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 (plus more if desired); 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 (or your favorite noodles or pasta); 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended); 3 to 4 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Nothing beats the cozy, warm hug of a good bowl of chicken noodle soup, especially when you make it in just a flash. This 30-Minute Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is exactly that kind of magic—comfort food, simplified, and full of fresh flavors that remind me of home every single time.

A large green pot filled with clear golden broth soup, showing layers of soft, orange carrot slices, small chunks of white chicken, light green celery pieces, and pale yellow curly pasta noodles. A wooden spoon lifts a mix of these ingredients above the soup, highlighting the chunky textures of the carrots, chicken, celery, and pasta. The background surface is a white marbled texture with a woven mat partially visible under the pot. 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 this 30-Minute Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe countless times, and what keeps me coming back is how effortlessly it brings together simple ingredients into something genuinely delicious and satisfying. Plus, it comes together so fast that it's a go-to anytime you need that homemade comfort without the long wait.

Speed without sacrificing flavor: The whole soup comes together in just half an hour, but tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
Easy ingredients: You likely have most of what you need in your pantry and fridge, making this a great recipe to make last-minute.
Customizable and forgiving: Whether you want more herbs, a lemony brightness, or to swap noodles, it’s easy to tweak to your liking.
Comfort food that’s actually wholesome: Loaded with vegetables and lean protein, it warms you up without weighing you down.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this 30-Minute Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that balance flavor, texture, and nutrition. Each component plays a role, whether it's the sweetness of Vidalia onions or the fresh zing from parsley. Before you shop, think about picking a good quality chicken broth and fresh herbs for the best taste.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a few thin sliced bright orange carrot rounds, thinly sliced fresh pale green celery stalks, a small white bowl filled with diced sweet yellow Vidalia onion, two uncracked brown garlic cloves, a few fresh bay leaves, a small bunch of fresh green thyme sprigs, a small white bowl of dried oregano powder, a small white bowl of whole black peppercorns, a neat pile of uncooked wide yellow egg noodles, finely shredded cooked white chicken meat arranged in a small mound, a small handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley sprigs, a small white bowl of fresh lemon juice, all arranged symmetrically and proportionally 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 subtle richness and helps sauté the veggies without overpowering the soup’s delicate flavors.
Carrots: They bring a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
Celery: Offers that classic aromatic crunch that rounds out the base flavors.
Sweet Vidalia or yellow onion: Their mild sweetness forms a flavorful foundation without being sharp.
Garlic: Gives warmth and depth, elevating the savory notes.
Low-sodium chicken broth: The soul of the soup; using low sodium helps you control the seasoning better.
Bay leaves: Infuse a subtle herbal flavor during simmering.
Fresh thyme or dried thyme: Brings earthy, gentle floral hints.
Dried oregano: Adds complexity and balances the herbs.
Pepper: For a touch of heat and spice control.
Wide egg noodles (or pasta): Their chewy texture holds up nicely in the broth.
Shredded cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my shortcut—it’s juicy and flavorful.
Fresh flat-leaf parsley: Sprinkled at the end for brightness and color.
Lemon juice (optional): A splash wakes up the flavors with a bit of zing.
Salt: Adjust at the end to your liking, since broth and chicken bring some salt already.
Black pepper: Freshly cracked if you can, for best aroma.

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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 love how this 30-Minute Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe invites you to make it your own. Whether adding a kick of spice or swapping noodles, it’s a forgiving, adaptable dish that welcomes your personal touch.

Variation: I sometimes swap egg noodles for gluten-free pasta when friends visit, and honestly, no one complains—it’s still soul-soothing!
Vegetarian twist: Try using vegetable broth and adding mushrooms or tofu instead of chicken for a meatless spin.
Seasonal boost: Adding chopped fresh dill or tarragon in the summer gives it a lighter, brighter note.
Extra veggies: I love tossing in baby spinach or kale near the end for added nutrition without changing the flavor much.

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

A white bowl full of light golden broth with wide flat yellow noodles layered at the bottom and middle, mixed with shredded white chicken pieces and round slices of bright orange carrots. Small bits of green celery and chopped green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding fresh color. A gold spoon holds a scoop of the soup with noodles, chicken, carrot, and celery, lifted above the bowl. The bowl sits on a wooden board with a piece of bread on the side, against a white marbled textured background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies Until Soft and Aromatic

Start by warming olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in your sliced carrots, celery, and diced onion. Stir occasionally as they cook for about 7 minutes until they start to soften and smell wonderfully fragrant. This step is key because it releases the sweet and savory flavors that form the base of your soup.

Step 2: Add Garlic Then Pour in the Broth and Herbs

Now, add in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let it brown too much or turn bitter. Next, pour in your chicken broth along with the bay leaves, thyme, oregano, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld and your veggies become tender.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles Right in the Soup

Add the wide egg noodles straight into the simmering broth and cook for approximately 10 minutes or until tender. Be mindful not to overcook, or the noodles can get mushy and absorb all the delicious broth. If you feel the liquid level is getting low, don’t hesitate to add a splash or two of water or extra broth to keep it soupy.

Step 4: Stir in Chicken, Parsley, and Finish With a Touch of Lemon

Fold in your shredded cooked chicken and fresh parsley. Add a tablespoon of lemon juice if you like that extra layer of brightness (I always do—it's a game-changer). Let everything heat through for a minute or two. Then, taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Finally, remove the bay leaves and serve up while piping hot.

Top Tip

Having made this soup dozens of times, I've learned a few small tricks that make a big difference in flavor and texture. These really helped me bring my version up a notch, and I hope they'll do the same for you.

Sauté patiently: Don’t rush the first step; tender veggies build the flavor foundation that shines through in the broth.
Use rotisserie chicken: It’s a lifesaver for busy days and adds great smoky-savory notes with minimal effort.
Adjust broth wisely: Since noodles soak up broth, I usually start with a bit extra on hand in case I want a soupier result.
Season at the end: Salt levels vary depending on broth and chicken, so always taste before adding more.

How to Serve 30-Minute Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

chicken noodle soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a bit of extra thyme on top just before serving, which adds that fresh pop of green and brightness. Sometimes, a pinch of grated Parmesan or a swirl of cream makes it feel a little more indulgent — perfect for chilly evenings.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread or warm dinner rolls are my go-to. They soak up every last drop of soup, and I often add a side salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I've served this soup in charming mini soup mugs or even hollowed-out bread bowls — it makes casual feel festive and is guaranteed to get compliments at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I put leftover soup in airtight containers and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just a quick reminder: the noodles continue to soak up broth over time, so you might want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to get your favorite consistency back.

Freezing

While I've frozen batches of this soup successfully, I usually leave the noodles out when freezing and add them freshly cooked when reheating. That way, the noodles don’t get mushy or overcooked after thawing.

Reheating

I like reheating gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a bit of broth or water to loosen the texture as needed. This step helps revive the flavors and keeps the chicken juicy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of noodles in this chicken noodle soup?

Absolutely! While I use wide egg noodles for their texture and size, you can swap in any pasta you prefer, including shorter shapes like rotini or penne. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta's package instructions to avoid overcooking.

How do I make this soup gluten-free?

To make the soup gluten-free, simply substitute the wide egg noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer gluten-free egg noodles or brown rice pasta that hold up well in broth. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as some gluten-free pastas cook faster or softer.

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the soup base ahead by cooking the vegetables and broth, then refrigerate it without the noodles and chicken. When ready to serve, add the noodles and chicken and cook until heated through. This helps prevent soggy noodles and keeps the chicken fresh.

What’s the best way to prevent overcooked noodles?

The best trick is to add the noodles toward the end of cooking and shape your timing around when you want to serve. Cooking noodles directly in the soup is convenient, but they continue to absorb broth if left too long. Alternatively, you can cook noodles separately and add them to bowls before ladling soup on top.

Final Thoughts

This 30-Minute Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen and my heart—it’s the ultimate quick fix for when you want hearty, homemade comfort without fuss. I hope you find it as satisfying and easy as I do, and that it becomes your go-to anytime you need a little warmth in a bowl. So grab those ingredients, and let’s get cooking—you’ve got some delicious soup waiting for you!