The Ultimate Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe to Warm Your Soul

There’s something about a bowl of warm, soothing chicken noodle soup that feels like a cozy hug from the inside out. Growing up in a white farmhouse nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, my grandmother, Mama Lu, had a way of making simple meals feel sacred — and chicken noodle soup was no exception. This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is one I learned over countless afternoons, stirring big pots on the stove while listening to her stories and feeling the comfort of home settle around us like a soft blanket. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a little piece of that love and warmth, handed down through generations and now ready to fill your kitchen with that same familiar comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

What makes this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe stand out isn’t just the taste — though it’s rich, savory, and downright comforting — it’s the memories and heart behind it. Back home, food was our way of speaking love without words. Mama Lu never measured anything precisely; she cooked with intuition, letting the ingredients tell her what they needed. This soup captures that spirit. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for when you want to slow down and savor something nourishing.

This recipe uses fresh ingredients and homemade broth that bring real depth to the flavor — no shortcuts here. The chicken is tender and juicy, the noodles have just the right bite, and the broth is full of herbs and goodness that feel like a warm embrace. Whether you’re fighting off a cold, seeking comfort on a rainy day, or just craving a taste of home, this soup delivers every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), preferably organic or free-range
• 10 cups cold water
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 large yellow onion, peeled and quartered
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 2 cups egg noodles (or any pasta of your choice)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: 1 teaspoon dried thyme or a few sprigs of fresh thyme

Substitution tips: If you can’t find a whole chicken, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs work beautifully for rich flavor. For a gluten-free option, swap egg noodles for rice noodles or gluten-free pasta. And if fresh herbs aren’t on hand, dried herbs work just fine—just use about a third of the amount.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: Approximately 280 per serving (1.5 cups)
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 10g (mostly from chicken and butter)
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g (natural sugars from vegetables)
• Sodium: 600mg (variable depending on added salt)

These numbers are based on realistic portions and classic ingredient choices, but keep in mind that homemade recipes can vary. I always encourage tasting as you go, especially when seasoning, so you get the right balance that feels just right for your family.

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Steps to Create Your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

1. Place the whole chicken in a large stockpot and cover with 10 cups of cold water. This slow start is key — it helps draw out the rich flavor from the bones. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
2. As the water begins to boil, skim off any foam or impurities rising to the surface with a ladle or spoon. This keeps your broth clear and bright — just like Mama Lu would want.
3. Add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, and 1 teaspoon of salt to the pot. If you’re using thyme, add it now. Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer gently, uncovered, for about 1.5 to 2 hours. The slow simmer lets the flavors meld and the chicken cook tender.
4. Once the chicken is cooked through and falling off the bone, carefully remove it from the pot and set aside on a cutting board to cool. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into another pot or large bowl, discarding the vegetables and spices.
5. When the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding skin and bones. This is one of my favorite parts — the meat is juicy and flavorful, perfect for sinking into your soup bowl with noodles.
6. Return the strained broth to the stove and bring it back to a gentle boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually 6-8 minutes, until tender but still has a little bite.
7. While the noodles cook, melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and sauté for 2-3 minutes to warm through and infuse with a buttery richness.
8. Once noodles are cooked, stir the chicken back into the pot along with the chopped parsley. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Let the soup simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes to marry the flavors.
9. Ladle the soup into bowls, serve hot, and enjoy the simple, nourishing comfort of a meal made with love — just like Mama Lu taught me on those porch swings and flour-dusted afternoons.

Tips for Making the Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

When I think back to those cozy days in the Blue Ridge farmhouse, a few things always come to mind that made Mama Lu’s soups so special — and they’re just as true today: Learn more: Refreshing Homemade Peach Lemonade Recipe to Brighten Your Summer

• Use a whole chicken if you can: The bones add richness and body to the broth that you just can’t get from store-bought stock.
• Don’t rush the simmer: Low and slow is the secret to a broth full of depth and nuance. It’s worth the wait.
• Skim often: Keeping the broth clear and clean makes the soup taste brighter and look more inviting.
• Fresh herbs matter: Parsley and thyme bring a freshness that cuts through the richness and adds brightness.
• Butter is magic: A little butter sautéed with the chicken adds silkiness and flavor that feels indulgent but still homey.
• Don’t overcook the noodles: They should be tender but not mushy. Adding them last keeps them from soaking up all the broth and falling apart.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is a meal in itself, but there are a few simple sides that take it from humble to a full celebration of comfort food. At home, Mama Lu’s cornbread was always on the table, fresh from the skillet and still warm with a pat of butter melting on top. That golden, slightly sweet cornbread is the perfect partner for dipping into the broth.

If you’re looking for something lighter, a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup. And for a little extra heartiness, a side of roasted root vegetables or steamed green beans works beautifully.

For drinks, a cold glass of sweet tea or a mug of hot herbal tea rounds out the meal like a gentle exhale after a long day.

Storage and Reheating Tips

One of the best things about this soup is how well it keeps. I remember Mama Lu always made a big pot because she knew leftovers meant quick comfort on busy days. Here’s how to keep your soup tasting fresh and delicious:

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• If you plan to keep it longer, freeze the soup (without noodles) for up to 3 months. Noodles tend to get mushy when frozen; add fresh noodles when reheating.
• To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until steaming. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Add freshly cooked noodles or pasta during reheating to keep texture perfect.
• Always taste and adjust seasoning after reheating — sometimes it needs a little extra salt or pepper to brighten back up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main ingredients for Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe?

The main ingredients for Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe include the items listed in our ingredients section above. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture.

How long does it take to make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe?

The total time to make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe includes both preparation and cooking time. Check the recipe card above for exact timing details.

Can I make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe can often be prepared in advance. Store it properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within the recommended timeframe.

What can I serve with Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe?

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe pairs well with various sides and accompaniments. Consider the serving suggestions mentioned in the recipe for the best dining experience.

Is Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe suitable for special diets?

Depending on the ingredients used, Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe may be adapted for various dietary needs. Check the ingredients list and consider substitutions as needed for your dietary requirements.

Final Thoughts

There’s a quiet magic in the way a simple meal like this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe can carry the weight of generations, family stories, and the comfort of home all in one bowl. Cooking this soup takes me right back to that farmhouse kitchen, with the scent of simmering broth filling the air and Mama Lu’s soft voice reminding me that food is love, healing, and togetherness — not just something to eat.

Whether you’re making this for a loved one who’s feeling under the weather, gathering the family around the table on a chilly evening, or just craving a taste of something real and warm, I hope this recipe brings you the same kind of comfort it brought me. After all, the best recipes aren’t just remembered — they’re shared with a pinch of salt and a whole lot of soul.