This Classic Chicken Noodle is a celebration of home-cooked heritage, bringing together the warmth of a golden, herb-infused broth with tender chicken and silky egg noodles. It’s a versatile favorite that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet soul-warming experience, acting as both a culinary hug and a showcase of refined, simple techniques.
The Secret to an Iconic Chicken Noodle
Chicken Noodle stands as a pillar of global comfort cuisine. While its roots are found in ancient traditions across Europe and Asia, the modern version has evolved into a uniquely soothing masterpiece characterized by its “Liquid Gold” broth and tender aromatics. The hallmark of a professional-grade Chicken Noodle is the balance of depth—where the savory essence of slow-simmered poultry meets the bright, garden-fresh notes of parsley and the sweetness of softened mirepoix.
In high-end bistros and traditional home kitchens, the complexity of the soup is achieved through patience. By carefully sweating a base of carrots, celery, and onions before introducing high-quality stock, chefs create a base that is translucent, rich, and deeply restorative. This dish is less about complexity and more about a layered, honest purity that lingers pleasantly on the palate.
Preparation & Mise en Place
To achieve the signature depth of a professional-grade comfort soup, follow this preparation checklist:
- The “Fond” Extraction: When searing your chicken initially, look for the golden-brown bits (fond) stuck to the bottom of the pot. This is the foundation of your flavor; deglazing it with aromatics ensures a deeply savory broth.
- The Al Dente Noodle: Noodles will continue to absorb liquid even after the heat is off. To prevent “mushy” noodles, cook them separately or ensure they are added only in the final minutes of simmering so they maintain a pleasant bite.
- Aromatic Precision: The ratio of the “Holy Trinity” (onion, carrot, celery) is vital. Finely dicing these vegetables ensures they soften at the same rate, releasing their natural sugars into the broth without overwhelming the delicate chicken flavor.
- The Fat-Bloom Technique: Sautéing your dried herbs (like thyme or bay leaves) in butter or oil for 30 seconds before adding liquids “blooms” the essential oils, significantly increasing the aromatic impact.
Traditional Chicken Noodle Recipe
Serves: 4
Total Time: 50 minutes
Flavour Profile: Light, savoury, comforting, and gently herbed
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 500 g chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 1 litre chicken stock
- 1 cup egg noodles or thin pasta
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the base:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Add the vegetables:
- Add sliced carrots and celery to the pot. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened.
- Cook the chicken:
- Add the diced chicken to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, stirring gently, until the chicken begins to turn white on all sides.
- Build the soup:
- Pour in the chicken stock and add the bay leaf and dried thyme. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Add the noodles:
- Stir in the noodles and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Season and finish:
- Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving.
🍽 Serving
Chicken Noodle is traditionally served in deep bowls alongside crusty sourdough bread or saltine crackers. It pairs well with a light side salad or a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate lunch experience. This dish maintains its integrity when reheated, though you may need to add a splash of extra stock as the noodles will absorb liquid overnight.
Nutrition*
- Per serving:
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Potassium: 620 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Calcium: 90 mg
- Iron: 2.8 mg
*Nutrition data is calculated by an automated system and may vary, so it is provided as an estimate.
Chicken Noodle Soup remains a trusted recipe because it offers warmth, nourishment, and comfort in a simple form. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it is a dish that fits seamlessly into everyday cooking. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or a satisfying dinner, this soup continues to be a favourite for good reason.