If ever there were a quintessential comfort food that could turn any dreary day around, it’s a steaming bowl of Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup. Imagine tender bites of chicken, slurpable egg noodles, and pops of vibrant vegetables coming together in a flavorful broth—this dish delivers warmth, nourishment, and pure joy with every spoonful. Whether you’re looking to beat a cold or just want dinner on the table in under an hour, this recipe is a lifesaver you’ll come back to again and again.

Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—every ingredient earns its place, contributing a unique layer of taste, texture, and color. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this comforting soup to life, along with some handy tips for each.

Butter: Adds richness and helps develop the flavor base when sautéing the vegetables.
Chopped onion: Lends savory sweetness and depth to every spoonful.
Chopped celery: Offers a fresh crunch and classic soup aroma.
Chicken broth: Serves as the foundational broth; using good-quality broth makes a world of difference.
Vegetable broth: Adds complexity and subtle earthiness, rounding out the broth’s flavor.
Chopped cooked chicken breast: The heart of the soup—pre-cooked chicken is a fantastic time-saver.
Egg noodles: Silky and satisfying, these noodles soak up flavors while staying wonderfully tender.
Sliced carrots: Bright pops of color and natural sweetness that everyone loves.
Dried basil: Brings a delicate, herby note that complements the other flavors beautifully.
Dried oregano: Adds a touch of Mediterranean warmth and aroma.
Salt and ground black pepper: Season boldly to taste—you’ll know when the balance is just right.

How to Make Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Start by melting the butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once the butter has sizzled and released its fragrance, toss in the chopped onion and celery. Spend a few minutes stirring gently, just until they’re translucent and softened. This step infuses the base of your Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup with incredible savory flavor that sets the tone for the whole pot.

Step 2: Build Your Broth

Now it’s time to pour in the chicken broth and vegetable broth. Add the cooked chicken, carrots, and egg noodles, along with the dried basil and oregano. A generous sprinkle of salt and pepper at this point will help wake up all the flavors. Stir everything together and bring it up to a lively boil—watch as the ingredients begin to blend and your kitchen fills with mouthwatering aromas.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Once you’ve hit a rolling boil, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the soup cook for about 20 minutes, giving the flavors a chance to become best friends. The noodles soak up the savory broth, the chicken gets extra tender, and the veggies take on just the right amount of softness. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving your Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup.

How to Serve Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or dill on top instantly brightens your bowl, adding a fresh burst of color and a hint of herby aroma. For a touch of indulgence, try a grind of black pepper or a pinch of flaky sea salt just before serving. If you want to elevate your Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup even more, a squeeze of lemon adds a pop of tangy brightness that wakes up all the flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair this classic soup with a crusty baguette or a thick slice of buttery toast for the ultimate cozy meal. If you’re hosting or want to round out the table, serve alongside a green salad tossed with a zingy vinaigrette, or offer crackers, breadsticks, or even a classic grilled cheese for pure comfort food bliss.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, ladle soup into individual mugs and top each with a tiny sprig of fresh herbs for a chic touch. Serve your Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup in colorful bowls with homemade croutons or heart-shaped bread cutouts floating on top. For a fun family night, set up a “soup bar” with bowls of extra noodles, cheese, lemon wedges, and fresh herbs so everyone can customize their own bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the noodles will continue to soak up the broth as it sits, making the soup extra thick and flavorful the next day. Some people even claim it tastes better after a night in the fridge!

Freezing

This Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup holds up beautifully in the freezer, but for best results, freeze the soup without the noodles, as they can get mushy upon thawing. Cool the soup completely, then pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. When ready to enjoy, reheat your soup and cook a fresh batch of noodles to stir in just before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, simply transfer the soup to a pot and warm gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the noodles have absorbed too much liquid, just add a splash of extra broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. A quick stir and a taste test, and your comforting bowl will be ready in no time!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and adds even more flavor. Just shred or chop the meat and add it in as directed—the smoky, savory depth takes your Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup to another level.

What type of noodles work best?

Egg noodles are a classic because they hold their shape and texture so well, but feel free to experiment with whatever pasta you have on hand—ditalini, fusilli, or thin spaghetti broken into pieces all work nicely in this comforting soup.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

Swap out the traditional egg noodles for your favorite gluten-free pasta or noodles. Just keep an eye on their cooking time, as some gluten-free options cook faster and can get soft quickly.

Can I add more veggies?

Definitely! While carrots, celery, and onion are classic, you can toss in peas, corn, spinach, or kale for more color and nutrients. This recipe is super flexible, so use up whatever’s in your fridge.

Is it possible to use homemade broth?

Without a doubt—homemade broth will make your Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup extra special and rich. If you have it, go for it! Otherwise, a good quality store-bought broth keeps things genuinely quick and easy.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason why this Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup will become a staple in your kitchen: it’s soul-soothing, endlessly adaptable, and impossibly simple to make. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or treating yourself to a cozy meal, this soup is the definition of comfort in a bowl—give it a try and watch it become your new favorite, too!