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.
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.
Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup with Veggies
Course: SoupsCuisine: American HomestyleDifficulty: easy6
servings15
minutes35
minutes50
minutesWhen 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.
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
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.