Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Like Grandma Used to Make

Last Updated on December 3, 2025 by Souhail

There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. It’s more than just a meal — it’s a remedy, a memory, and a warm hug in a bowl. I don’t know about you, but when the weather turns cold, or when I’m feeling a little under the weather (or just missing home), this is the recipe I turn to without hesitation. It’s pure comfort. The kind of recipe that makes the whole kitchen smell like nostalgia.

What makes this version so special is the simplicity. We’re not using anything fancy here — just real ingredients, classic flavor, and a few little tricks I’ve picked up over the years to get the broth rich and golden without simmering it for hours. This soup is cozy, satisfying, and nourishing, but it also happens to be easy enough for a weeknight. The tender chicken, slurpable noodles, sweet carrots, and fragrant herbs make every bite feel like a little act of self-care.

Whether you’re making it for someone you love or just treating yourself, this chicken noodle soup is always the right choice. Let’s dive in — I’ll walk you through how to make the best homemade version from scratch.

Why This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is Always a Win

Let’s be honest — there are a million chicken noodle soup recipes out there, but this one hits differently. It’s the one that gets requested on snow days, sick days, and those “I just need something warm and cozy” days. Here’s why this version works every single time:

• It’s From-Scratch but Still Weeknight-Friendly
  You get all the cozy, rich flavor of a soup that tastes like it simmered all day, but thanks to smart shortcuts (hello, poaching chicken while prepping veggies), you’re sitting down to dinner in under an hour.
• Balanced, Comforting Flavors
  The broth is flavorful and aromatic thanks to garlic, bay leaf, thyme, and a splash of lemon at the end that lifts the whole dish.
• Hearty and Nourishing
  It’s loaded with lean protein, veggies, and satisfying noodles. Bonus: it’s incredibly hydrating, which is why it’s such a classic when you’re feeling under the weather.
• Totally Customizable
  Want to make it gluten-free? Swap in rice or gluten-free pasta. Looking to go dairy-free? You’re already there. Vegetarian? Sub in veggie broth and chickpeas or tofu. Easy.
• Great for Leftovers
  This soup stores and reheats like a dream (and I’ll show you how later). It’s the kind of thing you’ll be grateful to have in the fridge for the next few days.
• Pairs Perfectly with Homemade Bread
  If you’re really going all in on the cozy vibes, try it with a slice of warm homemade bread. I highly recommend trying this sourdough starter recipe if you’ve ever wanted to make your own loaf.

How To Make This Recipe

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Recipe by Kenza

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

320

kcal

A cozy and nourishing homemade chicken noodle soup made from scratch with real ingredients, rich broth, and tender chicken. The perfect comfort food for any season.

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Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced

• 3 celery stalks, sliced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1.5 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts

• 8 cups chicken broth

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 2 cups egg noodles

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

• Start by grabbing a big pot or Dutch oven — something deep enough to hold all the cozy goodness we’re about to create. Drizzle in a little olive oil and set it over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add in your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. This is your flavor base, so let them cook for about 6 to 8 minutes until they’re nice and soft and starting to smell amazing.
• Toss in the minced garlic and stir that around just until fragrant — about 30 seconds is perfect. Then, nestle in your chicken pieces right on top of the veggies. I like using bone-in, skin-on thighs or breasts here because they add great flavor to the broth.
• Pour in the chicken broth and toss in your bay leaves and dried thyme. Give it all a gentle stir, bring the soup to a simmer, and then lower the heat. Let it simmer gently for about 25 to 30 minutes, uncovered, until the chicken is fully cooked and the broth is golden and aromatic.
• Once the chicken is cooked through, go ahead and pull it out with tongs and set it aside to cool slightly. While it’s cooling, you can add your egg noodles directly into the simmering broth and cook them for about 6 to 8 minutes, or according to the package directions. They’ll soak up the delicious flavor as they cook.
• Now shred the chicken using two forks (or your hands if it’s cool enough). Discard the skin and bones, and return that tender meat back into the pot. Stir it all together and give the soup a taste — this is your moment to add salt and pepper to make everything sing.
• To finish it off, stir in a handful of chopped fresh parsley and a splash of lemon juice to brighten things up. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, maybe with a slice of buttered sourdough if you’re feeling fancy.

Notes

• For even more flavor, sauté a bit of chopped leek or shallot with your onion.
• Don’t skip the lemon juice — it’s the secret to a bright, fresh-tasting broth.
• Store noodles separately if making ahead to avoid sogginess.
• Bone-in chicken gives a much richer flavor than boneless.
• Want extra richness? Toss in a parmesan rind while the soup simmers (just remove it before serving).
• Add extra broth if the noodles soak up more liquid than you like — easy fix!

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 320kcal
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 670mg
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 28g

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Pro Tips to Make Your Chicken Noodle Soup Even Better

Want to take this classic soup to the next level? Here are my go-to tricks:

• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts for the best broth flavor. You’ll shred the meat after cooking and discard the bones and skin, but the richness they bring is worth it.
• Cook the noodles separately if you’re making a big batch for leftovers. That way they won’t soak up all your broth and get soggy. Just add cooked noodles to each bowl before serving.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end. It sounds simple, but that bit of acidity brightens the soup and makes the flavors pop.
• Use fresh herbs if you have them, especially parsley or dill. Stir them in right before serving for a burst of freshness.
• Salt in layers. Add a bit of salt when cooking the chicken, again after adding the veggies, and finally when adjusting the broth. That way, every element is seasoned just right.

Variants of the Recipe

The beauty of chicken noodle soup is how endlessly customizable it is. Here are a few fun twists to try:

1. Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Add a splash of heavy cream or a scoop of sour cream at the end for a richer, silkier broth. You can even blend a ladle of broth with cooked veggies and stir it back in for natural thickness.

2. Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup

Toss in a diced jalapeño or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick. A dash of hot sauce at the end also works wonders.

3. Lemon Dill Chicken Soup

Use fresh dill instead of thyme and add a good squeeze of lemon juice to make it taste bright and springy. This version feels lighter and super refreshing.

4. Gluten-Free Chicken Noodle Soup

Swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta (rice noodles work really well) or use cooked white rice for a soothing alternative.

5. Vegetarian “Chicken” Noodle Soup

Replace chicken with canned chickpeas or cubes of tofu, use veggie broth, and keep everything else the same. Still hearty, still delicious.

6. Asian-Inspired Chicken Noodle Soup

Add fresh ginger, a splash of soy sauce, and swap in rice noodles. For more inspiration on brothy noodle bowls, check out this homemade ramen recipe.

Serving Suggestions That Make It a Meal

Chicken noodle soup is satisfying all on its own, but here are a few ways to make your meal extra special:

• Serve with crusty bread or homemade sourdough for dipping. Trust me, the buttery edge of a good slice of bread in this broth is life-changing. Start with this sourdough starter guide.
• Add a sprinkle of parmesan or sharp cheddar for a little extra richness.
• Top each bowl with a swirl of olive oil or a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess and added flavor.
• Serve alongside a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette to keep things light and balanced.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This soup is just as good the next day — maybe even better. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the noodles separate if possible to avoid them getting mushy.
• Freezer: Freeze the broth with chicken and veggies (without noodles) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and add fresh noodles when reheating.
• To Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over medium heat, adding extra broth or water if needed. If using the microwave, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

Creative Ways to Use Chicken Noodle Soup

Turn it into a casserole: Mix leftovers with cooked rice, a sprinkle of cheese, and bake for a cozy comfort dish.

Use as a base for pot pie: Thicken the broth, add some frozen peas, and top with puff pastry for a quick chicken pot pie.

Sip it solo: Heat up just the broth portion and sip it from a mug like a savory tea — especially soothing if you’re feeling under the weather.

Soup night sampler: Pair it with a small bowl of something bolder, like this white chicken chili or vegetable beef soup for a cozy soup tasting dinner.

FAQs About Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Recipe Again and Again

If you’re looking for a recipe that delivers flavor, comfort, and ease all in one pot, this homemade chicken noodle soup is it. Whether you’re nursing a cold, chasing away a chilly evening, or just want something nourishing and familiar, this soup has you covered.

Make it once and you’ll never want to open a can again. And hey, if you’re on a cozy recipe kick, don’t forget to check out this roasted butternut squash soup or this hearty vegetable beef soup for more soul-warming bowls.

If you try this recipe, let me know how it goes! Drop a comment, or tag me on Instagram with your homemade masterpiece. I love seeing your kitchen creations.