Description
This classic Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for any day. Made with tender shredded rotisserie chicken, fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and homemade or quality store-bought chicken broth, it’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Fresh or dry egg noodles are cooked directly in the savory broth, making this soup both satisfying and simple to make for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 ½ cups carrots, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups homemade chicken stock or high-quality store-bought chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Noodles & Protein
- 3 cups homemade egg noodles or 8 ounces dry egg noodles, farfalle, or other bite-size pasta
- 3 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon paste or 1 cube chicken bouillon (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add diced celery and carrots, then sauté for about 3 minutes until they soften slightly.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in 8 cups of chicken stock or broth. Season with salt, black pepper, dried rosemary, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well and taste to adjust seasoning as needed.
- Enhance Flavor (Optional): For extra depth, stir in chicken bouillon paste or a bouillon cube until dissolved.
- Cook the Noodles: Bring the broth to a rolling boil. Add fresh or dry noodles and cook until al dente—about 5-7 minutes for fresh noodles or 8-10 minutes for dry pasta. Remove from heat immediately once noodles are tender to avoid overcooking.
- Add the Chicken: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken to warm through. Taste and adjust seasoning again if necessary.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. Pairing with crusty bread or rolls makes for a hearty meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, use homemade chicken stock; however, a good quality store-bought broth works well too.
- Adjust the seasoning gradually, especially salt, according to your taste preference and the saltiness of your broth or bouillon.
- Fresh noodles cook faster; watch carefully to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, increase crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; add additional broth when reheating if it thickens too much.
