Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
If you’ve ever craved a bowl of warm, nourishing comfort that feels like a hug in a bowl, this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is your new best friend. With rich, savory stock made from a rotisserie chicken carcass, tender chunks of chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and garden-fresh veggies, every spoonful bursts with heartwarming flavor. This recipe takes the humble chicken noodle soup to a whole new level of deliciousness that’s perfect for chilly days, under-the-weather moments, or whenever you need a cozy pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes the simplest ingredients create the most memorable dishes, and this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe proves it beautifully. Each component plays a key role: the rotisserie chicken brings deep flavor and tender meat, vegetables add vibrant color and sweetness, and herbs finish it off with aromatic depth.
- Rotisserie chicken: Use the meat for the soup and the carcass to create a rich, homemade stock full of depth.
- Water: Ten cups for simmering the carcass to draw out all the goodness into the stock.
- Onion: Quartered for a gentle sweetness and savory backbone in the broth.
- Celery stalks: Chopped and diced, these add a subtle crunch and earthy notes to the soup.
- Carrots: Chopped and diced to inject vibrant color and natural sweetness.
- Garlic cloves: Both smashed and minced, to infuse the soup with warmth and a gentle bite.
- Bay leaf: Classic herb that complements the chicken and veggies perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all flavors.
- Butter or olive oil: For sautéing the veggies and adding a round, smooth richness.
- Dried rosemary and sage: These herbs deepen the soup’s flavor and bring a hint of rustic charm.
- Crushed red pepper (optional): A pinch adds a gentle sparkle of heat if you like a subtle kick.
- Cooked chicken meat: From the rotisserie, tender and flavorful pieces ready to warm through in the soup.
- Egg noodles or your favorite pasta: Homemade or store-bought, these soak up the broth beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: For making fresh noodles that elevate this soup from simple to spectacular.
- Eggs: Binding agent for the dough, giving the noodles structure and tenderness.
- Milk: Adds richness and helps create a silky, pliable dough.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Stock
Start by placing the rotisserie chicken carcass in a large pot along with quartered onion, chopped celery, carrots, smashed garlic, and a bay leaf. Add ten cups of water, bring it all to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about an hour. This slow simmer draws every bit of flavor from the bones and veggies, creating a golden and deeply savory foundation for your soup.
Step 2: Strain the Stock
Once the stock is flavorful and fragrant, remove the carcass and vegetable bits. Strain the broth into a large bowl to catch all the liquid but leave behind any solids. Season the stock with salt and pepper to taste, setting aside this delicious base that forms the heart of your Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In your main soup pot, melt butter (or heat olive oil) over medium-high heat. Add diced celery and carrots, and sauté them for about three minutes until they soften and release their sweet aroma. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just long enough to enhance the flavor without burning it. This step layers in richness and texture for every spoonful.
Step 4: Add the Stock and Seasonings
Pour six to eight cups of your homemade chicken stock into the pot with the veggies. Add dried rosemary, sage, salt, pepper, and if you want a bit of warmth, a pinch of crushed red pepper. Bring these flavors together to create a broth that’s vibrant, aromatic, and full of character. Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust the seasoning to make it your own.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
Bring the soup to a gentle boil and add your choice of noodles—whether homemade or store-bought egg noodles. Cook them until just tender, usually three to five minutes, so they’re perfectly al dente and soak up the broth without turning mushy. This timing is key to maintaining that lovely noodle texture we all love in chicken noodle soup.
Step 6: Add the Chicken
Stir in the cooked shredded chicken from your rotisserie bird, letting it warm through in the hot broth. This step ensures every bite is packed with tender chicken pieces that complement the savory soup base beautifully.
Step 7: Make and Add Homemade Noodles
For an extra special touch, mix flour and salt in a bowl, create a well, then add eggs and milk. Stir until a dough forms, then knead it on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth. Roll the dough out thinly and cut it into delicate strips. Drop these noodles into your boiling soup and let them cook for 3 to 5 minutes until tender, adding a fresh, rustic element that transforms this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe into a true labor of love.
Step 8: Serve the Soup
Ladle your piping hot soup into bowls, ready to comfort and delight. The aroma alone will pull everyone to the table, and the beautiful medley of tender chicken, fresh noodles, and flavorful broth is simply irresistible.
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a few torn basil leaves on top to add a pop of color and freshness. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors, and a few grinds of black pepper will give it a gentle spice hug. These little touches make your serving feel thoughtful and elegant without complicating things.
Side Dishes
Nothing pairs better with this soup than crusty artisan bread or warm homemade rolls. The bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the rich broth. For a heartier meal, a simple mixed green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette offers a fresh contrast to the warm soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in vintage-style bowls or rustic pottery to evoke cozy, at-home vibes. You can even ladle the soup into bread bowls for a fun and edible presentation. For a crowd, consider serving the soup from a large slow cooker at a buffet, allowing everyone to help themselves to piping hot comfort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover soup into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. Keep noodles separate if possible to prevent them from getting mushy, adding fresh noodles or pasta when reheating.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Store the broth, veggies, and chicken in freezer-safe containers, but it’s best to leave out the noodles. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the soup overnight and add freshly cooked noodles during reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Gently warm your soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen it. Add fresh noodles at this stage to keep them tender and avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought chicken stock instead of homemade?
Absolutely! While homemade stock adds extra depth and a personal touch, good-quality store-bought stock works wonderfully and saves time, especially on busy days.
How do I make sure my noodles don’t get mushy?
The secret is timing. Add fresh noodles towards the end of cooking, and cook just until al dente. Alternatively, cook noodles separately and add them when serving.
Can I make this soup vegetarian-friendly?
You can! Replace chicken and chicken stock with vegetable broth and add hearty mushrooms or tofu for protein, but it won’t have quite the same classic chicken noodle flavor.
How long can I keep homemade chicken noodle soup in the fridge?
Stored properly in airtight containers, it will stay fresh for about four days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before reheating.
What’s the best way to use leftover rotisserie chicken?
This soup is a fantastic way to use leftover rotisserie chicken, but you can also add the shredded meat to salads, tacos, or casseroles for quick and tasty meals.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup to lift your spirits and nourish your body, and this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is rooted in love, flavor, and tradition. Whether you’re making it for someone feeling under the weather or simply craving a delicious and satisfying meal, this recipe delivers warmth and comfort in every spoonful. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your kitchen staples that family and friends ask for time and again.
Print
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This comforting homemade chicken noodle soup is made from scratch using a rotisserie chicken. The recipe features a rich homemade chicken stock simmered with aromatic vegetables, tender chicken meat, and fresh egg noodles made from scratch. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a soothing bowl of classic soup, this recipe provides warmth and hearty flavors in every spoonful.
Ingredients
For the Stock
- 1 rotisserie chicken (use the meat for the soup and the carcass for stock)
- 10 cups water
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Soup
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 3 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6–8 cups chicken stock (from the homemade stock or store-bought)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
- Pinch of crushed red pepper (optional)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (from the rotisserie chicken)
- Egg noodles or your favorite pasta (homemade or store-bought)
For Homemade Egg Noodles
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Stock: In a large pot, place the rotisserie chicken carcass, quartered onion, chopped celery, chopped carrots, smashed garlic cloves, and a bay leaf. Add 10 cups of water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer gently for about 1 hour to extract all the flavors into the broth.
- Strain the Stock: Remove the chicken carcass and vegetables from the pot, straining the broth into a large bowl or another pot. Discard solids. Season the clear broth with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large soup pot, melt the butter or heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced celery and carrots and sauté for about 3 minutes until they start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the Stock: Pour 6-8 cups of the prepared chicken stock into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Add dried rosemary, dried sage, salt, pepper, and optional crushed red pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Cook the Noodles: Bring the soup to a boil. If using store-bought noodles, add them now and cook according to package instructions (typically 3-5 minutes) until al dente. For homemade noodles, continue with the next steps.
- Add Chicken: Stir in the cooked rotisserie chicken pieces into the simmering soup. Allow the chicken to heat through for a few minutes before adding noodles.
- Make the Dough for Homemade Noodles: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Make a well in the center and crack in the eggs and pour in the milk. Stir with a fork or your fingers until dough comes together. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Roll and Cut the Noodles: Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into thin strips resembling egg noodles.
- Cook Homemade Noodles: Drop the fresh noodles into the boiling soup and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until tender but still firm to bite.
- Serve the Soup: Ladle the hot chicken noodle soup into bowls and serve immediately. Pair with crusty bread or homemade rolls for a cozy and satisfying meal.
Notes
- If short on time, use store-bought chicken stock and cooked rotisserie chicken meat to speed up the process.
- Adjust the seasoning with herbs and spices according to your preference; thyme or parsley also work well.
- Fresh homemade noodles can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a few hours before adding to the soup.
- To make the soup gluten-free, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free noodles.
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American