I grew up with a big pot of chicken noodle soup simmering on the stove whenever anyone in the family felt under the weather or we needed something simple and soothing. This homestyle chicken noodle soup is that same old comfort in a bowl: savory, aromatic chicken broth, tender shredded chicken, soft egg noodles, and plenty of carrots and celery. It’s the kind of recipe you make when you want something reliable, budget-friendly, and deeply satisfying. For a slightly different take on the classic, see this classic chicken noodle soup recipe for more ideas.

Why you’ll love this dish

This soup checks a lot of boxes: it’s comforting, flexible, and forgiving. The long-simmered broth develops deep flavor without fancy ingredients. You can make a meal of it with crusty bread or keep it light as a starter. It’s also kid-friendly and freezes well, which is perfect for meal prepping. Make it for a chilly night, to nurse a cold, or when you want the taste of homemade nostalgia.

"A bowl of this soup tastes like home — warm, simple, and full of flavor. It’s what my family reaches for when we want comfort on a plate."

How this recipe comes together

Quick overview before you dive in:

Start by sweating aromatics (onion, carrot, celery) to build flavor.
Add herbs and chicken pieces; cover with stock and simmer gently.
Remove chicken, shred it, skim fat and adjust seasoning.
Add noodles near the end so they stay tender, not mushy.
Finish with fresh parsley and lemon if you like a bright lift.

This order keeps the broth clear and the textures distinct: soft vegetables, tender shredded chicken, and noodles that hold their shape.

Gather these items

What you’ll need (serves about 6):

1 whole chicken (3–4 lbs) or 3–4 bone-in chicken thighs (skin on for flavor)
10 cups low-sodium chicken stock or a mix of stock and water
2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 large onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, smashed
2 bay leaves
1 tsp dried thyme or 1 sprig fresh thyme
1 tsp whole black peppercorns
2 cups wide egg noodles (or any short pasta)
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Optional: squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes

Notes/substitutions:

Use boneless chicken breasts if you prefer white meat only; cook until just done to avoid drying.
Gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables can replace noodles for dietary needs.
For richer flavor, roast the chicken or use bones and vegetables to make a homemade stock first — see this Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup inspiration for other ways to boost depth.

How to prepare it

Pat the chicken dry. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about 6–8 minutes.
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Nestle the whole chicken (or thighs) into the pot. Pour in stock and add bay leaves, thyme, and peppercorns. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45–60 minutes for a whole chicken, 25–30 minutes for thighs, until meat is cooked through and tender.
Carefully remove the chicken and set it on a cutting board to cool slightly. Remove bay leaves and discard. Skim excess fat from the surface of the broth with a spoon.
When the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred the meat and discard skin and bones.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Bring the broth back to a simmer and add the noodles. Cook until noodles are al dente (follow package timing), usually 6–8 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir in parsley and a squeeze of lemon if using.
Serve hot.

Best ways to enjoy it

Ladle into bowls and top with chopped fresh parsley and cracked black pepper.
Serve with buttered crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple grilled cheese for dipping.
For a heartier meal, add a scoop of cooked rice or small dumplings.
Offer condiments like hot sauce, chopped scallions, or grated Parmesan at the table for customization.

Storage and reheating tips

Refrigerate: Cool the soup quickly and store in airtight containers for up to 3–4 days.
Freeze: Freeze in meal-sized portions for up to 3 months. Leave out the noodles if you prefer better texture after reheating — add fresh cooked noodles when serving.
Reheat: Gently rewarm on the stovetop over low heat. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat to at least 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Safe handling: Don’t leave soup at room temperature more than 2 hours. Store promptly to prevent bacterial growth.

Pro chef tips

Brown the chicken briefly before simmering for extra depth — even a light sear adds roasted flavor.
For a clearer broth, simmer gently without boiling and skim foam early in cooking.
Cook noodles separately if you want leftovers without soggy pasta; add just before serving.
Add finishing acid (lemon or a splash of vinegar) to brighten the flavors just before serving.
Short on time? Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken shredded into the finished broth.
For creative meal planning, freeze in portioned containers so you can grab a bowl whenever needed. For more hearty meal ideas that pair well with soup prep strategies, check these buffalo chicken lasagna tips.

Creative twists

Lemon-Garlic Herb: Add extra lemon zest and lots of fresh dill or tarragon for a Mediterranean lift.
Thai-Inspired: Swap some stock for coconut milk and finish with lime, fish sauce, and basil for a creamy, aromatic version.
Low-Carb: Replace noodles with shirataki noodles or finely chopped cauliflower rice.
Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free pasta or rice noodles.
Spiced-Up: Add ginger and turmeric for a warming, anti-inflammatory boost.

Helpful answers

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
A: Yes. For a slow cooker, cook on low 6–8 hours with all ingredients and add noodles in the last 30 minutes. For an Instant Pot, use the poultry setting or manual high pressure for 10–12 minutes with a natural release. Add noodles after pressure cooking and simmer until tender.

Q: How do I keep the noodles from getting mushy in leftovers?
A: Store noodles separately from the broth and chicken, or cook noodles fresh when reheating. If stored together, use egg noodles that hold up better, but separate storage is best.

Q: Can I use pre-made stock or bouillon?
A: Absolutely. Low-sodium store-bought stock works fine. If using bouillon, dissolve to taste and start with a weaker concentration — you can always adjust salt later.

Q: Is it safe to freeze soup with dairy or cream?
A: Creamy soups with added dairy can separate when frozen. For this chicken noodle soup, avoid adding cream before freezing; add any dairy after thawing and reheating.

Conclusion

This homestyle chicken noodle soup is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to scale and customize. If you want another perspective on homemade techniques and tips, check out Truly Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup – Tastes Better From Scratch for a deep dive into building flavor. For a different homestyle spin and plating ideas, see Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup. – Half Baked Harvest.