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Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup - High-Protein, Easy Recipe

Master the art of homemade chicken noodle soup with this easy, comforting recipe! Learn how to make tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and a rich broth in under an hour — complete with pro tips, nutrition insights, and creative variations.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 378
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter for richer flavor
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1 cup sliced carrots
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 2 tbsp minced garlic
  • 2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1½ tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 6 oz egg noodles or small pasta
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • Optional Enhancements: Add heavy cream or half-and-half for creaminess use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or include spinach and kale for extra nutrition.

Method
 

  1. Heat the Oil: Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté 4 minutes until softened and onion turns translucent.
  3. Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Build Broth Base: Add chicken broth, chicken, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Simmer Chicken: Cook gently for 15 minutes until chicken is tender and shreds easily. Remove, shred, and return to pot.
  6. Add Noodles: Bring soup to a light boil and add noodles. Cook 6–7 minutes until al dente.
  7. Adjust & Serve: Remove bay leaves, taste, and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley.

Notes

Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, store noodles separately from broth to prevent sogginess. Reheat gently over medium heat, adding extra broth if needed.