Ultimate Guide to Making Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup at Home

Warm, hearty, and soul-soothing, this Chicken Noodle Soup is everything you need when craving a comforting bowl of home-cooked goodness. With tender shredded chicken, wholesome veggies, and light egg noodles in a flavorful broth, this healthier version delivers the taste you love while keeping it lighter and perfectly balanced.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty & Nourishing: A warm, filling bowl with lean protein, veggies, and noodles.
Light but Satisfying: Lower in calories and sodium, perfect for a balanced meal.
Quick & Easy: On the table in about 30 minutes.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Makes a great make-ahead lunch or freezer-friendly dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
• 2 cups cooked whole wheat egg noodles (or any light pasta of choice)
• Optional: 1/2 lemon, juiced (for brightness)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables:

• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until vegetables are softened.

Build the Broth:

• Pour in the chicken broth.
• Add dried thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes, until carrots are tender.

Add Chicken & Noodles:

• Stir in the shredded chicken and cooked noodles. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to warm through.

Final Touches:

• If using, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
• Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Serve & Enjoy:

• Ladle soup into bowls and top with fresh parsley if desired.
• Serve warm with a slice of whole grain bread or a side salad.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 300mg

Tips for Success

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For even faster prep, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken breast.
• Cook Noodles Separately: To avoid soggy noodles, cook and store them separately if making the soup ahead.
• Boost the Veggies: Add spinach, zucchini, or chopped kale to increase nutrients and texture.
• Freeze for Later: Cool completely and freeze in individual portions for quick meals on busy days.

Why This Recipe Works

• Classic Flavors: The tried-and-true mix of chicken, noodles, and herbs makes this a forever favorite.
• Simple, Real Ingredients: No heavy cream or added fats—just nourishing ingredients that taste great.
• Quick & Convenient: A comforting homemade soup with easy prep and minimal cleanup.
• Family-Friendly: Mild flavors that even picky eaters love.

This Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate go-to when you want comfort in a bowl—wholesome, warm, and wonderfully easy to make. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving a cozy meal, this lightened-up version brings all the classic flavors without weighing you down. Make a big batch and enjoy a timeless, nourishing favorite all week long.