Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe from Scratch

Recipe Shopping List

Here are the ingredients to have on hand. For exact amounts and the full recipe, see the recipe card below.

• Chicken stock (homemade or boxed)
• Cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• Carrots
• Celery (including some leaves if available)
• Onion
• Sage
• Fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper
• Noodles (homemade or quality store-bought egg noodles)

How to Make This Recipe (Overview)

This overview outlines the main steps. When you cook, use the full ingredient list and recipe notes further down for exact amounts and timing.

1. Combine chicken stock, cooked chicken, sliced carrots, chopped celery and chopped onion in a large stockpot over medium heat.
2. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Season with salt, pepper and a pinch of sage. Stir in chopped fresh parsley and the noodles.
4. Simmer an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but not mushy. Adjust seasonings and serve hot.

Recipe Tips

Making great soup is straightforward, but a few choices make a big difference in flavor and texture.

Good stock is not optional

The foundation of excellent chicken noodle soup is a flavorful chicken stock. Roasting a whole chicken and simmering the carcass with aromatics yields a rich stock with depth. If you don’t have time to make stock from scratch, a high-quality boxed chicken stock will still produce a delicious soup. Taste and adjust seasoning as you go.

Fresh vegetables are your friend

Fresh carrots, celery and onions deliver the best texture and flavor. They hold up in the simmering broth and provide a pleasant bite. If you only have frozen or canned vegetables, they work in a pinch — just be mindful of cooking time and texture.

Noodles: homemade or store-bought

Homemade egg noodles are irresistible and take only a short time to make. If you prefer convenience, choose sturdy homestyle egg noodles from the grocery store or frozen section. Avoid delicate pasta types that fall apart in broth; pick noodles designed for soups so they hold their shape when reheated.

Recipe FAQ

How do you store leftover chicken noodle soup?

I store large quantities in covered plastic or glass containers in the refrigerator. For single-serve portions that are convenient to grab for lunch, use canning jars or airtight containers. To freeze, portion soup into zip-top freezer bags or freezer-safe containers, lay bags flat to save space and thaw in the fridge before reheating.

How do you reheat leftover chicken noodle soup?

From chilled: Reheat single bowls in the microwave or reheat a large pot on the stovetop over medium heat. Noodles tend to absorb broth over time; if the soup becomes too thick, add a little warmed chicken stock or water to loosen it.

From frozen: Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat as above. If you need to reheat quickly, submerge the sealed freezer bag in warm water until it can be transferred to a pot, then heat gently until warmed through.

More Soup Ideas

• Vegetable Beef Noodle Soup
• Beef Stroganoff Soup
• Beef Udon Soup
• Creamy Wild Rice Soup
• Italian Sausage and Cabbage Soup