How To Make Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe - Natasha's Kitchen
How To Make Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe - Natasha's Kitchen is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by Natashas Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 44 min | Total: 1 hr 9 min
Cost: $10.89 total, $1.82 per serving
Ingredients
- 10 cups Water (for the soup base)
- 4 cups Chicken Broth (low‑sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Sea Salt (adjust to taste)
- 4 pieces Chicken Thighs (bone‑in, skin‑on for maximum flavor)
- 2 large Carrots (peeled and thinly sliced)
- 2 medium Celery Sticks (finely chopped)
- 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra virgin preferred)
- 7 ounces Spiral Pasta (any short spiral shape such as rotini)
- 1 teaspoon Mrs. Dash Seasoning (salt‑free herb blend)
- 1 large Garlic Clove (pressed or minced)
- 3 tablespoons Fresh Dill (chopped)
- to taste Additional Salt (optional, adjust at the end)
Instructions
Prepare Broth Base
Pour 10 cups of water and 4 cups of chicken broth into the large soup pot, add 1 tablespoon sea salt, and bring to a boil over medium‑high heat.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium‑high
Cook Chicken Thighs
Add the 4 chicken thighs to the boiling broth, partially cover the pot, and reduce to a low boil. Simmer for 20 minutes.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: low boil
Prep Vegetables
While the chicken cooks, peel and thinly slice the carrots, finely chop the celery sticks, and finely chop the onion.
Time: PT10M
Sauté Onions and Celery
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pan over medium‑high heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, stirring frequently, and sauté until the onions turn golden, about 5‑8 minutes.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: medium‑high
Combine Veggies with Soup
Transfer the sautéed onions and celery to the soup pot. Add the sliced carrots as well.
Time: PT2M
Cook Pasta
Add 6‑8 ounces of spiral pasta to the pot and cook over a low boil for 15 minutes, or until the pasta reaches your desired doneness.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: low boil
Shred Chicken
Remove the chicken thighs from the pot, let them cool slightly, then use two forks to shred the meat into bite‑size pieces. Discard any fat or bones.
Time: PT5M
Season and Finish Soup
Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in 1 teaspoon Mrs. Dash, the pressed garlic clove, and 3 tablespoons fresh dill. Add more salt if needed, then simmer for 1 minute.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: low simmer
Serve
Turn off the heat, ladle the soup into bowls, and enjoy immediately.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 200
- Protein
- 15 g
- Carbohydrates
- 25 g
- Fat
- 5 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free option: use rice noodles or gluten‑free pasta., Low‑Sodium option: use low‑sodium broth and reduce added salt., Nut‑Free
Allergens: Wheat
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Broth: vegetable broth
- Instead of Sea Salt: kosher salt
- Instead of Chicken Thighs: boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Instead of Carrots: parsnips
- Instead of Celery Sticks: fennel stalks
- Instead of Onion: shallots
- Instead of Olive Oil: canola oil
- Instead of Spiral Pasta: egg noodles
- Instead of Mrs. Dash Seasoning: any herb blend
- Instead of Garlic Clove: garlic powder (1/8 tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Dill: dried dill (1 tsp)
Equipment Needed
- Large Soup Pot
- Large Pan
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Cups
- Wooden Spoon
- Two Forks
- Serving Bowls
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Simmer chicken thighs for the full 20 minutes to ensure tenderness.
- Shred the chicken while still warm for easy pulling.
- Do not overcook the pasta unless you prefer plump noodles.
- Add fresh dill at the very end to keep its bright flavor.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Using bone‑in, skin‑on thighs adds richness; you can remove the skin after cooking if preferred.
- Pressing the garlic clove releases more flavor than mincing.
- If you like a richer broth, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too salty.
Add an extra cup of water or unsalted broth and simmer for a few minutes to dilute the salt.
Noodles are mushy.
Reduce the pasta cooking time by 2‑3 minutes next time, or add the pasta later in the cooking process.
Broth tastes thin.
Simmer uncovered for an additional 10‑15 minutes to concentrate flavors, or add a splash of soy sauce for depth.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for 3‑4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe bags for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the broth and chicken a day ahead; store separately and combine when ready to serve.
- Soup reheats well; add a splash of water if it thickens after refrigeration.
- Freeze individual portions for quick meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of classic chicken noodle soup in American comfort food cuisine?
Chicken noodle soup has long been considered a quintessential American comfort food, often associated with home cooking, family meals, and recovery from colds. Its roots trace back to European chicken soups brought by immigrants, evolving into the hearty, noodle‑filled version popularized in the United States during the 20th century.
What traditional regional variations of chicken noodle soup exist within American cuisine?
In the Midwest, many families add wide egg noodles and carrots, while Southern versions may include rice or dumplings. Some New England households prefer clear broth with fine egg noodles, whereas the Southwest often incorporates corn and cilantro for a brighter flavor.
How is classic chicken noodle soup traditionally served in American households?
It is typically served hot in deep bowls, often accompanied by crusty bread, crackers, or a simple side salad. Many families garnish the soup with fresh herbs such as dill or parsley and a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness.
During what occasions or celebrations is classic chicken noodle soup traditionally enjoyed in American culture?
Chicken noodle soup is a go‑to dish for family dinners, especially on chilly evenings, and is commonly served when someone is feeling under the weather. It also appears at pot‑luck gatherings and as a comforting starter during holiday meals.
What makes classic chicken noodle soup special or unique in American cuisine?
The combination of tender bone‑in chicken thighs, hearty spiral pasta, and aromatic vegetables creates a balanced, filling soup that feels both nourishing and familiar. Its simplicity allows home cooks to customize texture and seasoning to personal preference.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making classic chicken noodle soup?
Common errors include overcooking the noodles, which makes them mushy, and under‑seasoning the broth. Also, failing to skim foam can result in a cloudy soup, and not shredding the chicken while warm makes it harder to pull apart.
Why does this classic chicken noodle soup recipe use bone‑in chicken thighs instead of breast meat?
Bone‑in thighs provide richer flavor and gelatin that deepens the broth, while breast meat can become dry. The bones also add body to the soup, making it more satisfying.
Can I make classic chicken noodle soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the soup can be prepared a day ahead. Store the broth, chicken, and vegetables in the refrigerator, and keep the cooked pasta separate. Reheat gently and combine just before serving; add a splash of water if the soup has thickened.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making classic chicken noodle soup?
The broth should be clear and golden, the chicken pieces tender and easily shreddable, and the noodles should be plump but not mushy. Carrots and celery should remain slightly crisp for a pleasant bite.
What does the YouTube channel Natashas Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Natashas Kitchen specializes in easy, family‑friendly home cooking recipes that focus on comfort foods, quick weeknight meals, and practical cooking tips for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Natashas Kitchen's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Natashas Kitchen emphasizes straightforward, minimal‑ingredient recipes with clear step‑by‑step instructions, often sharing personal tweaks and time‑saving hacks. The channel prioritizes accessibility for home cooks of all skill levels, unlike some channels that focus on elaborate plating or advanced techniques.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
