This Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup is flavorful, thick, and loaded with vegetables. With this homemade classic recipe, you won’t miss Panera, Campbell’s, or Progresso. Wanna save some time? It’s easy to make with a rotisserie chicken.
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For years I was a regular at Panera Bread. Chicken noodle soup coupled with a sandwich or chicken noodle soup with a salad was always my go-to meal. Chicken noodle is so nutritious and pretty low in calories! The amazing part is it’s so easy to make their recipe right at home and from scratch! You know what’s in it.
What Type of Noodles to Use
I like to use egg noodles. Egg noodles will soak up the flavor of the broth without being mushy. You can use whatever noodles you want.
- Rotini
- Spaghetti
- Orzo
What Type of Chicken to Use
I use skinless chicken breasts. You can also use chicken thighs. Dark meat tends to have more flavor, is more tender, and will follow the same cook time noted in the recipe.
Feel free to grab a rotisserie chicken and/or use fully cooked chicken. If using cooked chicken add it at the end with the pasta.
Classic chicken noodle soup will use bone-in chicken pieces and often the whole chicken. Use what you want.
Why Do We Eat Chicken Noodle Soup When We are Sick
The soup has always been known as the go-to meal when you are sick and have a cold. There are a few reasons why. If you use bone-in chicken and allow the bones to simmer in liquid, it produces bone-broth which has a lot of health benefits. In general, broth is also known to work well for congestion.
Carrots, onion, and celery are the classic vegetables you will find in the soup. These vegetables contain vitamins A and C, and other antioxidants that are great for an immunity boost (along with herbs like thyme and bay leaf).
The noodles will help you feel full and nourished.
How to Make Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Add chicken, broth, carrots, onions, celery, thyme, lemon juice, bay leaf, Better Than Bouillon, salt, and pepper to a slow cooker or pressure cooker.
- Slow cook or pressure cook.
- Shred the chicken and add the chicken and noodles to the pot.
Other Vegetables and Substitution Ideas
- Fresh Spinach
- Kale
- Mushrooms
- Broccoli
- Potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Corn
- Peas
- Green Beans
- Chickpeas
Other Spices and Substitution Ideas
- Turmeric
- Ginger
- Crushed Red Pepper
How to Store Leftovers
The dish will last for 3-4 days tightly sealed in the fridge. The texture of the noodles will change. I recommend making those fresh if you plan to eat leftovers.
Freezer Tips
If you want to make this freezer-friendly, Make it and exclude adding the noodles. Make those fresh when you defrost the frozen broth, chicken, and vegetables.
Pair the Soup with These Recipes
Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
Ham and Cheese Panini
Green Goddess Cobb Salad
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Shrimp and Avocado Salad
Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
More Soup Recipes
Chicken Lasagna Soup
Sweet Potato Soup
Ham and Vegetable Soup
Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup
Instant Pot Tomato Soup
Instant Pot Chicken Ramen Soup
Buffalo Chicken Soup
Instant Pot Baked Potato Soup
Panera Autumn Squash Soup
Keto Cauliflower Soup
More Slow Cooker Crockpot Recipes
Slow Cooker Crockpot BBQ Meatballs
Slow Cooker Crockpot Chicken and Rice
Slow Cooker Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese
Slow Cooker Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Pulled Pork Sliders
Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 2 cups diced carrots This was 3 carrots for me.
- 1 cup diced celery This was 3 celery stalks for me.
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 7-8 cups chicken broth or stock See notes.
- 1 tablespoon Better Than Boullion Chicken Flavor Optional for Flavor.
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Adjust to taste. Feel free to add this at the end so you can taste repeatedly.
- 6-7 oz egg noodles This was about 3 cups for me.
Instructions
Slow Cooker/ Crockpot
- Add all of the ingredients to the Crockpot (with the exception of the egg noodles). Cook on High for 3-4 hours or Low for 7-8 hours.
- Remove the lid and remove the chicken and bay leaf. Shred the chicken using two forks and return it back to the Crockpot along with the egg noodles.
- Place the lid back on the Crockpot and cook for an additional 10-20 minutes until the noodles have softened. Watch the noodles. Don't overcook. Taste repeatedly and adjust spices as needed.
Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker (Requires a teaspoon of olive oil)
- Turn the Instant Pot on the Saute function. Add the olive oil to the pot.
- When the pot becomes warm, add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the veggies are translucent and fragrant.
- Add the chicken stock, Better Than Bouillon, chicken breasts, thyme, lemon juice, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to taste to the pot.
- Place the lid on the pot and seal. Cook for 10 minutes on Manual High Pressure.
- Allow the steam to release naturally for 10 minutes instead of quick release.
- Open the pot and remove the chicken. Shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the pot.
- Place the Instant Pot on the Saute function. Add the egg noodles to the pot. Stir to combine. Allow the soup to cook until the noodles soften. Watch the noodles. Don't overcook. Taste repeatedly and adjust spices as needed.
Notes
- The recipe makes 8-10 cups.
- You can also use chicken thighs. Dark meat tends to have more flavor, is more tender, and will follow the same cook time noted in the recipe.
- Feel free to grab a rotisserie chicken and/or use cooked chicken. If using cooked chicken add it at the end with the pasta.
- Classic chicken noodle soup will use bone-in chicken pieces and often the whole chicken. Feel free to use it with no adjustment to cook time.
- For a thick and hearty soup with less broth, use 6-7 cups of broth. Use 8 cups of broth if you like a nice amount of broth in your soup.
- To make this on the stovetop you can use cooked chicken or cook your chicken separately and add all of the ingredients to the pot. Simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Nothing is worse than bland soup. Be sure to taste your broth repeatedly and add additional spices as needed.
- I like a lot of lemon flavor and usually use 1/2 a lemon. Taste repeatedly and use what works best for you.
- The dish will last for 3-4 days tightly sealed in the fridge. The texture of the noodles will change. I recommend making those fresh if you plan to eat leftovers.
Chris C
Tuesday 9th of November 2021
Great base recipe that can be customized with the listed substitutions. Thanks for including that. It was a really nicely flavored soup!
staysnatched
Friday 12th of November 2021
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Sara P.
Tuesday 9th of November 2021
Eating leftovers of this for lunch today with frozen supper cubes in the freezer. Tastes even better today. Love it.d
Every recipe is a lesson. Thank you!
staysnatched
Friday 12th of November 2021
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it.
Amanda G.
Friday 5th of November 2021
I made this today in the crock pot while doing some chores around the house. Iām going to take some to work with me this weekend, but of course I had to sample a bowl when it was done! It turned out perfect and was so easy. I love when you suggest adding better than bouillon products to your recipes, it really amps up the flavor. š
staysnatched
Saturday 6th of November 2021
Flavor on point with it!
Hailey
Thursday 4th of November 2021
Loved this one! Will be making it consistently and replace the can chicken soup I buy for my family. The flavor is 200% better than any can, and I can make it with love. Thank you, Brandi!
staysnatched
Friday 5th of November 2021
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Sarah S
Wednesday 3rd of November 2021
Such a delicious soup. Love the lemon flavor. Came together so easily.
staysnatched
Friday 5th of November 2021
Wonderful! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.