Simple and Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup – Quick & Cozy

Simple and Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup is the kind of recipe that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re fighting off a cold, trying to warm up after a chilly soccer practice, or just craving something soothing that doesn’t take all day, this classic favorite hits the spot every single time. The best part? You probably have most of the ingredients in your fridge and pantry already. This isn’t one of those “reinvented” versions either.

This is grandma-approved comfort food at its best—rich chicken broth, tender shredded chicken, soft noodles, and that unbeatable aroma of sautéed veggies with herbs. The middle of the week or when life feels chaotic is exactly when simple and comforting chicken noodle soup can bring a little order—and flavor—back to your day.

Table of Contents

What is Simple and Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup?

Simple and Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup is a timeless dish that brings together hearty ingredients in a warm, savory broth. It’s made with tender chunks of cooked chicken, egg noodles that soak up all the goodness, and a trio of veggies—carrots, celery, and onions—that deliver both flavor and nutrition.

What makes this soup comforting is its simplicity. It doesn’t try too hard. It doesn’t need to. This soup is often the go-to when someone’s under the weather, because it’s easy on the stomach, full of nutrients, and honestly, just makes you feel better. Whether you make it with leftover rotisserie chicken or from scratch with homemade broth, the results are always rewarding. It’s cozy, filling, and a staple in most American homes—kind of like your favorite pair of sweatpants in edible form.

Reasons to Try Simple and Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup

There’s a reason this soup has stood the test of time—it’s not just good; it’s feel-good. First off, it’s super easy to make. You don’t need culinary school skills or a pantry full of fancy stuff. It’s weeknight-friendly and great for using up leftover chicken. Secondly, this soup is incredibly kid-approved. Picky eaters? No problem. The mild flavors and soft noodles are a hit with kids (and adults pretending to be picky).

Third, it’s the ultimate make-ahead meal. You can prep it in the morning, or even better, freeze a batch and pull it out when your day’s gone off the rails. Need one more reason? It’s also healthier than most canned alternatives and way tastier. Whether you’re trying to fight off a cold or just craving a warm bowl of something homemade, simple and comforting chicken noodle soup is exactly what you want simmering on your stove.

Ingredients Needed to Make Simple and Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 8 cups chicken broth or stock
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
• 6 oz egg noodles
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions to Make Simple and Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup

Making simple and comforting chicken noodle soup doesn’t require a culinary degree—just a little patience, a big pot, and this clear step-by-step guide. Whether it’s your first time or you just need a refresh, these expanded directions walk you through each phase of the process to guarantee a soup that’s cozy, flavorful, and foolproof. Let’s get cooking!

Step 1: Warm the Olive Oil and Prep Your Pot

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. This oil isn’t just for preventing sticking—it’s the first step in building flavor. Give the oil about 1-2 minutes to warm up. You’ll know it’s ready when it shimmers slightly on the surface.

Pro Tip: Don’t rush this. Starting with properly warmed oil allows your veggies to release more aroma and flavor. If you’re curious about other healthy oil options, check out our guide to ingredient swaps for healthy cooking for more tips.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics (Onion, Carrots, Celery)

Add 1 cup sliced carrots, 1 cup diced celery, and 1 diced onion to the hot oil. Sauté for around 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. These three create what’s known as a mirepoix—basically, the flavor base of many classic soups and stews.

During this step, the vegetables begin to soften, and their natural sweetness starts to come through. The kitchen will already smell like comfort food heaven.

Step-by-Step Tip: Dice your vegetables uniformly so they cook evenly. For more chopping tips, visit our page on kitchen prep hacks.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Cook Briefly

Stir in 1–2 teaspoons of minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant. Garlic burns fast, so don’t wander off. The goal is to gently release its aroma and deepen the flavor, not turn it bitter.

Helpful Tip: If you’re out of fresh garlic, you can sub in ½ teaspoon of garlic powder without missing a beat. Learn more about swaps in our pantry ingredient substitution guide.

Step 4: Add Broth, Chicken, and Seasonings

Pour in 8 cups of chicken broth or stock—this is the heart of the soup, so choose a high-quality brand or homemade if you have it. Then stir in 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, along with:

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 bay leaves

Mix everything gently and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.

Why This Step Matters: This is where all the elements begin to meld. The herbs infuse the broth, the chicken warms through, and the aromatics continue to soften. The longer it simmers (without boiling), the better the flavor.

Step 5: Simmer with Lid Slightly Ajar

Once it’s simmering, cover the pot but leave the lid slightly off-center. Let the soup cook for about 15 minutes. This partially covered simmering technique traps heat while allowing steam to escape—keeping your broth from becoming too cloudy or over-reduced.

During this step, the thyme and bay leaves do their thing, adding subtle herbal depth. Your kitchen will smell like you’ve been cooking all day, even if it’s only been 20 minutes.

Want a creamier variation? Try our creamy dill pierogi soup for a richer spin on classic comfort food.

Step 6: Remove Bay Leaves and Adjust Chicken (if needed)

Using tongs or a spoon, remove and discard the bay leaves—they’ve done their job. If you didn’t pre-shred your chicken, now’s the time to pull it apart with two forks directly in the pot. This helps distribute the chicken evenly and adds texture to the soup.

Step-by-Step Bonus: Taste the broth now and adjust the salt and pepper as needed before adding noodles. It’s your last chance before the noodles start soaking up all the liquid.

Step 7: Add the Egg Noodles

Raise the heat slightly and bring the soup to a low boil. Stir in 6 ounces of egg noodles, making sure they’re fully submerged in the broth.

Egg noodles are the traditional choice for this soup because they cook quickly and hold onto flavor well. If you’re trying a variation, check out our chicken noodle casserole for a hearty oven-baked version.

Step 8: Cook Noodles to Al Dente

Let the soup boil gently for 6 to 7 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente—tender with just a little bite in the center. Avoid overcooking here. The noodles will continue to soften as the soup cools, so you want them slightly firm at this stage.

Step-by-Step Reminder: Stir once or twice during cooking to keep noodles from clumping or sticking to the bottom.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve Warm

Once the noodles are perfectly cooked, turn off the heat and give the soup a final stir. Ladle it into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness.

Pair your soup with a hunk of crusty bread or buttery crackers for the ultimate cozy meal. Or make it a full dinner by serving alongside a simple salad or garlic parmesan chicken bake.

What to Serve with Simple and Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup

This soup is basically a meal on its own, but let’s be real—adding a few sides never hurt anyone. A chunk of crusty sourdough bread or warm buttered rolls are perfect for dunking. If you’re trying to bulk it up a bit, serve it alongside a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the broth. Craving cozy times? Make some grilled cheese (or our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake for something a little extra). You can also pair it with a sandwich or even a baked potato for those extra-hungry nights. Just keep it simple—this soup isn’t fussy and plays well with others.

Key Tips for Making Simple and Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup

1. Use high-quality broth – It’s the backbone of the flavor. Homemade is great, but a good boxed broth can still deliver if you’re short on time.
2. Don’t overcook the noodles – Letting them simmer too long will turn them mushy. Al dente is your friend.
3. Leftover chicken? Perfect! – Rotisserie or roasted chicken works beautifully here and cuts your prep time in half.
4. Add noodles last – Always wait until the end to add noodles so they don’t soak up too much broth or get too soft.
5. Fresh herbs for finish – A sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving really wakes up the flavors.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Simple and Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup

If you have leftovers (or make a big batch on purpose), this soup stores like a dream. Pop it into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Pro tip: if you know you’ll be storing it, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them to each bowl. This keeps them from going soggy. For freezing, skip the noodles entirely and add fresh ones when you reheat. Freeze the broth, chicken, and veggies for up to 3 months. When reheating, just thaw overnight in the fridge, heat it gently on the stove, and add cooked noodles in the last few minutes. Easy peasy, chicken squeezy.

FAQs

Can I use different noodles?
Absolutely. If you’re out of egg noodles, try rotini, ditalini, or even broken spaghetti.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Sure! Sauté the veggies first, then toss everything (except the noodles) into the crockpot. Cook on low 6–7 hours, add noodles in the last 20–30 minutes.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes—but freeze it without the noodles to avoid mushiness. Add fresh cooked noodles when you reheat.

What kind of chicken works best?
Shredded rotisserie chicken is fast and flavorful, but any cooked, shredded chicken breast or thigh works just fine.

Final Thoughts

Simple and comforting chicken noodle soup isn’t just another recipe—it’s one of those meals that feels like a warm blanket for your soul. It checks all the boxes: quick, easy, wholesome, and totally crave-worthy. Whether you’re nursing a cold, feeding a crowd, or just need something cozy after a long day, this soup is your answer. And if you’re in the mood for more comfort food, don’t miss our creamy dill pierogi soup or easy homemade butter chicken. Here’s to warm bowls and happier days.

Visit our Pinterest for regular slow cooker recipe updates, or join our Facebook discussions where cooking fans exchange their favorite hearty meal ideas.

Print