Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe – Traditional Homemade Soup

It all started during a busy Wednesday evening last winter. I had just wrapped up a long workday, the temperature was dropping fast, and the fridge was down to basics: a few carrots, leftover rotisserie chicken, half a box of noodles, and some broth.

Rather than order takeout again, I decided to make something warm and easy with what I had. The result was a fast chicken noodle soup that came together in one pot and instantly turned into a comfort dish I now return to again and again. It’s quick, requires no fancy ingredients, and always hits the spot on a cold or chaotic night.

This Grandma’s chicken noodle soup recipe is the perfect blend of practicality and flavor, and it’s become one of those recipes that lives on my fridge door for easy access. If you’re looking for something that’s fast, filling, and full of homey goodness, this bowl is for you.

Why You’ll Love Easy Weeknight Chicken Noodle Soup

This easy weeknight chicken noodle soup isn’t just convenient, it’s one of those meals that brings everyone to the table, no matter how hectic the day has been. You’ll love it for more than just the short cook time.

• It’s ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
• You only need one pot, which makes clean-up fast and easy.
• It uses simple pantry ingredients you likely already have.
• The flavors are comforting, mild, and great for both kids and adults.
• You can freeze it, double it, or make it ahead for busy weeks.

It’s also extremely forgiving. Forgot fresh herbs? Dried will do. Don’t have egg noodles? Use another short pasta. This soup welcomes substitutions and still delivers that warm, savory taste we all crave after a long day.

Plus, this chicken noodle soup is the perfect answer when someone in the family feels under the weather. It’s soothing, hydrating, and packed with nourishing ingredients that don’t require much chewing or effort to enjoy. You’ll find it works just as well on lazy Sundays as it does on the busiest Tuesday evenings.

Ingredients for Grandma’s chicken noodle soup recipe

To make this quick chicken noodle soup, you’ll need the following ingredients. These quantities serve about 4 to 6 people generously.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
• 3 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (from rotisserie or leftovers)
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• 2 cups wide egg noodles
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Using rotisserie chicken keeps things simple, but leftover grilled or baked chicken also works well. You can swap in fresh parsley or thyme if you have them, but dried herbs still give plenty of flavor. A splash of lemon at the end adds brightness and rounds everything out.

Make sure to use good quality broth. If you have homemade on hand, this is a great time to use it. Otherwise, store-bought low-sodium chicken broth gives you a flavorful base without making the soup overly salty.

How to Make Grandma’s chicken noodle soup recipe

This soup recipe is all about simplicity, from start to finish. Follow these steps for a smooth cooking process.

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
2. Stir in the minced garlic, dried parsley, and thyme. Cook for about 1 minute, just until the garlic is fragrant and the herbs begin to bloom.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf if using. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Add the cooked shredded chicken and egg noodles to the pot. Stir well and simmer for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and cooked through.
5. Remove the bay leaf and turn off the heat. Stir in fresh lemon juice if using, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

Looking for a slow-cooked version that simmers all day? Try this comforting Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Noodle Soup

While this easy chicken soup holds its own, pairing it with the right sides can turn dinner into something truly satisfying. These ideas help balance the meal or give it an extra layer of comfort.

• Serve with warm crusty bread, garlic toast, or fresh baked dinner rolls for dipping.
• Add a crisp green salad with vinaigrette for freshness and crunch.
• Sprinkle shredded Parmesan or cheddar cheese on top of each bowl before serving.
• Offer lemon wedges and red pepper flakes at the table for those who want extra zest or heat.
• Pair with grilled cheese or turkey sandwiches for a hearty soup-and-sandwich combo.

This soup also works as a starter for heavier meals or a light lunch on its own. If you’re into creamy versions, try this reader favorite Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup.

Variations and Customization Ideas for Chicken Soup

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it adapts to what you have in your kitchen. Here are a few ways to make it your own.

• Use a different pasta like rotini, bowtie, ditalini, or gluten-free noodles.
• Add leafy greens like baby spinach, kale, or Swiss chard near the end of cooking.
• Swap the chicken for cooked turkey if you have leftovers from another meal.
• Boost the flavor with a spoonful of pesto, chili flakes, or even curry powder.
• Make it heartier by adding canned white beans, green peas, or diced potatoes.

If you want that old-school taste with a made-from-scratch feel, don’t miss this Home Made Chicken Noodle Soup.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This soup stores beautifully and makes a great meal prep option. Just follow a few simple guidelines for best results.

• Let the soup cool completely before transferring to airtight containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Freeze the noodles separately, or leave them out and add fresh ones when reheating.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add extra broth if it has thickened in the fridge.
• To microwave, reheat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between rounds until hot.

Want something with a bolder kick? Try this flavorful Chicken Poblano Soup.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup

This section gives you the edge to take your chicken noodle soup from good to great. These small changes make a big difference in flavor and texture.

• Cook the noodles directly in the soup only if you plan to serve it right away. Otherwise, cook them separately to avoid soggy leftovers.
• Use a mix of light and dark meat for richer flavor if you’re shredding chicken yourself.
• Finish the soup with fresh herbs and lemon juice right before serving for a fresh pop.
• Don’t skip the sauté step. Cooking the vegetables before simmering develops better flavor.
• If reheating from frozen, warm the broth and chicken first, then add freshly cooked noodles.

If you need another reliable one-pot dinner, try this One Pan Chicken and Rice Bake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

Even a fast recipe can be ruined by a few small missteps. Avoid these issues to keep your soup delicious every time.

• Overcooking the noodles makes them too soft and ruins the texture. Check them a minute or two early.
• Adding salt too soon if you’re using salted broth can lead to an overly salty soup. Taste and adjust at the end.
• Skipping the herbs removes the layered flavor that makes this dish stand out.
• Using bland broth as your base results in a flat-tasting soup. Choose a good-quality or homemade broth.
• Leaving the noodles in the soup during storage turns them mushy. Cook separately or store them apart.

With these tips, you’ll enjoy consistently delicious results whether it’s your first time making chicken soup or your fiftieth.

Wrapping Up Grandma’s chicken noodle soup recipe

This quick and simple chicken noodle soup has everything you need in a weeknight dinner: warmth, flavor, speed, and versatility. It’s the kind of meal that can be thrown together on a whim but still delivers that comforting, homemade feeling we all love.

Whether you’re feeding a busy family, prepping ahead for lunches, or just need a reset meal, this recipe fits the bill.

FAQs About Grandma’s chicken noodle soup recipe

What can I add to easy chicken noodle soup for more flavor?

You can stir in a little lemon juice, add fresh herbs like parsley or dill at the end, or use a stronger broth such as bone broth. Sautéed mushrooms or a splash of soy sauce can also give a deeper umami flavor.

Can I freeze Grandma’s chicken noodle soup recipe?

Yes, but for the best texture, freeze the broth and chicken mixture without the noodles. Cook fresh noodles when you reheat the soup to avoid soggy or broken pasta.

Which noodles are best in quick chicken noodle soup?

Wide egg noodles are the most common and traditional, but small pasta shapes like ditalini, rotini, or even broken spaghetti all work well. Choose one that holds up to simmering without turning mushy.

How long does easy chicken soup last in the fridge?

When stored in an airtight container, easy chicken noodle soup lasts up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop and add fresh herbs before serving for best results.

Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe – Traditional Homemade Soup

Author: Ellie Courses: Soups