🥣 Classic Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Serves: 6–8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45–60 minutes

🧾 Ingredients

For the Soup Base

2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf

Chicken & Broth

1½–2 pounds chicken (bone-in thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
8–10 cups chicken broth (homemade or good-quality store-bought)
2 cups water (if needed, for extra broth)

Noodles & Finish

2–3 cups egg noodles (wide or homestyle)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, brightens flavor)

🥄 Instructions

1️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables

Heat olive oil or butter in a large soup pot over medium heat.
Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Stir in garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook another 3–5 minutes, stirring often.

2️⃣ Build the Flavor

Season with salt, black pepper, thyme, and oregano, and add the bay leaf.
Pour in chicken broth and water. Bring to a gentle boil.

3️⃣ Cook the Chicken

Add chicken pieces directly into the pot.
Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 25–30 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked and tender.

4️⃣ Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a plate.
Shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
Discard skin and bones. Return shredded chicken to the soup.

5️⃣ Add the Noodles

Stir in egg noodles and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, until noodles are tender but not mushy.

6️⃣ Final Touch

Remove bay leaf.
Stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice if using.
Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed.

🌟 Tips for the Best Soup

For extra-rich flavor: Use bone-in chicken and simmer a little longer
For leftovers: Keep noodles separate if storing more than 1 day
For freezer-friendly soup: Freeze without noodles; add fresh when reheating
Like it thicker? Add a handful of broken noodles or reduce broth slightly

🥖 Serving Ideas

Crusty bread or buttered toast
Crackers or garlic bread
Pickles on the side 😉 (because you said it!)