Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe With Homemade Broth

Claire Holloway
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Updated

Few dishes comfort the soul quite like a steaming bowl of soup made from scratch. This Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe With Homemade Broth combines tender chicken, garden-fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles in a broth that’s slowly simmered to perfection. In this guide, you’ll discover step-by-step instructions for creating that nostalgic flavor only homemade soup delivers. Along the way, we’ll share cozy memories, essential ingredient tips, and expert tricks to make your broth richer and more aromatic. By the end, you’ll master a pot of soup that rivals any restaurant favorite—warm, nourishing, and truly timeless.

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe With Homemade Broth

Why This Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe With Homemade Broth Feels Like Home

A Bowl of Memory and Comfort

Growing up, the scent of simmering chicken broth drifting through the house always meant one thing: care and comfort were close at hand. On cold afternoons or after long days, our family would gather around steaming bowls of chicken noodle soup, ladled straight from a pot that had been gently bubbling for hours. That experience captures what the Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe With Homemade Broth is truly about—nourishment that goes beyond flavor.

The gentle hiss of broth meeting the pot, the rhythmic chopping of carrots and celery, and the warmth that spread through the kitchen all created a memory of home. My mother used to say that good soup “heals twice”—once when you make it and again when you eat it. That sentiment perfectly describes this Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe With Homemade Broth, blending slow-cooked patience with a heartfelt tradition.

Even now, preparing this recipe feels like revisiting those comforting days. Whether stirred on a lazy Sunday or whipped up to soothe someone feeling under the weather, this dish never fails to bring calm and connection. Each spoonful tells a story of care: tender chicken that falls apart easily, noodles cooked just right, and vegetables that hold their shape in a golden-hued broth.

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Bowl of Fresh Chicken Noodle Soup with carrots, noodles, and tender chicken in homemade broth.

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe With Homemade Broth


  • Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This classic chicken noodle soup features tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and homemade broth simmered to perfection for a comforting and flavorful meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole chicken (34 lbs) or bone-in chicken pieces
  • 3 large carrots, roughly chopped
  • 3 celery stalks, roughly chopped
  • 1 large onion, quartered
  • 23 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1012 cups cold water
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 2 large carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 8 ounces egg noodles
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • Optional: squeeze of lemon juice

  • Instructions

    1. Combine chicken and chopped carrots, celery, onion, and garlic in a large stockpot

    2. Pour in cold water to cover and bring to a gentle boil, skimming off any foam

    3. Add bay leaves, thyme, and peppercorns, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours

    4. Remove chicken and vegetables, strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer, return broth to the pot

    5. Shred the cooled chicken, discarding bones and skin

    6. Heat oil or butter in the pot over medium heat and sauté sliced carrots and celery until slightly tender

    7. Add the strained broth and bring it to a simmer, season with salt and pepper

    8. Stir in noodles and cook until al dente, about 5-7 minutes

    9. Add shredded chicken and heat through for 2-3 minutes

    10. Stir in chopped parsley and lemon juice if using, adjust seasoning to taste

    11. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot

    • Prep Time: 20 minutes
    • Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
    • Category: soups
    • Method: simmering
    • Cuisine: american

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 bowl
    • Calories: 250
    • Sugar: 3
    • Sodium: 600
    • Fat: 10
    • Saturated Fat: 3
    • Unsaturated Fat: 6
    • Trans Fat: 0
    • Carbohydrates: 20
    • Fiber: 2
    • Protein: 20
    • Cholesterol: 60

    Keywords: chicken noodle soup, homemade broth, comfort food, easy soup recipe, classic soup, chicken soup, homemade chicken broth, comforting soup, soup recipes, family dinner

    From generation to generation, the Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe With Homemade Broth has remained a symbol of family, home, and the art of slowing down. It’s the meal that gathers people at the table, turning any ordinary day into an occasion. The aroma alone carries nostalgia—a simple yet profound way of saying, “you’re loved.”

    Why Homemade Broth Makes All the Difference

    The secret to extraordinary soup lies in its foundation—the broth. While store-bought versions offer convenience, they can’t match the rich depth of a homemade base. Making your own broth transforms this dish from good to unforgettable. By simmering chicken bones with carrots, onions, celery, peppercorns, and herbs, every ingredient slowly releases its essence, creating a flavor that’s layered and satisfying.

    Homemade broth develops a silky texture that gently coats the noodles and chicken pieces, offering a freshness you can taste in every bite. It’s naturally golden, infused with subtle sweetness from the vegetables and the earthy aroma of herbs like thyme or bay leaf. Unlike prepackaged broth, yours will be free from additives and perfectly balanced—mildly seasoned so you can adjust it to your liking.

    Another benefit of crafting your own broth is control. You choose the quality of your chicken, the balance of vegetables, and the simmering time that draws out maximum flavor. The process itself is meditative—watching the pot quietly bubble away as your kitchen fills with a cozy, savory fragrance. When you finally ladle that aromatic liquid over noodles and tender chicken, you’ll taste the effort and care poured into every layer of the Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe With Homemade Broth.

    Homemade broth doesn’t just make your soup taste better—it creates a culinary moment full of warmth, patience, and pride. And that’s the real secret behind why this beloved classic will always feel like home.

    Ingredients & Tools for the Tasty Chicken Noodle Soup

    Fresh Ingredients for Authentic Flavor

    Every delicious pot of chicken noodle soup begins with quality ingredients. The Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe With Homemade Broth relies on fresh vegetables, tender chicken, hearty noodles, and aromatic herbs to create layers of flavor. Simplicity is the secret—the right ingredients, treated with care, will do all the work for you. Always choose the best produce and poultry you can find; they’ll determine the richness of your final bowl.

    Broth IngredientsSoup Ingredients
    1 whole chicken (about 3–4 lbs) or bone-in pieces2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (reserved from broth)
    3 large carrots, roughly chopped2 large carrots, sliced
    3 celery stalks, roughly chopped2 celery stalks, sliced
    1 large onion, quartered8 oz egg noodles or preferred pasta
    2–3 garlic cloves, smashed1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
    2 bay leaves1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
    1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
    10–12 cups cold waterOptional: squeeze of lemon for brightness

    These ingredients form the foundation of your soup’s flavor profile. The broth pulls deep savory notes from the chicken bones and vegetables, while the finished soup gains freshness from herbs and colorful veggies added toward the end of cooking.

    When selecting your ingredients, a few small choices make a big difference:

    • Chicken: Opt for a chicken with skin and bones for richer flavor and golden color.
    • Vegetables: Use firm, fresh carrots and celery for sweetness and texture.
    • Noodles: Egg noodles are classic, though wide or spiral varieties also work.
    • Herbs: Fresh parsley, thyme, and bay leaf enhance aroma and balance.

    Essential Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

    The beauty of the Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe With Homemade Broth is that you don’t need fancy equipment—just reliable basics that help you cook efficiently. Having the right tools on hand keeps your kitchen organized and makes the process smooth from start to finish.

    • Large stockpot: A sturdy 6–8 quart pot allows even simmering with plenty of space.
    • Fine-mesh strainer or slotted spoon: Removes foam and impurities for clear broth and helps strain solids.
    • Wooden spoon: Gentle for stirring without scratching cookware.
    • Chef’s knife and cutting board: For precise vegetable prep and trimming chicken.
    • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure consistent seasoning and proportions.
    • Containers for storage: Keep broth and leftovers fresh in airtight jars or freezer-safe bags.

    Tips: Choose organic chicken if possible; cook noodles separately when freezing; always taste before final serving to balance salt and herbs. With just these simple tools and fresh ingredients, your homemade soup will come together effortlessly, filling your home with comfort and aroma.

    Step-by-Step Guide to Making Fresh Chicken Noodle Soup

    Preparing the Rich Homemade Chicken Broth

    Every unforgettable Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe With Homemade Broth begins with a base that captures pure comfort. With patience and care, you’ll create a golden, aromatic stock that elevates every spoonful.

    1. Prepare the chicken and vegetables. Rinse a whole chicken or bone-in pieces. Place in a large pot with carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
    2. Add water and begin the simmer. Pour in 10–12 cups cold water, bring to a boil, then skim foam for clarity.
    3. Add herbs and seasonings. Include bay leaves, thyme, and peppercorns. Reduce heat and simmer gently for 1½–2 hours.
    4. Monitor and adjust. Skim occasionally. Avoid heavy seasoning early—allow flavors to develop slowly.
    5. Strain and separate. Remove chicken, strain broth through cheesecloth, and discard solids.
    6. Shred the chicken. Once cooled, discard skin and bones, shredding meat into bite-sized pieces.

    This careful process yields a clear, savory broth worthy of any family tradition—a foundation you’ll soon transform into the perfect chicken noodle soup.

    Assembling the Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup

    1. Sauté the aromatics. In the cleaned stockpot, heat olive oil or butter. Sauté sliced carrots and celery for 3–5 minutes until slightly tender.
    2. Add the broth. Pour your strained broth over vegetables and return to a gentle simmer. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
    3. Add the noodles. Stir in noodles and cook 5–7 minutes, keeping them slightly al dente to avoid sogginess.
    4. Return the chicken. Stir in shredded chicken, warming for 2–3 minutes without overcooking.
    5. Add finishing touches. Sprinkle parsley and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
    6. Serve. Ladle evenly into bowls, pairing with bread or crackers. A drizzle of olive oil or a crack of black pepper enhances presentation.

    Storage and Reheating:

    • Refrigerate for up to 4 days; the flavor deepens wonderfully overnight.
    • Freeze broth and noodles separately for up to 3 months.
    • Reheat slowly over medium heat to preserve tenderness.

    This method ensures your Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe With Homemade Broth stays rich, smooth, and deeply comforting—tasting as good as the moment it left the stove.

    Helpful Tips, FAQs, and Conclusion

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Can I use leftover chicken for homemade broth? Yes! Add leftover bones to fresh vegetables and herbs. Simmer gently for full flavor without waste.

    What type of noodles work best for chicken soup? Egg noodles are classic. Wide or spiral noodles offer a heartier bite, while thin noodles keep it light.

    How long does homemade broth last in the fridge? Store in airtight containers for 4 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat gently before use.

    Can I freeze the soup? Absolutely! Freeze broth and chicken separately, adding fresh-cooked noodles later for ideal texture.

    How can I make it gluten-free? Replace egg noodles with rice noodles, gluten-free pasta, or zucchini spirals. Check all broth ingredients for hidden gluten.

    What vegetables add the most flavor? Carrots, celery, and onions are essential. Add parsnips, leeks, or mushrooms for depth; herbs like thyme brighten the taste.

    Bringing Comfort to Your Table

    Few dishes capture warmth and care like the Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe With Homemade Broth. From its golden broth to tender chicken and noodles, each bowl reflects patience and love. Crafting it from scratch links you to tradition—transforming humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

    As your kitchen fills with that soothing aroma, you’re creating more than a meal—you’re building memories. Serve it with gratitude, share it with loved ones, and savor the simple joy found in each comforting spoonful.

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