Chicken Soup with Vegetables and Noodles

Chicken Soup with Vegetables and Noodles is one of the most comforting, nourishing, and satisfying meals you can prepare. It brings together tender pieces of chicken, hearty vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles, all simmered in a flavorful, aromatic broth. This dish is warm, soothing, and deeply wholesome—whether you’re feeling under the weather, craving something light yet filling, or simply want a reliable family meal.

This classic soup has a long tradition in many cultures and continues to be a go-to recipe because it’s both simple and incredibly rewarding. Its versatility makes it easy to adapt based on seasonal vegetables or what you have on hand. The balance of protein, carbs, and vegetables means you get a complete and comforting meal in one bowl.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it offers a timeless kind of comfort that very few dishes can match. The aroma of simmering chicken, herbs, and vegetables immediately creates a sense of warmth and home. Every bowl is filled with tender chicken, nourishing vegetables, and noodles that soak up the delicious broth.

This soup is also incredibly forgiving—whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen. It’s a one-pot recipe with straightforward steps, minimal cleanup, and ingredients that are easy to find. The best part is how customizable it is. You can adjust the vegetables, noodle type, broth thickness, or seasonings to suit your taste.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it covers everything you want in a comforting yet healthy meal. It’s hearty without being heavy, packed with nutrients, and incredibly flavorful. It works well for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, meal prep, or cold-weather months. Children love it, adults crave it, and leftovers are just as satisfying the next day.

Additionally, this recipe is budget-friendly and works with pantry staples. If you want dependable, delicious comfort food that everyone will appreciate, this chicken soup will become a permanent part of your cooking routine.

Preparation Time and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: Approximately 320 calories per serving
Course: Main Course / Soup
Cuisine: American Home-Style

Ingredients

For the Soup

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Noodles

  • 2 cups egg noodles (or any pasta of choice)

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1 cup peas
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Fresh dill for garnish

Cooking Directions

  1. Sauté vegetables until softened.
  2. Add chicken, broth, herbs, and simmer until chicken is cooked.
  3. Shred the chicken and return it to the pot.
  4. Add noodles and cook until tender.
  5. Season and finish with optional ingredients.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery.
  3. Cook for 5–6 minutes until vegetables soften slightly.
  4. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Broth

  1. Place chicken breasts or thighs directly into the pot.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth to cover the meat and vegetables.
  3. Add thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
  5. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

  1. Remove the cooked chicken from the pot.
  2. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Add the shredded chicken back into the soup.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

  1. Add egg noodles to the pot.
  2. Cook for 7–10 minutes or until noodles are fully tender.
  3. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Finish

  1. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to taste.
  2. Add peas, corn, or lemon juice if using.
  3. Remove bay leaf before serving.
  4. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve the soup hot in large bowls with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or a side salad. This dish is excellent as a complete meal on its own. For extra comfort, serve with warm garlic toast. If preparing for children, use smaller noodles or cut vegetables into smaller pieces for easier eating.

Recipe Tips

  • Use chicken thighs for richer flavor and more tender meat.
  • Add noodles just before serving to prevent them from getting mushy in leftovers.
  • For a thicker broth, simmer an extra 10 minutes or mash a few cooked vegetables.
  • Add a splash of cream for a creamier version.
  • Use homemade chicken broth for best flavor.

Variations

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Add ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a creamier texture.

Lemon Herb Chicken Soup

Add lemon zest and extra lemon juice for a bright, fresh flavor.

Spicy Chicken Veggie Soup

Stir in chili flakes or diced jalapeños.

Gluten-Free Version

Use gluten-free noodles or rice instead of egg noodles.

Vegetable-Loaded Soup

Add zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut

Replace raw chicken with pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and reduce simmering time.

Freezing and Storage Time

Storage:

  • Refrigerate for up to 4 days in airtight containers.
  • Store noodles separately to maintain texture.

Freezing:

  • Freeze the soup without noodles for up to 3 months.
  • Add fresh noodles when reheating for best results.

Special Equipment Needed

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Ladle
  • Tongs or forks for shredding chicken

FAQ

Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, bone-in chicken gives richer flavor. Simply remove bones after cooking.

Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. This recipe works with almost any vegetables.

What if my soup tastes bland?
Add more salt, a splash of lemon juice, or extra herbs.

Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, leftover turkey works perfectly.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 6 hours, shred chicken, add noodles near the end.

Conclusion

Chicken Soup with Vegetables and Noodles is a nourishing, flavorful, and comforting classic that belongs in every kitchen. It’s easy to prepare, adaptable to your taste, and perfect for any season. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping, or simply craving warmth in a bowl, this soup delivers hearty satisfaction every time. With tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and soft noodles swimming in a delicious broth, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your home. Enjoy every soothing spoonful.

Chicken Soup with Vegetables and Noodles

Recipe by Elina JamesCourse: SoupsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

35

minutes
Total time

55

minutes

Ingredients

  • For the Soup

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 2 carrots, sliced

  • 2 celery stalks, sliced

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs

  • 8 cups chicken broth

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme

  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley

  • 1 bay leaf

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • For the Noodles

  • 2 cups egg noodles (or any pasta of choice)

  • Optional Add-Ins

  • 1 cup peas

  • 1 cup corn

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • Fresh dill for garnish

Directions

  • Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables : Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until vegetables soften slightly. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Step 2: Add Chicken and Broth : Place chicken breasts or thighs directly into the pot. Pour in the chicken broth to cover the meat and vegetables Add thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  • Step 3: Shred the Chicken : Remove the cooked chicken from the pot. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Add the shredded chicken back into the soup.
  • Step 4: Cook the Noodles : Add egg noodles to the pot. Cook for 7–10 minutes or until noodles are fully tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Finish : Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to taste. Add peas, corn, or lemon juice if using. Remove bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired.

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