Chicken Noodle Soup

This chicken noodle soup stands out because it’s made entirely from scratch — rich homemade chicken stock pairs with quick fresh egg noodles to bring you those warm, homey flavors only real ingredients can provide. It’s an all-time family favorite that soothes the soul, nourishes the body, and freezes beautifully for hassle-free meals down the road.

• The flavor runs deep and rich thanks to homemade chicken stock (and if you’re wondering, using a rotisserie chicken carcass makes an easy broth!).
• These quick homemade egg noodles or bite-size dry pasta cook up super fast for easy weeknight dinners.
• Only simple, wholesome ingredients go in — chicken, fresh veggies, aromatic herbs — making it a healthier pick than most canned soups.
• Perfect for batch cooking as the broth can be prepped ahead, and the soup freezes well for those busy days when you need dinner fast.

• Feeds a crowd — this recipe makes about 8 servings and comes together in roughly 40 minutes.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

If you crave cozy, homemade meals packed with flavor, this chicken noodle soup is going to be your new best friend. It blends rich, layered taste with easy, family-friendly cooking — and it’s flexible enough to fit what you have on hand.

• Full, rich flavor: Making stock from a rotisserie chicken carcass creates a broth with a deep, homemade taste you just can’t get from canned soup. Trust me, it’s the difference between good and wow.
• Fast, tender noodles: Fresh homemade egg noodles take minutes to whip up and cook without getting soggy. And if you prefer, you can swap in any bite-sized pasta you have in your pantry.
• Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing: The recipe yields about 8 hearty servings, sure to earn smiles and requests for seconds from kids and grown-ups alike — great for weeknight dinners or sharing with friends.
• Quick to prepare: Thanks to pre-made broth and rotisserie chicken, it all comes together in around 40 minutes. So you get big comfort with a small time commitment!
• Simple, healthy ingredients: Carrots, celery, chicken, and herbs create a nourishing and wholesome soup that’s lower in preservatives than many store brands. For another wholesome, veggie-forward option, see our Hearty Chicken Veggie Soup.
• Prep and freeze ahead: Make your broth in advance or freeze portions for later. Tip: If using store-bought pasta, cook it just a little less before freezing to avoid ooey-gooey noodles on reheating.
• Flexible: Use gluten-free pasta, change up the shapes, or toss in extra veggies — this soup lets you make it your own without fuss. Craving something citrusy and silky? Try Greek lemon chicken soup (avgolemono) for a bright twist.
• Pairs perfectly with bread: Serve alongside no-knead bread or warm rolls for a complete, cozy meal great for chilly nights or when you want to share some homemade goodness with someone.

Ingredients for Rich, Comforting Soup

• 1/2 Tablespoon butter
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 3-4 large carrots, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 10 cups chicken stock, or broth*
• 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary, or more, to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 batch homemade egg noodles, or 4 cups dry egg noodles, farfalle or other bite-size pasta
• 3 cups rotisserie chicken *
• 1 teaspoon better than bouillon chicken flavor, (or more, as needed), or chicken bouillon granules

Stovetop Method and Timing

1. Make homemade chicken stock from a rotisserie carcass (or choose a good-quality store-bought broth).
2. Shred rotisserie chicken (if using).
3. Melt butter in a large stock pot over medium-high heat.
4. Add diced celery and carrots and sauté about 3 minutes until softened.
5. Add minced garlic and cook about 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Pour in chicken stock; season with salt (taste first), freshly ground black pepper, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and crushed red pepper; add bouillon if desired.
7. Bring the soup to a boil.
8. If using raw chicken, add it to the boiling broth and cook about 5 minutes before adding noodles.

9. Add noodles (fresh egg noodles or dry pasta) and cook just until al dente; remove the pot from heat as soon as they’re tender to avoid overcooking.

   

10. Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken, taste, and adjust seasonings as needed.

Tips for Deeper Flavor

If you’re on the fence about using homemade chicken stock versus store-bought, go homemade if you can. The magic happens when you use a rotisserie chicken carcass — the meat gets shredded into the soup, and the bones simmer down into a rich, flavorful broth. It’s easy to do and really amps up the taste more than you’d expect.

Noodle and Mix-In Options

Growing up, my mom always made chicken noodle soup with homemade egg noodles, but this soup is super flexible—you can swap in just about any noodles you like, or even orzo or rice if you prefer a silkier, lighter bite (like Greek lemon chicken soup, avgolemono).

• Homemade egg noodles: just flour, salt, milk, and eggs—ready in about 5 minutes!
• Farfalle pasta
• Elbow macaroni
• Rotini

Make-Ahead and Leftover Tips

To make ahead: This soup is best made in advance when using homemade egg noodles because they don’t get soggy like the store-bought kind. If you prefer store-bought pasta, make your broth and veggies first, then boil the noodles and add chicken on the day you plan to serve it.

To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days, depending on how fresh your chicken was.

To freeze: Let the soup cool completely. Freeze in a safe container for up to 2-3 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight or reheat gently on the stove. If you’re using store-bought pasta, undercook it slightly first to avoid soggy noodles after freezing.

Common Questions About the Soup

Wondering if homemade chicken noodle soup is really healthier? Absolutely yes! It beats most store-bought versions that tend to be loaded with salt and preservatives. Homemade chicken broth, especially when made from scratch, is packed with vitamins and soothing nutrients. Even if you use store-bought broth and noodles, it’s still a wholesome, comforting dish that’s better for you!