If you are searching for the ultimate comfort food that warms your heart and fills your soul, look no further than this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. There is something truly magical about a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup, especially when the broth is rich and fragrant, the chicken tender and juicy, and the noodles fresh and perfectly cooked. This recipe balances simple ingredients with thoughtful steps to bring you a soup that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day or whenever you need a little extra comfort. Plus, making the stock from scratch using the rotisserie chicken carcass adds a depth of flavor you won’t find in any canned version. Let’s dive in and make a soup that you’ll want to keep coming back to over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe plays an essential role, whether it’s building the broth’s savory foundation, adding fresh crunch or color, or creating those soft, tender noodles that make every spoonful delightful.
- Rotisserie chicken: Using the meat for the soup and the carcass for homemade stock gives you double the flavor and cuts down on prep time.
- Water (10 cups): The base to simmer the ingredients and extract deep flavor from the chicken bones and vegetables.
- Onion (1, quartered): Adds a sweet, aromatic note that forms the soul of the broth.
- Celery stalks (5 total, divided & diced): Offers a gentle earthiness and crunch that balances the richness of the chicken and broth.
- Carrots (5 total, divided & diced): Bring natural sweetness and vibrant color to this beautiful soup.
- Garlic cloves (4 total, smashed and minced): Infuses a subtle warmth and depth that enhances the entire pot.
- Bay leaf (1): This little herb adds an underlying layer of herbal sophistication.
- Butter or olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used for sautéing to build flavor complexity before adding the stock.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning at different stages to make all flavors shine.
- Dried rosemary (1/4 teaspoon) and dried sage (1/4 teaspoon): These herbs infuse the broth with warm, fragrant notes that remind you of home cooking.
- Crushed red pepper (pinch, optional): Adds a subtle kick if you like a bit of heat in your soup.
- Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded): The star protein that gives the soup its comforting heartiness.
- Egg noodles or favorite pasta: Whether homemade or store-bought, noodles are the perfect vehicle to soak up that delicious broth.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): For making fresh noodles, providing a tender but sturdy bite.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Added to the noodle dough to enhance flavor.
- Large eggs (2): Give structure and richness to the dough.
- Milk (1/4 cup): Creates a smooth, pliable dough that rolls out beautifully for cutting.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Build Your Flavorful Stock
Starting with the rotisserie chicken carcass is a genius shortcut that saves hours but captures the essence of homemade. In a large pot, combine the carcass with quartered onion, chopped celery, carrots, smashed garlic, a bay leaf, and 10 cups of water. Bring it all to a boil then reduce to a gentle simmer. Let the flavors mingle and develop for about one hour, creating a beautifully rich and clear stock as the foundation of your soup.
Step 2: Strain and Season Your Broth
Once the stock has simmered, carefully remove the carcass and vegetables, then strain the broth into a large bowl to get that crystal-clear liquid. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste, because this will be the soul of your soup. Set the broth aside while you prepare the fresh vegetables and noodles that will transform this stock into a complete meal.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In your soup pot, melt the butter or warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced celery and carrots and cook until they begin to soften but still hold some texture—about 3 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic, letting its aroma fill your kitchen for 30 seconds without burning. This simple sauté step adds an extra layer of flavor that will make your soup taste like a professional kitchen created it.
Step 4: Add Stock and Seasonings
Pour 6 to 8 cups of your homemade chicken stock into the pot with the veggies. Then season the broth with salt, black pepper, dried rosemary, dried sage, and a pinch of crushed red pepper if you’re feeling adventurous. Give it a taste and adjust as needed because seasoning is key to taking this soup to the next level.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
Bring the soup back up to a boil and add your egg noodles or favorite pasta. Follow the package directions for al dente noodles—or if you’re making homemade, cook them for 3 to 5 minutes until tender but still holding their shape. Avoid overcooking so the noodles stay perfect in every spoonful.
Step 6: Add the Chicken
Stir in the cooked rotisserie chicken meat and let it warm through in the hot broth. This step adds necessary heartiness and protein, making the soup both nourishing and satisfying.
Step 7: Make Fresh Noodles (Optional)
If you want to take your soup to new heights, try making fresh noodles yourself. In a medium bowl, mix flour and salt, create a well, and add eggs and milk. Stir until combined, then knead on a floured surface until you get a smooth dough that is perfect for rolling.
Step 8: Roll and Cut Noodles
Roll the dough to about 1/8-inch thick on a floured surface, then cut into thin strips using a knife or pizza cutter. The fresh noodles will add a delightful texture that’s hard to beat for a soul-warming bowl.
Step 9: Cook Fresh Noodles in Soup
Drop your handmade noodles into the boiling soup and cook them for 3 to 5 minutes until tender. These noodles soak up all the delicious broth, making your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe even more memorable.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle your warm, comforting soup into bowls and get ready to enjoy every soothing spoonful. Fresh crusty bread or homemade rolls are perfect companions to soak up any leftover broth—you deserve every bit of this comforting meal.
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill over your soup adds a fresh, bright flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich broth. A little squeeze of lemon juice can also add a delightful zing that cuts through the savory depth.
Side Dishes
Pair your soup with a warm slice of crusty artisan bread or a soft buttery roll to complete the meal. For something extra special, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of your chicken noodle soup perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your soup in individual bread bowls or top with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche. You can also pack this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe in a thermos for a comforting work lunch or picnic treat that feels like home in a container.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a quick lunch fix.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Freeze in airtight freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Keep the noodles separate if possible, as they can become mushy during freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your soup gently on the stove over medium heat until heated through. Stir occasionally to ensure even warming. If you froze your noodles separately, add them in at the end to keep their texture just right.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought chicken stock instead of making my own?
Absolutely! While homemade stock adds incredible depth, high-quality store-bought stock works well and speeds up the process without sacrificing too much flavor.
How long does homemade chicken noodle soup last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it stays good for about 3 to 4 days. Always smell and check the soup before eating to ensure freshness.
Can I make this recipe without making fresh noodles?
Yes, you can simply use store-bought egg noodles or any pasta of your choice. The soup will still be delicious and comforting.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
You can substitute the chicken and chicken stock with vegetable broth and add hearty vegetables or tofu for protein, but this recipe’s magic is really in the homemade chicken stock and meat.
What if I want a spicier soup?
Feel free to add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce! The base recipe is flexible, so you can adjust seasonings to your preference.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like a bowl of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe to uplift your spirit and satisfy your cravings. This recipe invites you to savor the joy of cooking from scratch while embracing the comfort of familiar flavors. I absolutely hope you try making this at home—it’s a timeless dish that brings warmth, love, and deliciousness to your table every time.
