Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Preppy Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 17 min | Cook: 41 min | Total: 1 hr 13 min
Cost: $12.20 total, $2.03 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 piece Onion (medium, diced into bite‑size pieces)
- 7 clove Garlic (smashed and minced)
- 2 piece Carrot (large, cut into bite‑size chunks)
- 3 rib Celery (cut into bite‑size pieces)
- 2 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (melted, used for sautéing)
- 2 pound Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless; cut into chunks after cooking)
- 8 cup Chicken Stock (store‑bought, low‑sodium preferred)
- 2 leaf Bay Leaf (whole, remove before serving)
- 4 sprig Fresh Thyme (tied into a bouquet for easy removal)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest (freshly grated)
- 2 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 cup Egg Noodles (uncooked, add at the end, cook al dente)
- 0.75 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tablespoon Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Dill (optional, chopped)
Instructions
Prep Vegetables and Garlic
Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into bite‑size pieces. Smash the garlic cloves with the flat side of the knife and mince them.
Time: PT10M
Melt Butter
Place the pot over medium heat and add 2 Tbsp butter. Let it melt and foam, but do not let it brown.
Time: PT2M
Sauté Mirepoix
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Stir frequently and cook until the onion becomes translucent and the vegetables start to soften, about 8 minutes.
Time: PT8M
Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic and stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
Time: PT1M
Brown Chicken Breasts
Place the raw chicken breasts in the pot, making room for each piece. Sear each side for about 2 minutes until lightly browned.
Time: PT4M
Add Stock and Herbs
Tie the thyme sprigs together, add the bay leaves, and pour in 8 cups chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Time: PT5M
Simmer Chicken
Reduce heat to medium‑low and let the soup simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Time: PT20M
Shred Chicken
Remove the chicken breasts with tongs, let them rest for 5 minutes, then shred or cut into bite‑size pieces.
Time: PT5M
Season and Brighten
Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, ¾ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper.
Time: PT2M
Cook Egg Noodles
Add 2 cups uncooked egg noodles. Simmer for 5‑8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are al dente.
Time: PT7M
Finish with Fresh Herbs
Stir in chopped parsley and optional dill. Remove the thyme bouquet and bay leaves.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy immediately.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 6 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Contains egg, High protein
Allergens: Dairy (butter), Gluten (egg noodles), Egg
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Onion: shallot, leek
- Instead of Garlic: garlic paste
- Instead of Carrot: parsnip
- Instead of Celery: fennel stalk
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: olive oil
- Instead of Chicken Breast: chicken thighs, rotisserie chicken
- Instead of Chicken Stock: homemade chicken stock, vegetable broth
- Instead of Bay Leaf: thyme
- Instead of Fresh Thyme: dried thyme (½ tsp)
- Instead of Lemon Zest: lemon extract (¼ tsp)
- Instead of Lemon Juice: bottled lemon juice
- Instead of Egg Noodles: any pasta shape, gluten‑free noodles
- Instead of Salt: sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: cilantro
- Instead of Fresh Dill: tarragon
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Ladle
- Tongs (optional)
- Small Bowl (for shredding chicken) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sauté the mirepoix until the onion is translucent.
- Simmer the chicken until fully cooked (165°F).
- Add noodles and cook only to al dente.
- Finish with lemon zest, juice, and fresh herbs for brightness.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Butter adds a rich, nutty flavor; avoid letting it brown too much.
- Tie thyme sprigs together (a bouquet garni) for easy removal.
- Finish with fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright, balancing acidity.
- Stir frequently during the first sauté to prevent burning, especially on gas stoves.
Troubleshooting
Chicken turns dry.
Do not over‑cook; remove the chicken as soon as it reaches 165°F and let it rest before shredding.
Noodles become mushy.
Add noodles at the end and cook only to al dente; they will finish cooking in the hot broth.
Soup is too salty.
Dilute with a splash of water or unsalted stock, and adjust with more lemon juice for brightness.
Soup is too thin.
Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce, or add a small amount of flour slurry (1 tsp flour mixed with water).
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then store in airtight containers for 3‑4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe bags or containers without noodles for up to 2 months. Add fresh noodles when reheating.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; soup must be refrigerated within 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the broth and cooked chicken a day ahead; store separately and combine when ready to serve.
- Do not add noodles until reheating; they will become mushy if frozen with the soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of 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 broth traditions, adapted in the United States with the addition of noodles for heartier texture.
What are the traditional regional variations of chicken noodle soup in American cuisine?
In the Midwest, chicken noodle soup often includes dumplings instead of noodles. In the South, it may feature rice or cornmeal. Some New England versions add carrots and celery similar to this recipe, while others incorporate herbs like thyme and dill for a fresh finish.
How is 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. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill is common, and a squeeze of lemon is sometimes added for brightness, just as shown in this Preppy Kitchen recipe.
What occasions or celebrations is chicken noodle soup traditionally associated with in American culture?
Chicken noodle soup is most commonly linked to everyday comfort, especially during cold weather, illness, or after a long day. It also appears at family gatherings, potlucks, and as a starter for holiday meals when a light, soothing option is desired.
How does chicken noodle soup fit into the broader American comfort food tradition?
It embodies the American comfort food ethos: simple ingredients, easy preparation, and a warm, nourishing result. Like mac & cheese or meatloaf, it relies on pantry staples and can be customized with whatever vegetables or herbs are on hand.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for chicken noodle soup versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include chicken stock, carrots, celery, onion, butter, chicken meat, egg noodles, and herbs like thyme or parsley. Acceptable substitutes are olive oil for butter, chicken thighs for breasts, rice noodles for egg noodles, and dried thyme in place of fresh.
What other American dishes pair well with chicken noodle soup from Preppy Kitchen?
A simple mixed green salad with vinaigrette, buttery biscuits, or a grilled cheese sandwich complement the soup nicely. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted chicken thighs or a side of mashed potatoes.
What makes this Easy Chicken Noodle Soup special or unique in American cuisine?
John Kanell’s version emphasizes butter‑sautéed mirepoix, a bright lemon finish, and a fresh thyme bouquet garni, giving the soup a layered flavor profile that feels both classic and slightly Mediterranean.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Easy Chicken Noodle Soup from Preppy Kitchen?
Common errors include over‑cooking the chicken (making it dry), letting the garlic burn, and cooking the noodles too long so they become mushy. Also, adding too much salt before tasting the stock can make the soup overly salty.
Why does this Easy Chicken Noodle Soup recipe use butter for sautéing instead of oil?
Butter provides a richer, nutty flavor that deepens the soup’s base, while still allowing the vegetables to soften without the harsher taste of oil. The recipe keeps the butter from browning too much to avoid a burnt flavor.
Can I make Easy Chicken Noodle Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the broth, chicken, and vegetables up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate in airtight containers. Freeze without noodles for up to 2 months; add fresh noodles when reheating to keep them from getting mushy.
What does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen, hosted by John Kanell, specializes in approachable, home‑cooked comfort food recipes with clear step‑by‑step instructions, focusing on classic American dishes and practical cooking tips for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Preppy Kitchen emphasizes simplicity, using pantry staples and minimal equipment while still delivering flavorful results. John often shares personal anecdotes and practical shortcuts, making the channel feel like a friendly kitchen mentor rather than a high‑production studio.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
