Introduction
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as timeless and universally loved as homestyle chicken noodle soup with vegetables. It’s a bowl that nourishes the body and soothes the soul—a recipe passed down through generations and made in kitchens around the world.
This soup features tender chicken, hearty egg noodles, and a medley of fresh vegetables simmered together in a flavorful broth. The aroma alone brings back memories of cozy family dinners, chilly winter evenings, and moments when you just need a little extra warmth and care.
Unlike store-bought versions, making chicken noodle soup from scratch allows you to control the flavors, adjust the seasonings, and pack it with fresh, wholesome ingredients. It’s nutritious, comforting, and endlessly versatile.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s the perfect combination of comfort, nourishment, and flavor. A steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup feels like a hug in food form—it’s hearty enough to fill you up, yet light enough to leave you feeling refreshed.
- It’s the first dish I crave when I’m feeling under the weather.
- It’s customizable—different vegetables, herbs, or noodles can make it unique each time.
- It’s family-friendly, easy to make in large batches, and tastes even better the next day.
This recipe isn’t just about eating—it’s about creating memories and comfort.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
This dish is a must-try because:
- It’s classic comfort food that everyone enjoys.
- Nutritious and packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
- Great for any occasion: sick days, cold nights, or simple family dinners.
- A true one-pot wonder—easy cleanup and wholesome goodness in every bite.
- It’s budget-friendly while still tasting gourmet.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings and Nutrition
- Servings: 6 bowls
- Calories per serving: ~320 kcal
Course and Cuisine
- Course: Main Dish / Soup
- Cuisine: American Homestyle / Comfort Food
Ingredients
For the Soup Base:
- 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced into rounds
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken stock or broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
- 1 tsp dried parsley (or 1 tbsp fresh parsley)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Chicken and Noodles:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for richer flavor)
- 2 cups egg noodles (or any pasta of choice)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- A squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
Cooking Directions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in garlic, thyme, parsley, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Broth: Pour in chicken broth. Add chicken breasts. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Cook the Noodles: Remove chicken, shred with forks, and return to the pot. Stir in egg noodles and cook until tender (about 8 minutes).
- Final Touches: Adjust seasonings. Remove bay leaves. Add fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Prep Ingredients: Chop onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and herbs.
- Heat Oil & Sauté: In a soup pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil until slightly tender.
- Build Flavor: Add garlic and herbs; stir for 1 minute.
- Add Broth & Chicken: Pour in broth, add chicken breasts, bay leaves, and simmer 20 minutes.
- Shred Chicken: Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and set aside.
- Cook Noodles: Add noodles to the pot; simmer until al dente.
- Combine & Finish: Stir shredded chicken back in, taste and adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley.
How to Serve
- Serve hot in deep bowls, garnished with parsley and a wedge of lemon.
- Pair with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or a side salad.
- For a cozy touch, serve with a grilled cheese sandwich.
Recipe Tips
- Use bone-in chicken for a richer, more flavorful broth.
- For a clear broth, skim off foam while simmering.
- Don’t overcook noodles—they should be tender, not mushy.
- Add a dash of turmeric for extra color and health benefits.
- Soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
Variations
- Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk at the end.
- Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Rustic Style: Use wide homemade-style noodles for an old-fashioned feel.
- Vegetable Boost: Add peas, green beans, or corn for extra nutrition.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigeration: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze soup (without noodles) for up to 3 months. Add fresh noodles when reheating to prevent mushiness.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle for serving
- Cutting board and sharp knife
FAQ
Q1: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Shred pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and add it after the noodles cook for a quick shortcut.
Q2: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Add all ingredients (except noodles), cook on low 6–7 hours, then add noodles in last 20 minutes.
Q3: Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta or rice instead of egg noodles.
Q4: Can I thicken the soup?
Yes. Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir in, or simmer longer to reduce.
Conclusion
Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup with Vegetables is more than just a meal—it’s a tradition, a remedy, and a source of comfort. With its tender chicken, hearty noodles, and flavorful vegetables, it’s a dish that warms you inside and out.
Whether you’re cooking for family, nursing a cold, or simply craving something cozy, this soup is a must-have recipe in your kitchen. Once you make it from scratch, you’ll never go back to the canned version again.
Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup with Vegetables
Course: SoupsCuisine: American HomestyleDifficulty: easy6
servings15
minutes35
minutes50
minutesIngredients
For the Soup Base:
2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
1 medium onion, diced
3 carrots, sliced into rounds
2 celery stalks, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups chicken stock or broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
2 bay leaves
1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
1 tsp dried parsley (or 1 tbsp fresh parsley)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Chicken and Noodles:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for richer flavor)
2 cups egg noodles (or any pasta of choice)
For Garnish (Optional):
Fresh parsley, chopped
A squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
Directions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in garlic, thyme, parsley, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Broth: Pour in chicken broth. Add chicken breasts. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Cook the Noodles: Remove chicken, shred with forks, and return to the pot. Stir in egg noodles and cook until tender (about 8 minutes).
- Final Touches: Adjust seasonings. Remove bay leaves. Add fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon if desired.