The best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
The best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe!! is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 210 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Dwight Smith on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 55 min
Cost: $10.83 total, $2.71 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless, cut into bite‑size pieces)
- 8 cups Low‑Sodium Chicken Broth (store‑bought or homemade)
- 2 medium Carrots (peeled and sliced into thin rounds)
- 2 stalks Celery Stalks (thinly sliced)
- 1 small Onion (finely diced)
- 2 cloves Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 2 cups Egg Noodles (uncooked)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
- 1 piece Bay Leaf (dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme (crushed)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
Prep Vegetables
Dice the onion, mince the garlic, slice the carrots into thin rounds, and thinly slice the celery.
Time: PT5M
Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium
Add Chicken and Broth
Add the bite‑size chicken pieces to the pot, stir for 2 minutes to lightly sear. Pour in the chicken broth, then add the bay leaf and thyme.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: Medium
Simmer Soup Base
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 90°C
Add Vegetables
Stir in the carrots and celery. Continue simmering for another 8 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: 90°C
Cook Noodles
Add the uncooked egg noodles to the pot. Cook according to package directions, usually 6‑8 minutes, until al dente.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: 90°C
Season and Finish
Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 210
- Protein
- 15 g
- Carbohydrates
- 22 g
- Fat
- 5 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Gluten (contains), Dairy‑free, Nut‑free
Allergens: Wheat (egg noodles)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Breast: boneless chicken thighs, turkey breast
- Instead of Low‑Sodium Chicken Broth: vegetable broth, water with bouillon cube
- Instead of Carrots: parsnips, sweet potatoes (cut small)
- Instead of Celery Stalks: fennel stalks, green onions (white part)
- Instead of Onion: shallot, leek (white part)
- Instead of Garlic Cloves: garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Egg Noodles: any short pasta, gluten‑free noodles
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Bay Leaf: dried thyme (1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Dried Thyme: Italian seasoning (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Salt: sea salt, kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
Equipment Needed
- Large Stockpot
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Wooden Spoon
- Ladle
- Fine Mesh Sieve (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sauté aromatics without browning garlic
- Simmer at a gentle temperature to keep broth clear
- Cook noodles just until al dente to avoid mushiness
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use homemade chicken broth for deeper flavor
- Add a splash of lemon juice at the end for brightness
- For a richer soup, stir in a tablespoon of butter just before serving.
Troubleshooting
Broth is too salty
Dilute with additional water or unsalted broth and adjust seasoning later.
Noodles become mushy
Add noodles last and monitor cooking time; remove pot from heat as soon as they are al dente.
Soup is cloudy
Skim foam during the first boil and strain through a fine mesh sieve before adding vegetables.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for 3‑4 days.
Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in freezer‑safe bags for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; cool quickly.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Soup can be made a day ahead; reheat gently and add fresh noodles if desired
- Freeze in portion‑size bags for quick meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Noodle Soup in American cuisine?
Chicken noodle soup has long been considered a classic American comfort food, often associated with home cooking, family meals, and recovery from illness. Its roots trace back to European broth traditions that immigrants adapted using locally available chicken and pasta, evolving into the familiar dish today.
What are the traditional regional variations of Chicken Noodle Soup in the United States?
In the Southern U.S., the soup may feature dumplings instead of noodles, while in the Midwest, egg noodles are standard. Some New England versions add barley or potatoes, and certain Asian‑American adaptations incorporate soy sauce or ginger for an extra flavor twist.
How is Chicken Noodle Soup traditionally served in American households?
It is typically served hot in deep bowls, often accompanied by crusty bread or crackers. A garnish of fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil is common, and some families add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
During what occasions is Chicken Noodle Soup traditionally enjoyed in American culture?
Chicken noodle soup is a staple during cold weather, family gatherings, and is especially popular as a soothing dish when someone is feeling under the weather. It also appears at potlucks and casual dinner parties as a comforting main course.
What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional American Chicken Noodle Soup versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include chicken broth, boneless chicken pieces, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, egg noodles, and herbs like thyme and bay leaf. Acceptable substitutes are turkey breast for chicken, gluten‑free noodles for those with sensitivities, and vegetable broth for a lighter version.
What other American dishes pair well with Chicken Noodle Soup?
Chicken noodle soup pairs nicely with classic sides such as buttery biscuits, cornbread, a simple green salad, or a cheese and cracker platter. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a roasted chicken or a grilled cheese sandwich.
What makes Chicken Noodle Soup special in American comfort food cuisine?
Its simplicity, warm broth, and the combination of tender chicken, soft noodles, and aromatic vegetables create a soothing, nostalgic experience that embodies the essence of American comfort food. The balance of protein, carbs, and vegetables also makes it a well‑rounded, satisfying meal.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Noodle Soup?
Common mistakes include over‑cooking the noodles, which makes them mushy, and over‑simmering the broth, which can become cloudy or overly reduced. Also, burning the garlic during sauté can add bitterness, and adding too much salt early can make the soup overly salty.
Why does this Chicken Noodle Soup recipe use a gentle simmer instead of a rolling boil?
A gentle simmer keeps the broth clear and prevents the chicken from becoming tough. It also allows flavors to meld slowly without evaporating too quickly, resulting in a richer, more balanced soup.
Can I make Chicken Noodle Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the soup can be prepared a day ahead. Cool it quickly, then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portion‑size bags for up to 2 months; reheat gently and add fresh noodles if needed.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making Chicken Noodle Soup?
The broth should be clear to light golden, the chicken pieces tender but not falling apart, and the vegetables should be just tender. Noodles should be al dente—soft but still firm to the bite—without breaking apart.
How do I know when Chicken Noodle Soup is done cooking?
The soup is done when the chicken is fully cooked (no pink inside), the carrots and celery are fork‑tender, and the noodles are al dente. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Chef Dwight Smith specialize in?
Chef Dwight Smith’s YouTube channel focuses on approachable home‑cooking recipes, emphasizing comfort foods, quick weeknight meals, and classic American dishes with clear step‑by‑step instructions.
How does the YouTube channel Chef Dwight Smith’s approach to American comfort cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Chef Dwight Smith emphasizes simplicity and minimal equipment, often using pantry staples and offering practical tips for busy home cooks. His videos prioritize flavor without complex techniques, setting him apart from channels that focus on gourmet or highly technical cooking.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
