When the chill of the season sets in or you’re simply craving a warm, comforting meal, there’s nothing quite like Literally the BEST Chicken Noodle Soup to soothe your soul. This recipe is packed with vibrant vegetables, tender shredded chicken, and hearty egg noodles swimming in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s a classic that never goes out of style, but with a few simple touches, this soup elevates to an irresistible bowl of comfort. Whether you’re nursing a cold or just want a cozy dinner, this soup delivers every time.

Why You’ll Keep Making It

This isn’t just any chicken noodle soup. It’s the kind that makes you want to double the batch to keep some in the freezer for busy weeknights. The secret lies in the fresh thyme and parsley that brighten the broth, and the perfectly cooked wide egg noodles that add substantial bite without falling apart. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize with your favorite additions or sides. Once you taste this, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again, especially when paired with other delicious meals like Lemon Garlic Chicken Spaghetti or Chicken And Mushroom Rigatoni for a full week of tasty dinners.

Ingredient Checklist

2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing your veggies and garlic to build the flavor base
4 large carrots, sliced – adds sweetness and texture
4 celery stalks, sliced – classic aromatic for that traditional soup flavor
1 small onion, diced – a savory foundation
3 garlic cloves, minced – infuses the broth with a punch of flavor
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, stems removed – earthy and fragrant
Salt and pepper – to taste, the essential seasoning duo
10 cups chicken broth – the soul of the soup, making it rich and hearty
12 ounces wide egg noodles – the perfect noodle for this soup, tender but firm
2 cups shredded chicken – adds protein and texture
2 tablespoons fresh parsley – brightens the final dish with freshness

Appliances & Accessories

Large stockpot or Dutch oven – for cooking the soup all in one pot
Chef’s knife – to dice and slice your veggies with ease
Cutting board – a clean surface to prep your ingredients
Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring and sautéing
Measuring spoons and cups – to keep your recipe precise
Colander – to drain your noodles after cooking

Step-by-Step: Literally the BEST Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Heat your olive oil over medium heat in a large stockpot. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme, cooking for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the foundation of flavor that makes this soup stand out.

Step 2: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in the 10 cups of chicken broth, then season generously with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This allows the vegetables to infuse their flavors into the broth, creating a rich and comforting base.

Step 3: Cook the Egg Noodles

Add the wide egg noodles directly to the simmering broth and cook for about 8-10 minutes or until tender but still slightly firm. These noodles soak up the broth’s flavor without becoming mushy, which is key to achieving that perfect texture.

Step 4: Stir in Shredded Chicken and Parsley

Add the shredded chicken to the soup and gently stir to combine. Let it heat through for 3-5 minutes. Finish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Give the soup one last taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle your Literally the BEST Chicken Noodle Soup into bowls and enjoy immediately with your favorite crusty bread or alongside dishes like Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Bowls for a hearty meal. This soup also tastes incredible the next day, making it a great make-ahead option.

Substitutions by Category

Vegetables: Swap carrots for parsnips or butternut squash for a sweeter twist.
Noodles: Use gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini for a low-carb alternative.
Protein: Substitute shredded chicken with shredded turkey or cooked chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly option.
Herbs: Fresh rosemary or sage can replace thyme to change up the flavor profile.
Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth depending on dietary needs.

What Could Go Wrong

No flavor: Skipping the sauté step or not seasoning properly can result in bland soup. Don’t rush this foundational stage!
Mushy noodles: Overcooking noodles will cause them to disintegrate. Cook just until tender.
Dry chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken without moisture can make the protein feel dry. Shred it finely and stir it in towards the end to keep it juicy.
Too salty: Always taste as you go, especially if your broth is already salted.

Keep-It-Fresh Plan

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave until heated through. If you want to freeze the soup, it’s best to freeze the broth and chicken separately from the noodles to avoid sogginess. Cook fresh noodles when ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup reheats wonderfully and often tastes even better the next day. Just store it properly in the fridge or freezer as mentioned above.

What type of chicken works best?

Shredded cooked chicken breast or thigh meat works great. Use your favorite cooked chicken or even rotisserie chicken for convenience.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, but reduce the quantity by about half since dried herbs are more potent. Fresh herbs provide a brighter flavor, though.

How do I make the soup heartier?

Add more shredded chicken, extra vegetables like mushrooms or peas, or toss in a handful of cooked beans. You can also serve it with a side of bread or a light pasta dish.

Healthy-ish Favorites

Lemon Garlic Chicken Spaghetti – a zesty, protein-packed pasta dish
Chicken And Mushroom Rigatoni – creamy and comforting with tender mushrooms
Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Bowls – fresh and vibrant with lemony notes

Ready, Set, Cook

Gather your ingredients and kitchen tools, and get ready to make Literally the BEST Chicken Noodle Soup that will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. With its simple steps and wholesome ingredients, this soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any day of the year. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy night in or a family gathering, this recipe delivers warmth, comfort, and flavor in every spoonful. So grab your pot, chop those veggies, and let’s get cooking!

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