Name: 30-Minute Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup carrots, peeled and sliced thin (about 1 1/2 large carrots); 1 cup celery, sliced thin (about 2 stalks); 1 cup sweet Vidalia or yellow onion, peeled and diced small (about 1 medium onion); 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 64 ounces 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 bay leaves; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon pepper, or to taste; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 12 ounces wide egg noodles; 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken); 3 to 4 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Nothing beats a warm, comforting bowl of homemade soup on a busy day. This 30-Minute Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe gives you rich flavors and hearty goodness without hours in the kitchen—perfect for those times you want delicious but speedy.

A close-up of a large pot filled with clear chicken soup that has a yellowish broth. The soup has layers of sliced orange carrots, light green celery pieces, shredded white chicken, and spiral-shaped yellow noodles, all resting on a wooden spoon lifted above the pot. The pot is white enameled with a soft green outer edge, sitting on a white marbled surface with a hint of white and beige woven mat underneath. The background is blurred, showing a white salt shaker and a pepper mill. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make 30-Minute Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve 30-Minute Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
30-Minute Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've made chicken noodle soup countless times, but this recipe stands out because it's quick yet full of flavor. It's that perfect balance of fresh veggies, tender chicken, and soft noodles swimming in savory broth—comfort in a bowl, fast.

Speedy Prep: You can have this soup bubbling away in just 30 minutes, great for busy weeknights or last-minute cozy dinners.
Simple Ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find items here—just pantry staples and easy-to-grab fresh produce.
Customizable: Whether you want to add more herbs, swap noodles, or throw in extra veggies, it’s easy to make it your own.
Flavor Packed: The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice lifts the broth beyond basic.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here has its role in crafting a balanced, flavorful soup that’s neither overpowering nor bland. Plus, the choices make it easy to shop for or customize depending on what you have on hand.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a few thin carrot slices with bright orange color, several crisp celery stalks sliced thin, a medium yellow onion diced finely, two peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with clear low-sodium chicken broth, two whole bay leaves, a few sprigs of fresh thyme, a pinch of dried oregano on the side, a small white bowl containing mixed black peppercorns, a neat pile of wide egg noodles, tender shredded cooked chicken pieces, a few sprigs of fresh flat-leaf parsley, a small white bowl with fresh lemon juice, and two whole brown eggs with clean shells, all arranged with perfect symmetry and realistic proportions on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: Adds a smooth base to sauté the veggies, infusing gentle richness without overpowering the broth.
Carrots: Sweetness naturally builds depth and color, plus a nice bit of texture in every bite.
Celery: Offers a subtle earthy crunch and aromatic qualities that balance the sweetness of carrots.
Yellow onion: The backbone of savory flavor in the soup, giving warmth and aroma when sautéed.
Garlic cloves: Essential for a flavor punch, garlic adds that inviting savory note we all crave in chicken soup.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the soup light and prevents salt overload; also allows you to control seasoning precisely.
Bay leaves: Add depth and herbal aroma—just remember to remove before serving!
Fresh thyme & dried oregano: The classic herb combo gives the soup a fragrant complexity and earthy undertones.
Pepper: Freshly ground if possible, for a subtle kick and warmth.
Wide egg noodles: These cook quickly and hold up well in the broth without becoming mushy too fast.
Shredded cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to here—it cuts down cooking time and tastes fantastic.
Fresh flat-leaf parsley: Brightens the flavors and adds a fresh herbal finish.
Lemon juice (optional): I love how just a splash wakes up the soup with brightness and balances the savory notes.
Salt: Essential for seasoning adjustment to suit your taste and the saltiness of your broth and chicken.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to tweak this soup depending on the season or what I’m craving. You’ll find it’s wonderfully flexible, so don’t hesitate to make it your own kitchen triumph.

Variation: Sometimes, I swap out egg noodles for brown rice noodles or gluten-free options when feeding guests with dietary needs—and it works beautifully.
Protein swap: If you want something lighter, shredded turkey or even tofu can stand in for the chicken.
Extra veggies: Tossing in some spinach or kale in the last few minutes adds a nutritious green boost and vibrant color.
Spice it up: Crushed red pepper or a dash of smoked paprika gives it a nice smoky twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make 30-Minute Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with chicken noodle soup shows clear yellow broth with wide egg noodles and shredded light pink chicken pieces mixed with orange carrot slices and pale green celery chunks. Bright green parsley bits sit on top for color. A woman's hand holds a silver spoon scooping up noodles, chicken, and vegetables above the bowl. Behind, there is a small white marbled surface with a white cup and a small wooden bowl with green herbs. The scene has warm light on the soup and a wooden base under the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies to Build Flavor

Start by warming olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your sliced carrots, celery, and diced onion. Stir occasionally and let them soften and become fragrant—this usually takes 7 minutes. This step really enhances the soup’s depth, so don’t rush it! Then, toss in the garlic for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring so it doesn’t burn. Garlic burns easily, so keep an eye on it.

Step 2: Add Broth and Herbs, Simmer Gently

Pour in your chicken broth, then add bay leaves, thyme, oregano, and a good crack of fresh pepper. Crank up the heat until everything comes to a boil, then lower it so it simmers gently. Let those flavors meld for about 5 minutes or until your veggies are tender when poked with a fork. If you love your soup a bit brothy, add more broth during this step—sometimes I double it!

Step 3: Cook the Noodles Right in the Soup

Add the egg noodles straight into the pot and cook them for roughly 10 minutes, or until they’re perfectly tender. A quick tip: always give your noodles a stir while cooking to keep them from sticking together. If the liquid level looks low, it’s totally fine to add a cup or two of water here. The noodles will soak up the broth, and you want enough soup to slurp!

Step 4: Add Chicken, Herbs & Final Touches

Stir in your shredded cooked chicken and fresh parsley, then add a splash of lemon juice if using. Let it bubble for a couple of minutes to warm the chicken through and marry the flavors. Taste your soup and adjust the salt and pepper accordingly—don’t be shy, seasoning is key! Finally, fish out those bay leaves and you’re ready to serve.

Top Tip

From making this soup dozens of times, I’ve learned little tweaks that really help it shine. These tips have saved me from watery broth, clumpy noodles, and lackluster flavor more times than I can count!

Use low-sodium broth: It gives you control over salt levels without overdoing it—especially important with salty rotisserie chicken.
Don’t overcook the noodles: Start timing as soon as the noodles hit the boil, and keep testing. Overcooked noodles can turn mushy fast.
Fresh herbs flavor boost: Adding parsley and lemon juice at the end keeps flavors bright and fresh instead of dulling with long cooking.
Bay leaves removal: Always remove the bay leaves before serving—biting down on one is a crunchy surprise nobody wants!

How to Serve 30-Minute Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

chicken noodle soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping my bowl with an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A few grinds of black pepper always rounds out the warmth too. For a cozy touch, a small drizzle of good-quality olive oil on top is nice, especially if you’re serving immediately.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread, like a toasted baguette or buttery garlic bread, pairs perfectly to sop up the broth. Sometimes I serve it alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to add fresh contrast. And if you're feeling indulgent, a grilled cheese sandwich is the ultimate comfort combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the soup in individual mini Dutch ovens or rustic mugs with a small herb sprig on top. It adds a charming homestyle vibe and makes guests feel extra cared for. You could also carve out small bread bowls for a cozy twist everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge, and it keeps beautifully for 5 to 7 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight! Just expect the noodles to soak up some broth—don’t panic if it looks thicker. You can loosen it up with a splash of broth or water when reheating.

Freezing

Freezing this soup works if you leave the noodles out or undercook them slightly before freezing, then add fresh cooked noodles when reheating. I’ve found that noodles tend to get mushy if frozen fully cooked. So for best texture, freeze broth and chicken veggies separately if you want to prep in advance.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often to redistribute the broth and heat evenly. Adding a little water or broth while warming helps prevent it getting too thick. If in a hurry, the microwave works too—just heat in short bursts and stir in between to avoid hot spots.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of noodles in this 30-Minute Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! While wide egg noodles are classic and cook quickly, feel free to substitute with rotini, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta to suit your taste or dietary needs. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I keep the noodles from getting mushy if I make this soup ahead of time?

A great trick is to cook the noodles separately and add them to individual bowls when serving. Alternatively, slightly undercook the noodles during soup preparation and finish cooking them when reheating. This prevents them from absorbing too much broth and turning mushy.

Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

To make it vegetarian or vegan, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and swap the chicken for your favorite plant-based protein, like tofu, chickpeas, or shredded jackfruit. Add extra veggies for heartiness and flavor.

Is it okay to use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Using leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe and saves time. Just shred it and add it in at the end of cooking to warm through. It adds a wonderful homemade feel with minimal effort.

Final Thoughts

This 30-Minute Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe has become my go-to whenever I want something that feels homemade, nourishing, and fast. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you pause and smile while eating, knowing you made something wholesome without fuss. I’m excited for you to give it a try—you’ll love how easy and satisfying it is. So grab your pot, gather those ingredients, and cozy up with a bowl soon!