Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Featured in: Simple Comfort Dinners

This classic dish features tender chicken simmered alongside sliced carrots, celery, and onion in a flavorful broth. Wide egg noodles are cooked until al dente, then combined with shredded chicken and a touch of lemon juice for brightness. Seasoned with bay leaves, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper, this comforting bowl is perfect for soothing the body and soul. Optional olive oil enhances richness, while fresh parsley adds a garnish for freshness. Enjoy with crusty bread or a light salad.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 12:46:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of Classic Chicken Noodle Soup with tender chicken and fluffy egg noodles. Pin This
Steaming bowl of Classic Chicken Noodle Soup with tender chicken and fluffy egg noodles. | messli.com

A comforting, timeless soup brimming with tender chicken, vegetables, and noodles in a savory broth&perfect for soothing both body and soul.

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 1 ½ lbs (700 g) bone in skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), 6 cups (1.5 L) low sodium chicken broth
  • Vegetables: 2 medium carrots sliced, 2 celery stalks sliced, 1 medium onion diced, 3 garlic cloves minced
  • Noodles: 6 oz (170 g) wide egg noodles
  • Herbs & Seasonings: 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme chopped), ½ tsp dried parsley (or 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped plus more for garnish), ½ tsp black pepper, 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • Optional: 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice (for brightness)

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large pot or Dutch oven heat olive oil over medium heat (if using). Add onion carrots and celery sauté for 4 5 minutes until softened.
Step 2:
Add garlic cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3:
Pour in chicken broth. Add chicken thighs bay leaves thyme parsley pepper and salt. Bring to a boil.
Step 4:
Reduce heat cover and simmer for 25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Step 5:
Remove chicken to a plate shred with two forks discarding bones.
Step 6:
Meanwhile add egg noodles to the simmering broth cook for 7 8 minutes until al dente.
Step 7:
Return shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in lemon juice (if using) and adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 8:
Remove bay leaves. Ladle soup into bowls garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
A close-up view of comforting Classic Chicken Noodle Soup, perfect for a cold day. Pin This
A close-up view of comforting Classic Chicken Noodle Soup, perfect for a cold day. | messli.com

Notes

Substitute gluten free noodles for a gluten free option. Pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad.

Required Tools

Large pot or Dutch oven, Chefs knife, Cutting board, Ladle

Allergen Information

Contains Eggs (in noodles). May contain gluten (in noodles) use gluten free noodles if needed. Always double check ingredient labels for allergens.

Hearty Classic Chicken Noodle Soup: warm, flavorful, and garnished with fresh parsley. Pin This
Hearty Classic Chicken Noodle Soup: warm, flavorful, and garnished with fresh parsley. | messli.com

This classic chicken noodle soup is a comforting dish that brings warmth and nourishment to any table.

Recipe Q&A

What type of chicken is best suited for this dish?

Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or breasts work well, providing tender, flavorful meat that holds up during simmering.

Can I substitute the noodles for a different type?

Yes, you can use gluten-free noodles or other pasta varieties; just adjust cooking time to ensure they remain al dente.

How do the herbs influence the flavor?

Bay leaves add depth, thyme offers earthy notes, and parsley brings a fresh, bright finish to the broth.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely, this preparation naturally avoids dairy ingredients while maintaining rich flavor through broth and spices.

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently to preserve texture and taste.

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and noodles in a savory broth offering warmth and comfort.

Prep Needed
15 minutes
Time to Cook
45 minutes
Overall Time
60 minutes
Created by Messli Tessa Marlow


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 6 Portions

Dietary Notes No Dairy

What You'll Need

Chicken

01 1 ½ lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
02 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Vegetables

01 2 medium carrots, sliced
02 2 celery stalks, sliced
03 1 medium onion, diced
04 3 garlic cloves, minced

Noodles

01 6 oz wide egg noodles

Herbs & Seasonings

01 2 bay leaves
02 1 tsp dried thyme
03 ½ tsp dried parsley
04 ½ tsp black pepper
05 1 tsp salt

Optional

01 1 tbsp olive oil
02 1 tbsp lemon juice

Steps

Step 01

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery; sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.

Step 02

Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Combine Broth and Seasonings: Pour in chicken broth. Add chicken thighs, bay leaves, dried thyme, dried parsley, black pepper, and salt. Bring mixture to a boil.

Step 04

Simmer Chicken: Lower heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 25 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.

Step 05

Shred Chicken: Remove chicken from pot and shred with two forks, discarding bones.

Step 06

Cook Noodles: Add egg noodles to simmering broth and cook for 7 to 8 minutes until al dente.

Step 07

Combine and Season: Return shredded chicken to pot, stir in lemon juice if using, and adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 08

Serve: Remove bay leaves. Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Ladle

Allergy Details

Be sure to check each ingredient for allergens and consult your healthcare provider if you have questions.
  • Contains eggs (in noodles).
  • May contain gluten; use gluten-free noodles as needed.

Nutrition Breakdown (per portion)

For general guidelines only. Not meant to provide medical or dietary diagnosis.
  • Caloric Value: 290
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Proteins: 26 g