When the weather turns chilly or you’re feeling under the weather, nothing comforts quite like a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup.
This classic comfort food combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and aromatic vegetables in a flavorful broth that warms you from the inside out.
In this collection, you’ll discover ten unique takes on this beloved dish, from traditional recipes passed down through generations to modern interpretations with global influences.
Whether you prefer a quick 30-minute version or a slow-simmered masterpiece, these recipes will help you create the perfect bowl of comfort for any occasion.
Classic Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
Classic Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
Nothing beats a warm, comforting bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup on a cold day or when you’re feeling under the weather.
This classic recipe delivers tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and perfectly cooked egg noodles in a flavorful broth that’ll remind you of grandma’s kitchen.
Ingredients:
• 2 lbs chicken breast, bone-in
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 oz egg noodles
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish
Start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Pour in the broth, add chicken, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes.
Remove chicken, shred it, and return to pot. Add noodles and cook until tender, about 6-8 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcook your noodles! Add them during the final minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
If you plan to have leftovers, consider cooking and storing the noodles separately from the soup.
Asian-Inspired Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup
Asian-Inspired Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup is your perfect comfort food with a twist.
This aromatic soup combines tender chicken, fresh ginger, and rice noodles in a flavorful broth that will warm you up on any day.
The combination of Asian seasonings creates a perfect balance of savory and slightly spicy flavors.
Ingredients:
• 2 chicken breasts, sliced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 8 oz rice noodles
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
Start by sautéing ginger and garlic in sesame oil until fragrant. Add chicken and cook until golden.
Pour in the broth and soy sauce, bringing to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Add rice noodles and cook until tender (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in spinach until wilted.
Serve hot, garnished with green onions and lime wedges.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcook your rice noodles – they’ll continue to soften in the hot broth.
Add them just before serving to maintain the perfect texture.
Creamy Parmesan Chicken Noodle Soup
Warm your soul with this comforting Creamy Parmesan Chicken Noodle Soup.
This elevated version of the classic comfort food combines tender chicken, hearty egg noodles, and fresh vegetables in a rich, creamy broth enhanced with Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups egg noodles
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
Heat butter and oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened.
Add garlic and chicken, cooking until chicken is no longer pink. Pour in broth, bring to a boil, and add noodles.
Reduce heat and simmer until noodles are tender. Stir in cream and Parmesan until smooth.
Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
Pro Tip: For the creamiest results, temper your cream by gradually stirring in a few spoonfuls of hot broth before adding it to the soup.
This prevents curdling and ensures a silky-smooth texture.
Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup
Warm up your day with this bright and comforting Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup.
This Mediterranean-inspired dish combines tender chicken, tiny orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables in a lemony broth that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
Perfect for cold weather or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound chicken breast, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 lemons (juice and zest)
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh dill for garnish
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
Add garlic and chicken, cooking until chicken is no longer pink. Pour in broth and bring to a boil.
Add orzo and cook until tender (about 8 minutes). Stir in lemon juice, zest, and spinach. Season with salt and pepper.
Pro Tip: Make sure to add the orzo during the last 8-10 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming too soft.
The pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so if you’re planning leftovers, consider cooking and storing the orzo separately.
Southwestern Chicken Tortilla Noodle Soup
Warm up your day with this zesty Southwestern Chicken Tortilla Noodle Soup.
This comforting dish combines classic chicken noodle soup with Mexican-inspired flavors, creating a perfect fusion of two beloved comfort foods.
The combination of tender chicken, hearty noodles, and southwestern spices will make this your new favorite soup.
Ingredients:
• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups egg noodles
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 diced onion
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1 diced jalapeño
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortilla strips for garnish
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges
Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant. Add chicken and cook until golden. Pour in broth, tomatoes, and seasonings.
Bring to a boil, then add noodles, beans, and corn. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until noodles are tender.
Garnish with tortilla strips, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Pro Tip: Make your own crispy tortilla strips by cutting corn tortillas into thin strips and baking them at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.
They’ll add an authentic crunch and beat store-bought varieties every time.
Thai Coconut Chicken Noodle Soup
Thai Coconut Chicken Noodle Soup brings together the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors that Thai cuisine is famous for.
This comforting soup combines tender chicken, rice noodles, and fresh vegetables in a rich coconut milk broth infused with aromatic herbs and spices.
Ingredients:
• 2 chicken breasts, sliced
• 8 oz rice noodles
• 2 cans coconut milk
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp Thai red curry paste
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 lemongrass stalks, bruised
• 2 inch ginger, sliced
• 2 lime leaves
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
Start by sautéing curry paste in a large pot until fragrant. Add coconut milk, broth, lemongrass, ginger, and lime leaves.
Bring to a simmer and add chicken.
Cook for 10 minutes, then add mushrooms and noodles. Stir in fish sauce and brown sugar.
Cook until noodles are tender and chicken is cooked through.
Pro Tip: Don’t let the soup boil after adding coconut milk – it may separate.
Keep it at a gentle simmer for the creamiest results.
You can adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of curry paste.
Garlic Mushroom Chicken Noodle Soup
This comforting Garlic Mushroom Chicken Noodle Soup combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic garlic in a rich, savory broth.
Perfect for cold days or when you need a nourishing meal, this soup delivers warmth and flavor in every spoonful.
Ingredients:
• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz egg noodles
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté garlic, onions, carrots, and celery until softened.
Add mushrooms and cook until golden.
Add chicken and brown slightly.
Pour in broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
Add noodles and simmer until chicken is cooked through and noodles are tender, about 12-15 minutes. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
Pro Tip: To enhance the mushroom flavor, use a mix of different varieties like shiitake, cremini, and button mushrooms.
Also, don’t rush the mushroom cooking process – letting them brown properly develops a deeper, richer taste.
Italian Wedding-Style Chicken Soup
Italian Wedding-Style Chicken Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, delicate meatballs, and fresh vegetables in a flavorful broth.
Despite its name, this soup isn’t traditionally served at Italian weddings – it’s actually a mistranslation of “minestra maritata,” meaning “married soup,” referring to the perfect marriage of flavors.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup tiny pasta (acini di pepe or orzo)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Start by combining ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings to form small meatballs.
Bring broth to a simmer and add your meatballs, vegetables, and pasta.
Cook until the meatballs are done and pasta is tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Add spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Pro Tip: Make your meatballs extra small (about 1/2 inch) so they cook quickly and are easy to eat in one bite.
You can also make the meatballs ahead and freeze them for quicker preparation next time.
Rotisserie Chicken Egg Noodle Soup
Warm up your day with this comforting Rotisserie Chicken Egg Noodle Soup.
This hearty soup combines the convenience of store-bought rotisserie chicken with homemade goodness, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for cold weather or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Ingredients:
• 1 rotisserie chicken, meat removed and shredded
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups egg noodles
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic and thyme, cooking for another minute. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Add egg noodles and cook until tender, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in shredded chicken and season with salt and pepper.
Simmer for 5 minutes and garnish with parsley.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcook your egg noodles as they’ll continue to soften in the hot broth.
For meal prep, store noodles separately from the soup to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Herb-Roasted Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Warm up your soul with this comforting Herb-Roasted Chicken and Wild Rice Soup.
This hearty soup combines tender roasted chicken, nutty wild rice, and aromatic herbs to create a satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a nourishing bowl of comfort.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups cooked, shredded roasted chicken
• 1 cup wild rice
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup heavy cream
Start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened. Add garlic and herbs, cooking until fragrant.
Pour in the broth and add wild rice.
Simmer for 35-40 minutes until rice is tender. Stir in the roasted chicken and cream.
Season with salt and pepper, then simmer for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
Pro Tip: Make this soup even more flavorful by using homemade roasted chicken and broth.
You can also prep the vegetables and herbs a day ahead to save time.
The soup will taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Final Thoughts
Whether you prefer classic comfort or innovative twists, these ten chicken noodle soup recipes offer something for every taste and skill level.
Remember to adjust seasonings to your liking and don’t rush the cooking process – great soup needs time to develop its flavors.
Keep homemade stock in your freezer for the best results, and feel free to swap noodle types based on what you have on hand.
With these recipes in your arsenal, you’ll never have to settle for canned soup again.
Trust your instincts and enjoy the warming comfort of homemade goodness.
