Name: Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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, shredded; 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon chicken flavor (or chicken bouillon granules), or more as needed

If you’re craving something comforting, nourishing, and downright delicious, this Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this soup comes together so quickly, yet feels like a warm hug in a bowl—perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a little pick-me-up. Stick with me and I’ll share all my little tips that make this soup a family favorite every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast & Simple: You’ll be amazed how quickly this soup comes together with easy-to-find ingredients.
Flavor Packed: Using rotisserie chicken and a hint of herbs adds depth without extra fuss.
Customizable Comfort: Whether you like spicy, mild, or gluten-free, this recipe adapts to your needs.
Family Favorite: My loved ones go crazy for this classic comfort food every time I make it.

The image shows a red pot filled with chicken noodle soup placed on a white marbled surface. The soup has three main layers: a light yellow broth as the base with visible small green herbs scattered throughout; chunky pieces of white chicken and thick flat noodles spread evenly; and slices of orange carrot and green celery mixed in. A black ladle lifts a portion of soup, showing a close-up of a mix of chicken, noodles, carrot, and celery. In the background, there are some whole carrots and green parsley visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Chicken Noodle Soup, chicken noodle soup, quick chicken soup, comforting chicken soup, homemade chicken noodle soup

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together like a dream to create a savory, hearty soup. I like to keep a rotisserie chicken on hand because it makes things so much easier, but all ingredients are things you’ll likely find in your pantry or fridge already.

Flat lay of a small slab of butter, two fresh celery ribs diced, three large peeled carrots diced, one whole garlic bulb with one clove minced next to it, a small white bowl filled with clear chicken stock, a small white bowl containing coarse salt, a small white bowl with freshly ground black pepper, a small white bowl with dried rosemary, a small white bowl with dried thyme, a small white bowl with crushed red pepper flakes, a simple portion of uncooked farfalle pasta, shredded pieces of rotisserie chicken arranged neatly, and a small white bowl with chicken bouillon granules, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Easy Chicken Noodle Soup, chicken noodle soup, quick chicken soup, comforting chicken soup, homemade chicken noodle soup

Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the veggies while sautéeing for flavor depth.
Celery: Classic soup base veggie that brings a subtle crunch and fresh aroma.
Carrots: Dice them small for sweetness and color that brightens the soup.
Garlic: A little goes a long way in building a robust, homey flavor.
Chicken stock: Homemade is best if you can swing it — it gives the broth an unbeatable natural taste.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning—always taste and adjust as you go.
Dried rosemary, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes: These herbs and spices add a cozy, warming note with just a tiny kick.
Egg noodles or bite-size pasta: Homemade egg noodles take the soup to another level, but store-bought dry noodles work just fine too.
Rotisserie chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken saves time and infuses extra flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Better than Bouillon chicken flavor: This is my secret weapon to deepen the broth without extra stock or seasoning hassle.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is. Over time, I’ve tried swapping out a few ingredients to match what’s in my fridge or my mood, and you might find it fun to personalize this soup too!

Spicy Kick: Once, I added an extra pinch of crushed red pepper flakes and a dash of hot sauce—my family was pleasantly surprised by how it woke up the flavors.
Gluten-Free Noodles: I usually swap in gluten-free egg noodles for my gluten-sensitive friends, and honestly, no one notices the difference.
Vegetable Boost: Sometimes I toss in chopped kale or spinach near the end for an extra nutrient punch—it keeps the soup vibrant and fresh.
Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh thyme or rosemary on hand, those make the soup taste wonderfully bright and fragrant without overpowering it.

How to Make Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies

Start by melting butter in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Toss in your diced celery and carrots and sauté for about 3 minutes until they start to soften—this step really brings out their sweetness. Add your minced garlic last and cook for just 30 seconds to avoid burning it, which would make the soup bitter. You’ll already start to smell that warm, inviting aroma.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Pour in the chicken stock and sprinkle in dried rosemary, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. This is where you should start tasting your broth—season carefully because those flavors will concentrate as the soup cooks. Adding a spoonful of Better than Bouillon chicken paste is my little hack for boosting that deep homemade taste, especially if you’re using store-bought stock.

Step 3: Cook Your Noodles Just Right

Bring the broth to a boil and add your noodles. If you’re using store-bought dry noodles, keep a close eye on them and remove the pot from heat as soon as they’re just al dente—remember, they keep cooking even after you turn off the stove, so pulling them off early keeps them from getting mushy. If you made homemade egg noodles, they’ll hold up even better and taste amazing.

Step 4: Add Your Chicken and Final Seasoning

Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken meat, letting it warm through. Give your broth one last taste and adjust seasoning if needed—you want it perfectly seasoned but not salty. This step is where you can really make the soup your own.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Rotisserie Chicken Magic: Using a rotisserie chicken saves tons of time—you get the juicy meat ready to toss in and the bones perfect for making stock if you want.
Noodle Timing: Don’t overcook the noodles! I’ve learned that pulling the pot off heat as soon as the noodles are ‘just tender’ keeps them from turning to mush.
Season as You Go: Taste your broth before you add salt, then again at the end—seasoning in layers makes a big difference.
Keep It Clear: Stir gently when adding noodles and chicken to keep the broth nice and clear.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or dill on top—it brightens the flavor and adds a splash of color. Sometimes I also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a pinch of cracked black pepper right at serving time to perk up every spoonful.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, garlic toast, or even a simple side salad if you want to keep things light. When my family’s around, those buttery, crunchy breadsticks are an unbeatable combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve ladled this soup into individual ceramic soup crocks, topped with a little grated Parmesan and a fresh herb sprig. It makes even a casual dinner feel a bit more festive and cozy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge and it keeps wonderfully for 4-5 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the second day even better. Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

Freezing this soup works well, but I learned the hard way that noodles can get mushy if fully cooked before freezing. I now undercook the noodles slightly if I plan to freeze, then add more fresh noodles when reheating if needed.

Reheating

Reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to keep noodles from sticking. Avoid microwaving straight from the freezer or it can unevenly heat, but if you do, let it rest a minute before eating to allow flavors to settle.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken instead of rotisserie chicken in this Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! If you prefer using raw chicken, add chicken thighs, breasts, or tenders to the broth before adding the noodles. Cook them in the boiling broth for about 5 minutes or until fully cooked, then add the noodles. Just remember cooking times might vary slightly depending on the chicken piece size.
What’s the best way to prevent noodles from getting mushy in soup?

Great question! The key is to add noodles near the end of cooking and remove the pot from heat as soon as they’re al dente. Noodles continue to cook in the hot broth after you turn off the heat, so catching them early preserves their perfect texture.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the noodles with gluten-free versions or make homemade gluten-free egg noodles. The broth and all other ingredients naturally contain no gluten, so it’s a simple adjustment.
Is homemade chicken stock necessary for this Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe?

While not strictly necessary, homemade stock takes the soup’s flavor to the next level. Using the bones from your rotisserie chicken to make stock ahead of time lets you maximize flavor without much extra work. If you’re short on time, good-quality store-bought stock with added Better than Bouillon chicken base will work well too.
How long can I store leftover soup in the fridge?

Store leftovers in an airtight container for 4-5 days. The chicken’s freshness limits how long it remains safe, so keep that in mind. Reheat thoroughly before eating for the best experience.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe has become my go-to when I want something cozy, quick, and seriously satisfying. It’s perfect for those days when you need a little comfort food that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. I hope you’ll love making and sharing it as much as my family and I do—it’s one of those classic recipes that just hits the spot every time.