Soups & Salads

Chicken Noodle Soup

Name: Chicken Noodle Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, boneless; 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped; 2 medium celery stalks, chopped; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups (1L) chicken broth, low-sodium; 1 cup (120g) whole wheat noodles; 1 tsp (5g) dried thyme; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper; 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil

By Sienna Quill · June 19, 2026 · Soups & Salads

Prep20 min

Cook25 min

Total45 min

Serves4

There's nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup to soothe the soul. As someone who's passionate about balanced, blood-sugar-friendly cooking, I've always been drawn to this classic dish. When my father was diagnosed with type-2 diabetes, I learned to cook with him, and we experimented with all sorts of recipes to find ones that were both delicious and healthy.

One of the things I love about chicken noodle soup is its versatility. You can make it with a variety of ingredients, from lean proteins like chicken breast or thighs to a range of colorful vegetables. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make, even for a beginner. In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to create a delicious, balanced chicken noodle soup that's perfect for any time of year.

So, what makes this recipe special? For starters, we're using a combination of lean protein and high-fiber vegetables to create a balanced, filling meal. We're also using a measured portion of whole-food carbohydrates, like noodles, to keep the dish satisfying without spiking blood sugar levels. And, of course, we're seasoning with a blend of herbs and spices to add depth and flavor without adding refined sugar or excessive salt.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a healthy, comforting meal that's easy to make and customize to their tastes. Whether you're a busy weeknight cook or a weekend meal prepper, this chicken noodle soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

In the following sections, I'll dive into the details of this recipe, from the cooking science behind it to the specific ingredients and steps you'll need to follow. So, let's get started and make a delicious, balanced chicken noodle soup that's sure to become a favorite in your household!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and customize to your tastes.
It's a balanced, filling meal that's packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
The seasoning blend is flavorful and low in added salt and sugar.
The recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend meal prep.
It's a comforting, satisfying meal that's sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
You can make it with a variety of ingredients, from lean proteins to colorful vegetables.

Why This Recipe Works

So, what makes this chicken noodle soup recipe work so well? For starters, we're using a combination of heat control and moisture to cook the chicken and vegetables to perfection. By sautéing the aromatics in a bit of oil, we're creating a flavorful base for the soup that's also low in added fat. Then, by adding in the chicken and vegetables, we're creating a balanced, filling meal that's packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.

Another key element of this recipe is the use of seasoning in layers. By adding a blend of herbs and spices at different stages of the cooking process, we're creating a depth of flavor that's hard to achieve with a single seasoning blend. And, of course, we're using a measured portion of salt to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients without overdoing it.

Finally, the resting time is crucial in this recipe. By letting the soup rest for a few minutes before serving, we're allowing the flavors to meld together and the ingredients to absorb all the delicious broth. This step is essential for creating a rich, satisfying soup that's sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Overall, this chicken noodle soup recipe is a masterclass in balanced, blood-sugar-friendly cooking. By combining lean protein, high-fiber vegetables, and whole-food carbohydrates with a blend of herbs and spices, we're creating a dish that's not only delicious but also nutritious and easy to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Now that we've covered the basics of this recipe, let's talk about the ingredients. We're using a combination of lean protein, high-fiber vegetables, and whole-food carbohydrates to create a balanced, filling meal. Be sure to choose fresh, high-quality ingredients, and don't be afraid to customize the recipe to your tastes.

When shopping for ingredients, look for lean proteins like chicken breast or thighs, and choose a variety of colorful vegetables to add natural sweetness and flavor to the dish. You'll also need some basic pantry staples, like olive oil, salt, and pepper, as well as some herbs and spices to add depth and flavor to the soup.

1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, bonelessChoose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe, and trim any excess fat to keep the dish lean and mean.
2 medium carrots, peeled and choppedCarrots add natural sweetness and fiber to the dish, and are a great source of vitamins and minerals.
2 medium celery stalks, choppedCelery is a classic ingredient in chicken noodle soup, and adds a fresh, crunchy texture to the dish.
1 large onion, choppedOnions are a fundamental ingredient in many soups, and add a depth of flavor and texture to the dish.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a powerful antioxidant and adds a punch of flavor to the soup, so don't be shy about using it liberally.
4 cups (1L) chicken broth, low-sodiumLow-sodium chicken broth is a great choice for this recipe, as it allows you to control the amount of salt in the dish.
1 cup (120g) whole wheat noodlesWhole wheat noodles are a great source of fiber and nutrients, and add a satisfying texture to the soup.
1 tsp (5g) dried thymeThyme is a classic herb in chicken noodle soup, and adds a savory, slightly bitter flavor to the dish.
1/2 tsp (2g) saltSalt is essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients, but be sure to use it in moderation to keep the dish balanced.
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperBlack pepper is a great addition to the soup, and adds a sharp, peppery flavor to the dish.
2 tbsp (30g) olive oilOlive oil is a healthy, flavorful choice for sautéing the aromatics, and adds a rich, velvety texture to the soup.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy pot or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerWooden spoon or silicone spatula

How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup

1
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, until it shimmers and is hot but not smoking.
2
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot, and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
3
Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned.
4
Add the chicken thighs to the pot, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned on all sides and cooked to an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C), checking with an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the breast.
5
Add the chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot, and bring the mixture to a boil.
6
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer the soup for 10-15 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together and the soup has reached the desired consistency.
7
Add the whole wheat noodles to the pot, and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the soup has reached the desired consistency.
8
Remove the pot from the heat, and let the soup rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
9
Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese, if desired.
10
Refrigerate or freeze the soup for later use, and reheat it gently over low heat to prevent scorching or sticking.

Expert Tips

Use a variety of colorful vegetables to add natural sweetness and flavor to the dish.
Choose lean proteins like chicken breast or thighs to keep the dish balanced and healthy.
Don't be afraid to customize the recipe to your tastes, and add your favorite herbs and spices to the soup.
Use a measured portion of salt and pepper to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients, without overdoing it.
Let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together and the ingredients to absorb all the delicious broth.
Reheat the soup gently over low heat to prevent scorching or sticking, and add a splash of water or broth if the soup becomes too thick.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not using a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which can lead to undercooked or overcooked meat.
Not letting the soup rest before serving, which can result in a soup that's not fully flavored or textured.
Using too much salt or pepper, which can overpower the natural flavors of the ingredients and make the soup unbalanced.
Not using a variety of colorful vegetables, which can result in a soup that's lacking in flavor and nutrients.
Not customizing the recipe to your tastes, which can result in a soup that's not enjoyable or satisfying.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the soup for added flavor and nutrients.
Use different types of protein, such as turkey or beef, to change up the flavor and texture of the soup.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the soup for added flavor and freshness.
Use different types of noodles, such as egg noodles or rice noodles, to change up the texture and flavor of the soup.
Add some grated cheese or sour cream to the soup for added creaminess and flavor.
Use low-sodium broth and season the soup with herbs and spices instead of salt, for a lower-sodium option.

What to Serve With Chicken Noodle Soup

This chicken noodle soup is perfect for serving on its own, or with a side of crusty bread or a green salad. You can also serve it with a variety of other dishes, such as roasted vegetables or grilled meats, for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Some other ideas for serving this soup include:

Adding a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for added brightness and flavor.

Serving the soup with a side of crackers or croutons, for a satisfying crunch and texture.

Adding some grated cheese or sour cream to the soup, for added creaminess and flavor.

Crusty breadGreen saladRoasted vegetablesGrilled meatsCrackers or croutonsChopped fresh herbs or grated cheese

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This chicken noodle soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days, or frozen for up to 3-4 months. To refrigerate, let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.

To freeze, let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag and store it in the freezer. When you're ready to reheat the soup, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it gently over low heat until warmed through.

Some tips for reheating the soup include:

Adding a splash of water or broth to the soup, if it becomes too thick or dry during reheating.

Stirring the soup frequently, to prevent scorching or sticking.

Reheating the soup gently, over low heat, to prevent burning or overheating.

Serving the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese, if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use low-sodium broth and season the soup with herbs and spices instead of salt?

Yes, you can use low-sodium broth and season the soup with herbs and spices instead of salt, for a lower-sodium option. This is a great way to reduce the amount of salt in the soup, while still maintaining plenty of flavor.

Can I add other ingredients to the soup, such as diced bell peppers or mushrooms?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the soup, such as diced bell peppers or mushrooms, to change up the flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and seasoning accordingly, to ensure that the ingredients are cooked through and the soup is well-balanced.

Can I use different types of protein, such as turkey or beef, in the soup?

Yes, you can use different types of protein, such as turkey or beef, in the soup, to change up the flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and seasoning accordingly, to ensure that the protein is cooked through and the soup is well-balanced.

Can I serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or a green salad?

Yes, you can serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or a green salad, for a well-rounded and satisfying meal. This is a great way to add some extra fiber and nutrients to the meal, while also providing a nice contrast in texture and flavor.

Can I freeze the soup for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the soup for later use, for up to 3-4 months. Simply let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag and store it in the freezer. When you're ready to reheat the soup, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it gently over low heat until warmed through.

Can I reheat the soup in the microwave?

It's not recommended to reheat the soup in the microwave, as this can cause the soup to become unevenly heated and potentially scorch or stick. Instead, reheat the soup gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently, until warmed through.

How long can I store the soup in the refrigerator?

You can store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days, in an airtight container. Be sure to let the soup cool to room temperature before refrigerating, to prevent bacterial growth and foodborne illness.

Can I add grated cheese or sour cream to the soup?

Yes, you can add grated cheese or sour cream to the soup, for added creaminess and flavor. This is a great way to enhance the flavor and texture of the soup, while also adding some extra calories and nutrients.

The Full Recipe

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