Classic Chicken Noodle Soup with Fresh Herbs

There’s something truly comforting about a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. This classic recipe combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles in a flavorful broth infused with fresh herbs. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, looking for a warming meal on a chilly day, or simply craving a taste of home, this soup delivers.

I love this recipe because it’s simple yet packed with flavor. The fresh herbs give it a bright, aromatic lift, and the homemade broth brings a depth that canned or store-bought soups can’t match. It’s nourishing, satisfying, and timeless—a true culinary hug in a bowl.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Comforting and familiar — evokes memories of home-cooked meals.
• Flexible and forgiving — easy to adjust vegetables, herbs, or noodles.
• Wholesome and nourishing — packed with protein, vitamins, and fiber.
• Quick and easy for busy days — while still tasting like it simmered for hours.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Perfect balance of flavors — rich chicken broth, sweet carrots, and aromatic herbs.
• Ideal for all occasions — weeknight dinners, lunch prep, or sick-day comfort.
• Customizable — swap noodles for rice or add more vegetables for variety.
• Kid-friendly and family-approved — a classic everyone loves.

Recipe Overview

Category	Details
Course	Soup / Main Dish
Cuisine	American / Comfort Food
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	45 minutes
Total Time	60 minutes
Servings	6 servings
Calories	~320 kcal per serving

Ingredients

Soup Base

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)

Noodles

• 2 cups egg noodles or pasta of choice

Herbs & Seasoning

• 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp dried parsley or 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/2 tsp dried rosemary or sage for extra depth

Finishing Touch

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedge for a bright finish (optional)

Cooking Directions

Step 1 Sauté Aromatics

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook 4–5 minutes until vegetables are slightly softened.

Step 2 Add Broth and Herbs

1. Pour in the chicken broth and add thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.

Step 3 Add Chicken

1. Stir in cooked, shredded chicken.
2. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 4 Cook Noodles

1. Add noodles and cook according to package instructions (usually 6–8 minutes) until tender.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5 Finish & Serve

1. Remove bay leaf.
2. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Step-by-Step Preparation Summary

1. Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery.
2. Add chicken broth, herbs, salt, and pepper; bring to simmer.
3. Stir in shredded chicken and cook 10 minutes.
4. Add noodles and cook until tender.
5. Adjust seasoning, remove bay leaf, and serve.

How to Serve

• Ladle into bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
• Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast.
• Optional: add a wedge of lemon for brightness.
• Pair with a light salad for a complete meal.

Recipe Tips

• Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• For richer flavor, sauté vegetables in chicken fat instead of oil.
• Add extra vegetables like peas, zucchini, or spinach for variety.
• Avoid overcooking noodles; add them just before serving if reheating leftovers.

Variations

Variation	Description
Gluten-Free	Use gluten-free pasta or rice noodles.
Low-Sodium	Use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust salt later.
Creamy Version	Stir in 1/2 cup cream or milk for a creamy twist.
Herb-Forward	Add fresh dill or tarragon for extra aroma.
Spicy Kick	Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Freezing & Storage

Method	Duration	Notes
Refrigerator	3–4 days	Store in airtight container; add noodles fresh before serving.
Freezer	Up to 2 months	Freeze soup without noodles; add fresh noodles when reheating.
Reheat	Stovetop	Warm gently over medium heat, add broth if soup thickens.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large stockpot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board & knife
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Measuring cups & spoons

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this soup with raw chicken?

• Yes, add raw chicken breasts to the broth at Step 2 and simmer until fully cooked (~20 minutes). Shred before serving.

Q2: Can I use leftover chicken?

• Absolutely! Shredded leftover or rotisserie chicken works perfectly.

Q3: How do I keep noodles from getting mushy?

• Add noodles just before serving, or cook separately and combine when reheating.

Q4: Can I make this in a slow cooker?

• Yes, sauté vegetables first, then add all ingredients except noodles. Cook 4–6 hours on low. Add noodles in the last 20–30 minutes.

Conclusion

This Classic Chicken Noodle Soup with Fresh Herbs is the ultimate comfort food: warm, nourishing, and flavorful. It’s a timeless recipe perfect for family dinners, cozy nights, or even meal prep. With tender chicken, hearty noodles, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, it’s a bowl of pure comfort that’s hard to beat.