Winter Chicken Noodle Soup

Name: Winter Chicken Noodle Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 medium carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 6 cups chicken broth; 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken; 2 cups egg noodles; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Winter Chicken Noodle Soup is a warm, comforting bowl of goodness perfect for chilly days. People love it because it’s flavorful, soothing, and easy to make with simple ingredients. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or cozy evenings at home. I usually let the chicken and vegetables simmer gently while finishing other tasks, allowing the flavors to blend fully. The result is a hearty, satisfying soup with tender chicken, soft noodles, and savory broth that warms you from the inside out, making it a reliable choice for winter cooking.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

This soup is comforting, simple, and flexible. The rich broth, tender chicken, and soft noodles make it both satisfying and soothing. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners because it cooks in one pot and doesn’t require constant attention. Ingredients are budget-friendly and easy to swap with what’s on hand. Leftovers keep well and taste even better the next day. Winter Chicken Noodle Soup is freezer-friendly, making it ideal for meal prep. Cozy, crowd-pleasing, and practical, it’s a recipe you can return to again and again, saving time while filling your home with inviting aromas.

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Ingredients

Tip: Use bone-in, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the richest flavor.

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
2 cups egg noodles or your choice of pasta
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Chop onion, carrots, and celery. Mince garlic. Shred cooked chicken if using pre-cooked. Keep everything ready for smooth cooking without interruptions.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until soft and fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Add chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add shredded chicken. Let flavors blend for 10–15 minutes while vegetables tenderize.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Add noodles and cook until tender. Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in parsley just before serving. Serve hot with tender noodles and rich broth.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This soup is simple, forgiving, and easy to prep in advance. Vegetables can be chopped ahead, chicken cooked or shredded beforehand, and noodles added at the end. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or weeknight dinners.

Tips & Tricks

Use bone-in chicken for a richer broth. Remove bones before serving for a smooth texture.
Don’t overcook noodles. Add them near the end and cook until just tender to avoid mushy pasta.
Taste and adjust seasoning at the end. Broth absorbs salt, so final adjustments ensure balanced flavor.
Chop vegetables uniformly. This ensures even cooking and avoids some pieces being undercooked or overcooked.

Variations

Meaty Version
Add cooked sausage or diced ham for extra flavor and protein. It pairs well with the savory broth.

Vegetarian Option
Use vegetable broth and tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken. Add more carrots and celery for depth.

Ingredient Swap
Try using rice or orzo instead of noodles. Adjust cooking time based on the starch you use.

Flavor or Herb Boost
Add a teaspoon of fresh thyme or a bay leaf while simmering. Remove before serving for extra aroma.

Serving Suggestions

With Bread
Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the warm, flavorful broth.
Family-Friendly Bowls
Ladle into bowls as a main meal. The tender chicken and vegetables make it filling.
Light Side Salad
Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete cozy dinner.
Lunch Prep
Portion into containers for quick, warming lunches during the week.

Storage Instructions

Fridge Storage
Store in an airtight container for up to four days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove or in a microwave. Add extra broth if needed to loosen thickened soup.
Freezing
Freeze without noodles for up to two months. Add fresh noodles when reheating.
Make-Ahead Tips
Cook chicken and chop vegetables in advance. Combine with broth and simmer when ready for a quick meal.

Recipe Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Rest Time: None
Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 250–300 per serving
Protein: 15–20 grams
Provides vitamin A from carrots and protein from chicken. Values may vary based on ingredients and portion size.

FAQs

Yes, it tastes even better the next day.

Overcooking noodles makes them mushy; add them at the end.

Yes, use parsnips, peas, or zucchini for variety.

Add extra broth while reheating to loosen consistency.

Up to four days in the fridge.

Conclusion

Winter Chicken Noodle Soup is a cozy, comforting, and easy-to-make recipe. Perfect for busy evenings or cold nights, it’s versatile and forgiving with ingredients you likely already have. Customize vegetables, swap pasta, or adjust seasoning to suit your family. It reheats well and freezes easily, making it a recipe you’ll rely on throughout winter for warmth, flavor, and comfort.