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Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

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Updated Aug 30, 2024
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Savory, simple, and satisfying in every spoonful–it’s hard to think of a single dish more deliciously soothing than chicken noodle soup. This comfort food classic is absolutely brimming with wholesome, homestyle flavors.

With plenty of tender chicken, rich broth, hearty veggies, and oodles of slurp-worthy noodles, it’s easy to see why chicken noodle soup is an all-time favorite recipe. There’s nothing better than a piping hot bowl when you’re feeling under the weather, but chicken noodle soup hits the spot anytime! It’s warming and wonderful on a chilly day, and it’s simple to make for a quick and easy meal any time. Try it with something from our collection of weeknight dinner favorites or weekend lunch recipes.

In this simplified chicken noodle soup recipe, browning the chicken is the secret to an amazing depth of flavor. In no time at all you’ll have a savory, perfectly seasoned soup that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.

How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup

You could spend ages developing that deep, rich, savory flavor that makes the perfect base for a classic chicken noodle soup—but with a few time-saving steps (and a little help from Progresso™ Chicken Broth), you’ll get the same delicious results in a fraction of the time!

Brown the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken with salt and pepper, then browning to add richness and depth to the recipe. You’ll know your chicken is cooked just right when it turns golden brown on the outside and is at the correct temperature on a meat thermometer.

Cook the Vegetables

Slightly softening your veggies with a quick sauté will bring out their aromatic qualities. Add butter, onions, carrots, and celery to a pan and cook until they become tender and translucent.

Add the Broth and Noodles

Pour in your broth and when it begins to bubble, add the egg noodles.Then, let all those delicious ingredients simmer until your noodles are tender.

It’s hard to believe a dish so comforting could be so simple to make. Check out the full recipe below to see for yourself!

Chicken Noodle Soup Ingredients

It’s impressive that chicken noodle soup gets all of its amazing flavor from just a few simple ingredients. But, when they come together, it’s like magic in a bowl!

Chicken: Tender, tasty, and filling, boneless, skinless chicken breasts add heartiness to this classic homestyle dish. You can use chicken thighs instead, if you prefer the richer flavor of dark meat. Or for the most decadent flavor, you can use a full bird. It takes a little extra effort to prepare, but the results are absolutely amazing.

Vegetables: A classic blend of onion, carrots, and celery brings flavor, as well as an always-welcome extra helping of veggies. Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like potatoes or peas to add a new flavor element to your dish.

Broth: Though it may not be the star of the show, chicken broth is working hard behind the scenes—giving a deliciously warm and savory base for all this recipe’s ingredients.

Noodles: Tender and deliciously filling, egg noodles are what make this chicken noodle soup so hearty and satisfying. They hold their own without overpowering, making them the perfect partner for all the other incredible flavors.

What Type of Noodles Are Best for This Dish?

While this classic Chicken Noodle Soup recipe calls for medium egg noodles, you can change things up to add your own signature spin. Try elbow macaroni for a different shape and texture. Or you can even add fettuccine noodles—just break them up to a size small enough to fit on a soup spoon. For an extra-special touch, you can add homemade pasta to make this dish even more comforting.

Whatever pasta you choose, note the cooking instructions on the package. Egg noodles tend to cook a bit more quickly than other varieties of pasta, so adjust your cooking times accordingly.

Storing Leftover Chicken Noodle Soup

One of the best parts of making a big pot of chicken noodle soup? The leftovers! Store any extra chicken noodle soup properly so you can enjoy it anytime you need an extra cozy moment in your day.

Leftover chicken noodle soup can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to five days. You can also use individually sized containers if you’d like to pre-portion your soup for a quick meal. Allow the soup to cool completely before placing it in the fridge. Leftover chicken noodle soup can even be frozen for 3-6 months. Use an airtight container for freezing, leaving enough room for the soup to expand as it freezes. If you’re short on freezer space, ladle cooled soup into a gallon-size freezer bag. Leave a bit of extra space, then let out excess air and seal. Date and label your soup before freezing so you know it will be fresh when you’re ready to enjoy.

More About This Recipe

  • Don’t forget to try one of Betty’s other amazing soup recipes. From squash to split pea, udon to chili, there’s something warm and wonderful to suit every palate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Goes Well with Chicken Noodle Soup?

What could be better than a nice bowl of piping hot chicken noodle soup? The perfect sandwich to go along with it! There’s just something about a perfectly paired soup and sandwich that make them the ultimate comfort food combo.

So which sandwich stands up to the fabulous flavors of this Chicken Noodle Soup recipe? You just can’t go wrong with Betty’s ooey, gooey American grilled cheese, with its perfectly toasty bread and luscious cheesy center. Or give this classic BLT a try if you’re in the mood for something crisp, crunchy, and totally craveable.

Common Chicken Noodle Soup Variations

Chicken noodle soup is as versatile as it is delicious. And with a few creative changes, you can add your own personal spin to this classic recipe. Switch up the protein for a different flavor profile—beef or pork are also delicious. Or for a vegetarian version, skip the meat altogether or try substituting tofu instead. Then add some additional veggies like peas, zucchini, mushrooms or bell peppers, and sub vegetable broth for your soup base. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken in this recipe for a time-saving swap. However, you’ll need to reduce your added salt, as the chicken is already seasoned.

And if you’re still craving a different chicken soup recipe, Betty has your back. There are almost endless varieties to try—you could even whip up a different chicken soup recipe every night of the week!

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Prep Time 15 min
  • Total 30 min
  • Servings 6
  • Ingredients 11
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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 package (20 oz) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in 3/4-inch pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 3/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped carrot
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1 carton (32 oz) Progresso™ chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups uncooked medium egg noodles (3 oz)
  • Chopped fresh parsley, if desired
  • Garlic-flavored croutons, if desired
Make With
Progresso Broth

Instructions

  • Step 
    1
    In 5-quart Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat; season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook chicken in oil 6 to 8 minutes, stirring once, until chicken is browned on outside. Using slotted spoon, transfer to bowl; cover and keep warm.
  • Step 
    2
    Add onion, carrot and celery to oil and drippings in Dutch oven; cook over medium-high heat 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened.
  • Step 
    3
    Stir in chicken broth; heat to boiling. Stir in egg noodles and the browned chicken; return to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender.
  • Step 
    4
    Serve soup topped with parsley and croutons.

Nutrition

220 Calories
8g Total Fat
24g Protein
13g Total Carbohydrate
2g Sugars

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories
220
Calories from Fat
80
Total Fat
8g
13%
Saturated Fat
2g
9%
Trans Fat
0g
Cholesterol
70mg
23%
Sodium
770mg
32%
Potassium
270mg
8%
Total Carbohydrate
13g
4%
Dietary Fiber
1g
5%
Sugars
2g
Protein
24g
% Daily Value*:
Vitamin A
35%
35%
Vitamin C
0%
0%
Calcium
2%
2%
Iron
8%
8%
Exchanges:
1 Starch; 0 Fruit; 0 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 0 Vegetable; 3 Very Lean Meat; 0 Lean Meat; 0 High-Fat Meat; 1 Fat;
Carbohydrate Choice
1
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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