tips and clever tricks:

• Perfectly Cooked Noodles are Key: Regardless of whether you choose fresh homemade egg noodles or a store-bought variety, always ensure you cook them “al dente” – meaning they are firm to the bite, not mushy. This is crucial because noodles will continue to absorb liquid and soften once added to the hot soup. Cooking them al dente ensures they maintain a pleasant chewiness and don’t become soggy, even in leftovers, preserving the integrity of your classic chicken noodle soup.
• Boost Flavor with Herbs and Aromatics: While the core ingredients already create a delicious broth, you can easily add layers of aromatic complexity. Consider tossing in a few bay leaves during the simmering process, removing them before serving. Fresh herbs like sprigs of thyme or a handful of fresh dill stirred in at the very end can brighten the entire soup. Dried herbs such as oregano, marjoram, or a pinch of poultry seasoning can also be added with the vegetables to infuse more savory notes into your hearty chicken soup.
• Control Sodium Levels: For those managing their salt intake or simply preferring to control the seasoning precisely, opting for low-sodium chicken broth is an excellent choice. This allows you to add salt gradually throughout the cooking process, tasting as you go, until you achieve your desired flavor balance without the risk of over-salting. It ensures your homemade chicken noodle soup is perfectly seasoned to your preference.
• Don’t Skim the Surface Too Early: While you might be tempted to skim off fat as the soup simmers, resist doing so too early. The fat from the chicken is crucial for flavor development in the initial stages. If you prefer a leaner soup, follow the “Notes from Me” tip about refrigerating the soup overnight and removing the solidified fat the next day. This way, you get all the flavor benefits without the extra richness if you don’t want it.
• Serve with Freshness: A final flourish of fresh, chopped parsley or chives just before serving can add a wonderful herbaceous aroma and a pop of green color, enhancing the overall presentation and taste of your easy chicken noodle soup.

More Homemade Soup Recipes to Love

If you are looking for more soup recipes, I’ve got you covered. For creamy soups, you may like this Broccoli Cheese Soup, this Cream of Reuben Soup, or this Creamy Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup.

If you like pasta-based soups then this Easiest Lasagna Soup is a must as is this Tortellini Soup With Sausage.

See ALL of my Soup Recipes Here

In conclusion, this homemade chicken noodle soup recipe isn’t just about combining ingredients; it’s about crafting an experience. It transforms simple components into a profound culinary embrace, serving up not just a meal, but a genuine “warm hug” in every single bowl. In today’s busy world, I believe we could all benefit from the comforting, nourishing feeling this classic chicken noodle soup provides. So, gather your ingredients, take your time, and enjoy the process of creating this ultimate comfort food that truly feeds the soul.

This post was originally published on February 4th, 2012. It has been rewritten to improve user experience and reshared on September 17, 2024.

My sweet pups, Gabby & Sully, who were standing close by when I first posted this recipe. They were always my audience whenever I de-boned a chicken. As all dogs do, they both crossed over the rainbow bridge into heaven in 2015 and 2016. ❤︎