Print

Cozy Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

cozy grandma chicken noodle soup recipe - featured image

A warm, comforting homemade chicken noodle soup with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles. Ready in under 45 minutes, this recipe is perfect for cozy nights and nourishing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 ounces wide egg noodles
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Peel and slice the carrots, slice the celery, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Set aside.
  2. Cook the chicken: In a large pot, bring the chicken breasts and chicken broth to a gentle boil over medium heat. Skim off any foam that rises to the top. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  3. Remove and shred chicken: Carefully take the chicken out and place on a plate to cool slightly. Shred with two forks into bite-sized pieces. Leave the broth simmering on low.
  4. Sauté the veggies: In a separate pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened but not browned. Add the minced garlic in the last minute and stir.
  5. Add sautéed veggies to broth: Transfer the softened vegetables to the pot with the simmering broth. Add dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
  6. Cook noodles: Bring the broth back to a gentle boil and add the egg noodles. Cook according to package directions, usually 7-8 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. Return chicken to pot: Once noodles are cooked, add shredded chicken back in. Simmer for 2-3 minutes just to warm through and let flavors marry.
  8. Final seasoning and garnish: Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf. Stir in chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if using. Serve hot.

Notes

Do not overcook the noodles to avoid mushiness. Cooking noodles separately and adding them just before serving helps maintain texture, especially for leftovers. Use fresh herbs if possible for brighter flavor. Simmer broth gently to keep it clear and flavorful. Store noodles separately if refrigerating leftovers.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken noodle soup, homemade soup, comfort food, easy chicken soup, cozy soup recipe, chicken broth soup, egg noodles soup