If you’re craving a warm hug in a bowl, nothing quite hits the spot like this Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. Made with tender chunks of rotisserie chicken, fresh diced vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles swimming in a flavorful homemade broth, this soup brings cozy vibes to your table in every spoonful. It’s the ultimate dish to soothe the soul, brighten chilly days, and satisfy hunger with wholesome, simple ingredients that pack a rich taste and heartwarming texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses straightforward, everyday ingredients that each play a vital role in crafting layers of flavor and comforting textures. From the gentle sweetness of carrots to the fragrant herbs and robust chicken stock, every item is essential to bring together this classic soup.
- Butter (1/2 Tablespoon): Adds a silky base for sautéing vegetables and enhances overall richness.
- Celery (2 ribs, diced): Provides subtle crunch and a fresh, bright background note.
- Carrots (3-4 large, diced): Bring natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Infuses the broth with warm, aromatic depth.
- Chicken stock or broth (10 cups): The heart of the soup, delivering savory, comforting flavor.
- Salt (1 teaspoon, to taste): Balances and enhances all the elements perfectly.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon freshly ground, to taste): Adds gentle heat and complexity without overpowering.
- Dried rosemary (1/8 teaspoon): Offers a fragrant, pine-like herbal note that elevates the broth.
- Dried thyme (1/8 teaspoon): Provides subtle earthy and floral undertones.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/8 teaspoon): Gives a mild kick to wake up the flavors.
- Egg noodles (1 batch homemade or 4 cups dry bite-sized pasta): Delivers tender, slurp-worthy texture that’s perfect for a chicken noodle soup.
- Rotisserie chicken (3 cups): Ready-cooked chicken adds convenience and juicy, shredded protein.
- Better Than Bouillon chicken flavor (1 teaspoon): Boosts richness, making sure the broth is packed with savory goodness.
How to Make Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the diced celery and carrots, stirring occasionally until they soften and become slightly fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This softening step unlocks their natural sweetness and forms the flavorful foundation of your soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs
Next, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—be careful not to burn it. Sprinkle in the dried rosemary, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes. These herbs will infuse the soup with warm, aromatic notes that elevate it from basic broth to something truly special.
Step 3: Pour in Chicken Stock and Season
Pour in the entire 10 cups of chicken stock or broth. This generous amount ensures you have plenty of flavorful liquid for the soup. Season with salt, black pepper, and the teaspoon of Better Than Bouillon for an extra boost of chicken flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Once the broth boils, add your egg noodles or preferred pasta. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 6-8 minutes, until tender but not mushy. Fresh homemade egg noodles are wonderful here because they soak up the broth beautifully.
Step 5: Add Chicken and Simmer
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken. Let everything simmer gently for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry and the chicken to heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
How to Serve Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few turns of freshly cracked black pepper on top instantly brightens presentation and adds a burst of freshness that complements the savory broth perfectly.
Side Dishes
Crisp crusty bread or warm buttery dinner rolls are the perfect companions, ready to soak up every last drop of that delicious soup. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the warm bowl of comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting family-style meal, serve the soup in charming individual bowls with small ramekins of garnishes on the side so everyone can customize their own bowl. Alternatively, ladle into bread bowls for a rustic and fun twist that’s sure to impress guests or make mealtime feel a little more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making your next meal just as satisfying as the first.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully, just hold off on adding the noodles if possible—store them separately or add fresh noodles when reheating to keep texture perfect. Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add fresh or pre-cooked noodles during reheating if needed. The soup will be warm, fragrant, and ready to comfort you all over again.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles in this Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional and add a lovely texture, feel free to swap them for farfalle, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta depending on your preferences or dietary needs.
Is it okay to use store-bought chicken broth?
Yes, quality store-bought chicken broth works perfectly here and saves time, especially when using rotisserie chicken. Just opt for a low-sodium variety so you can control the saltiness of your soup.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can adapt the recipe by using vegetable broth and substituting the chicken with hearty veggies or plant-based protein. However, this Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe shines brightest with the classic chicken flavors.
How do I get the noodles to not get mushy after reheating?
The best approach is to cook noodles separately and add them freshly when reheating the soup. This keeps them firm and prevents the broth from thickening too much from broken-down pasta.
What herbs work best in this soup?
Rosemary and thyme are a classic and comforting pairing here, but you can experiment with bay leaves or parsley. Just be sure to keep the herbs subtle so they don’t overpower the delicate chicken broth.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about making a pot of Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe from scratch—it fills your kitchen with warmth and your heart with joy. Whether you’re battling a cold, hosting friends, or simply craving a soul-soothing meal, this recipe is the perfect go-to. I hope you give it a try and find as much comfort in it as I always do!
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Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This comforting chicken noodle soup recipe is the perfect homemade remedy for chilly days or when you need a warm, soothing meal. Featuring tender rotisserie chicken, savory broth, fresh vegetables, and hearty egg noodles, this soup offers a balanced blend of flavors and textures. The aromatic herbs and spices add depth, while the use of homemade or dry noodles makes it flexible and convenient. Ready in about 40 minutes, it’s an ideal family-friendly dish that satisfies and nourishes.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1/2 Tablespoon butter
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 3–4 large carrots, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 10 cups chicken stock or broth
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary (or more, to taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Pasta
- 1 batch homemade egg noodles or 4 cups dry egg noodles, farfalle, or other bite-sized pasta
Protein and Flavor Enhancers
- 3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon chicken flavor (or more, as needed), or chicken bouillon granules
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced celery, carrots, and minced garlic, sautéing until they are tender and aromatic, about 5-7 minutes. This step develops the base flavor for your soup.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in 10 cups of chicken stock or broth. Stir in salt, freshly ground black pepper, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer to allow the flavors to meld, simmering for about 10 minutes.
- Cook the Noodles: Add your chosen noodles—either homemade egg noodles or dry egg noodles/farfalle—to the simmering soup. Cook according to package instructions, usually around 7-10 minutes, until the noodles are tender but not mushy.
- Add Chicken and Final Flavor Boost: Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and the Better Than Bouillon chicken flavor or chicken bouillon granules. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat the chicken through and deepen the soup’s flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup, adjusting salt, pepper, or bouillon as needed. Serve the comforting chicken noodle soup hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken with cooked chicken breast or thighs if preferred.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free noodles.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- If you prefer a thicker broth, you can simmer the soup a little longer before adding noodles.
- Homemade egg noodles provide the best texture and flavor but dry pasta is a convenient shortcut.
