Chicken Noodle Soup: 11 Recipes

Chicken noodle soup: the ultimate comfort food. But did you know there are countless ways to make this classic dish? This recipe guide offers 11 variations, from the timeless homestyle soup to speedy weeknight versions and exciting international twists. With a base recipe that's easy to follow and endless customization options, you'll have a pot of soul-warming soup ready for any occasion.
Whether you're feeling under the weather, need a quick and satisfying lunch, or simply crave a taste of nostalgia, this chicken noodle soup recipe collection has you covered. So grab your favorite pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a delicious and versatile soup that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 2 ½ pounds bone-in, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 cups cooked chicken)
• 2 ½ cups egg noodles
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• Chopped fresh dill (optional)
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional)

Directions

1. Saute the Aromatics: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
2. Simmer the Broth and Chicken: Pour in chicken broth, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
3. Shred and Customize: Remove chicken from pot and shred with two forks. Discard bay leaves. Here's where the variations come in! You can enjoy the classic version by simply adding the shredded chicken and egg noodles back to the pot and simmering for 5-7 minutes, or get creative with the following options:
4. Asian-Inspired: Add a splash of soy sauce, sriracha, and chopped green onions before serving.
5. Italian Twist: Stir in a handful of chopped fresh spinach, a squeeze of lemon juice, and some grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Spicy Kick: Add a chopped red chili pepper or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
7. Leftover Heaven: Got leftover roasted vegetables? Toss them in!
8. Noodle Variations: Experiment with different types of noodles like rice noodles, ramen, or even tiny pasta shapes for the kids.