Easy Chicken Noodle Soup with Egg Noodles Recipe

If you crave a comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug, this Easy Chicken Noodle Soup with Egg Noodles is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful blend of tender chicken, perfectly cooked egg noodles, and a vibrant mix of vegetables simmered in a savory broth. Whether you’re battling a chilly day or just want a satisfying meal that’s effortless to make, this recipe delivers a sense of home in every spoonful. It’s simple, nourishing, and full of flavor — everything you want from a classic soup with a fresh, easy twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this soup plays a crucial role, from the olive oil that starts the flavor base to the fresh herbs that brighten the broth. These simple, wholesome components come together to create a dish that is both hearty and delicately balanced.

• Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil to sauté vegetables, adding a subtle richness.
• Yellow onion: Diced finely, it provides sweetness and depth to the soup.
• Carrots: Sliced carrots add a gentle sweetness and lovely color.
• Celery: Diced celery brings a pleasant crunch and earthiness.
• Garlic: Minced garlic lends aromatic warmth and enhances all the other flavors.
• Chicken broth or stock: The heart of the soup, it’s best to use a rich, flavorful broth for maximum taste.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose thighs for extra juiciness, breasts for leaner meat.
• Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a mild heat that balances the savory elements.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning every component just right.
• Dried oregano: This herb brings a subtle earthiness that pairs wonderfully with chicken.
• Minced fresh thyme: Thyme brightens and freshens the broth with its floral notes.
• Bay leaves: Simmered slowly, bay leaves deepen the soup’s flavor complexity.
• Egg noodles: Choose your favorite shape; egg noodles cook quickly and soak up the broth beautifully.

How to Make Easy Chicken Noodle Soup with Egg Noodles

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these until they become tender and fragrant, about four minutes. These veggies lay down the slightly sweet and aromatic foundation for your soup, so don’t rush this step.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Broth

Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional minute until fragrant but not browned. Then pour in the chicken broth, and nestle in the chicken breasts or thighs. Sprinkle with kosher salt, cracked pepper, dried oregano, fresh thyme, and toss in bay leaves. This combination is where the magic starts to happen, infusing the broth with layers of comforting, herbal notes.

Step 3: Simmer and Shred the Chicken

Bring the pot to a simmer, then cover it with the lid slightly tilted to let steam escape. Let it cook gently until the chicken is tender and can be easily shredded, which should take about 15 minutes. Using two forks, shred the chicken right in the pot, choosing your preferred chunk size to ensure every spoonful has just the right amount of meaty comfort.

Step 4: Cook the Egg Noodles

Raise the heat slightly to bring the soup to a low boil. Add the egg noodles and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes until they’re perfectly al dente. The noodles become wonderfully tender while absorbing the rich, flavorful broth, making each bite irresistible. Once ready, discard the bay leaves and give the soup one final stir before serving.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Noodle Soup with Egg Noodles

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of fresh thyme elevate this soup beautifully. A little cracked black pepper on top adds a final kick. The garnishes brighten the dish and add a fresh contrast to the warm, savory broth.

Side Dishes

Serve this soup with crusty bread, warm dinner rolls, or buttery crackers. They’re perfect for soaking up every last drop of that fabulous broth. A crisp green salad on the side can bring some fresh texture balance to the meal as well.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in individual bread bowls or pair each bowl with a small platter of assorted cheese. This not only looks inviting but adds extra indulgence to your meal. You can also stir in some grated Parmesan just before serving to add a creamy, savory depth that’s simply divine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying this Easy Chicken Noodle Soup with Egg Noodles, refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. This soup often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.

Freezing

While this soup is fantastic fresh, freezing it can be tricky due to the egg noodles, which may become mushy. For best results, freeze the soup without noodles and add freshly cooked egg noodles to portions as you reheat. Store the noodle-free soup in freezer-safe containers for up to three months.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent toughening the chicken or overcooking the noodles. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup seems too thick. Stir frequently and taste to adjust seasoning as flavors may mellow after storage.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra moisture and richness to the soup while still being easy to shred. Use whichever cut you prefer for your ideal texture and flavor.

What kind of egg noodles work best?

Classic medium-width egg noodles are perfect for this soup. They cook quickly and absorb the broth well. If you want, small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo can also be a fun substitution.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables or beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could add tofu or mushrooms to mimic the chewy texture of chicken.

How do I prevent the noodles from becoming mushy?

Cooking the noodles directly in the soup is convenient, but if you plan to store leftovers, cook noodles separately and add them fresh when serving to maintain their perfect texture.

Can I freeze the soup with noodles already in it?

To avoid mushy noodles after freezing and reheating, freeze the soup and noodles separately. Reheat the soup and prepare fresh noodles to add in just before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Noodle Soup with Egg Noodles is more than just a meal; it’s a cozy embrace on a plate that anyone can make with simple ingredients and love. I can’t encourage you enough to try it out yourself, whether for a weeknight dinner or when you need comfort food that feels homemade in just a little time. It’s a classic done right, from my kitchen to yours.

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