Chicken Noodle Soup: A Comforting Classic Made Simple

Few dishes can rival the soothing, heartwarming power of chicken noodle soup. Known as a universal comfort food, this timeless recipe combines tender chicken, nourishing broth, hearty vegetables, and slurp-worthy noodles into one bowl of pure satisfaction. Whether you’re cooking it to fight off a cold, serve your family a wholesome dinner, or simply indulge in a classic homemade meal, chicken noodle soup never fails to deliver.

Below, we’ll walk step by step through the process of making a rich, flavorful chicken noodle soup from scratch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken: 2 bone-in chicken breasts or thighs (bone and skin add depth to the broth)
Noodles: 6–8 ounces of egg noodles (or pasta of choice)
Vegetables:
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Broth: 8 cups chicken stock (preferably homemade or low-sodium)
Seasonings:
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh herbs: A handful of chopped parsley or dill for garnish
Olive oil or butter: 2 tablespoons

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Sauté the Base Vegetables

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute. This vegetable trio—known as a mirepoix—is the backbone of the soup’s flavor.