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Healthy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

If you’re searching for a comforting, wholesome bowl of goodness, this Healthy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is going to be your new go-to. I absolutely love how this soup marries fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles in a flavorful, light broth that just soothes your soul. Trust me, after you try it once, you’ll find yourself making it again and again—perfect for weeknights, a cozy lunch, or when you just want that warm hug in a bowl.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super Healthy & Nourishing: This soup is packed with nutrient-rich veggies and lean chicken that’s great for your body and soul.
  • Easy & Quick to Make: I love how you can have a hearty, homemade meal on the table in under 40 minutes, no sweat involved.
  • Flexible Ingredients: Whether you’re team homemade noodles or store-bought, rotisserie chicken or fresh, this recipe adapts beautifully.
  • Comfort Food Classic, Made Better: Say goodbye to heavy, greasy soups and hello to a light, flavorful bowl that warms you up without weighing you down.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Healthy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is in the simplicity of fresh, quality ingredients that combine effortlessly to deliver cozy, feel-good flavors. I always recommend picking the freshest veggies you can find and opting for a rich chicken stock to really bring the soup to life.

Flat lay of a small slab of butter, two fresh celery ribs diced, three large peeled carrots diced, one whole garlic bulb with one clove minced next to it, a small white bowl filled with clear chicken stock, a small white bowl containing coarse salt, a small white bowl with freshly ground black pepper, a small white bowl with dried rosemary, a small white bowl with dried thyme, a small white bowl with crushed red pepper flakes, a simple portion of uncooked farfalle pasta, shredded pieces of rotisserie chicken arranged neatly, and a small white bowl with chicken bouillon granules, all placed 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 - Healthy Chicken Noodle Soup, nutritious chicken noodle soup, easy healthy soup recipe, wholesome chicken soup, comforting homemade chicken noodle soup
  • Butter: Adds a gentle richness to sauté your veggies without overpowering the broth.
  • Celery: Gives that classic soup crunch and a subtle aromatic base.
  • Carrots: Naturally sweet and vibrant, they balance the savory notes in the soup.
  • Garlic: A little punch of flavor that’s essential for depth and warmth.
  • Chicken stock or broth: This is your soup’s backbone—homemade is best, but good quality store-bought works too.
  • Salt & pepper: Seasoning is key; always taste and adjust as you go.
  • Dried herbs (rosemary, thyme): These impart that homey, comforting scent and complexity.
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a whisper of heat to elevate the flavors.
  • Egg noodles or your choice of pasta: I love homemade noodles for that fresh texture, but dry egg noodles or farfalle work perfectly too.
  • Rotisserie chicken: Saves time and adds tender, shredded goodness—you can’t beat that!
  • Better than Bouillon chicken flavor: A secret weapon I discovered that gives the broth incredible depth with minimal effort.
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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.

Variations

I love making this Healthy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe my own based on what’s on hand or the season, and I encourage you to do the same! It’s super forgiving, so feel free to get creative and tweak it until it feels just right for you.

  • Gluten-Free Version: I once swapped in gluten-free noodles and used gluten-free chicken stock—still delicious and just as comforting.
  • Spicy Twist: Adding a pinch more crushed red pepper or some diced jalapeño can give the soup a satisfying kick.
  • Vegetable Boost: Feel free to throw in chopped kale, spinach, or zucchini for an extra nutrient-packed punch.
  • Using Raw Chicken: If you prefer fresh raw chicken over rotisserie, add chopped thighs or breasts directly to the broth and cook through before adding noodles—easy peasy.

How to Make Healthy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies for Flavor

Start by melting butter in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced celery and carrots and sauté them for about 3 minutes until they start getting tender and aromatic—this is where those flavors build the foundation of your soup. Then add the minced garlic, cooking just 30 more seconds to avoid burning it, which can make it bitter. This fast sauté always sets the tone for a rich, inviting broth.

Step 2: Build and Season the Broth

Pour in the chicken stock and stir in the dried rosemary, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Now here’s my little trick—I always taste the broth before adding more salt because it’s easy to overdo it. Sprinkle in a teaspoon of Better than Bouillon chicken base to pump up the flavor, especially if you’re using store-bought stock. Bring everything to a boil and let those herbs and spices infuse for a few minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles Until Just Tender

Add your noodles directly to the boiling broth. Whether you’re using homemade egg noodles or dried pasta, cook them just until they’re al dente because they’ll keep softening off the heat. This is one place I learned the hard way—not keeping a close eye on cooking times can lead to mushy noodles, and no one wants that! As soon as they’re barely tender, pull the pot from heat.

Step 4: Add the Chicken and Final Seasonings

Stir in the rotisserie chicken meat to heat through gently. This takes away the fuss of cooking raw chicken and adds nice texture and flavor. After adding the chicken, taste your soup again and sprinkle in any extra salt, pepper, or bouillon as needed. This final check is important to get that perfect, balanced flavor you’ll crave.

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Pro Tips for Making Healthy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

  • Homemade Stock Hack: When I use rotisserie chicken, I save the bones to simmer my own rich stock—it’s a game changer for flavor and health benefits.
  • Noodle Timing: Set a timer precisely when cooking noodles; they go from perfect to mushy quickly, especially store-bought ones!
  • Season Gradually: I add salt and bouillon in small increments, tasting as I go to avoid overseasoning the soup.
  • Vegetable Texture: Don’t over-sauté the veggies early on; you want them tender but still slightly crisp to add a fresh bite.

How to Serve Healthy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Healthy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or a little snip of chives over the soup to add a burst of color and fresh, earthy notes that lift the whole bowl. A squeeze of lemon juice is another trick I sometimes use when serving—it brightens the flavors wonderfully and balances the warmth of the broth.

Side Dishes

Nothing beats a crunchy slice of crusty whole-grain bread or a garlic toast to dip into this soup. If you want to keep things light, a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special family dinners, I love serving this soup in rustic mini soup crocks topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an elegant twist. It’s also fun to serve it buffet style with lots of toppings and sides so everyone can customize their bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and find the soup stays fresh and delicious for about 4 to 5 days. Just a heads-up: homemade noodles hold up better than store-bought when refrigerated.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup a bunch of times with great results. My trick is to slightly undercook the noodles before freezing so they don’t turn mushy on reheating. Let the soup cool completely before freezing in portioned containers, and it’ll keep well for 2 to 3 months.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftover soup is gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. This helps the noodles keep their texture and the flavors stay fresh—microwaving often makes the noodles soggy quicker.

FAQs

  1. Can I use raw chicken in this Healthy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe?

    Absolutely! If you want to use raw chicken, add chopped chicken thighs, breasts, or tenders to the boiling broth before adding noodles. Cook the chicken thoroughly—usually about 5 minutes—then proceed by adding your noodles. This method is fresh and still keeps the soup light and healthy.

  2. What’s the best noodle to use for this soup?

    I love making homemade egg noodles for this soup—they have a tender chew and don’t get soggy easily. But if you’re short on time, high-quality dry egg noodles or small pasta like farfalle work wonderfully. Just be careful not to overcook them.

  3. How can I make this soup gluten-free?

    Simply swap out the noodles for gluten-free egg noodles or use gluten-free pasta varieties. Also, double-check your chicken stock and bouillon to ensure they’re gluten-free. This soup adapts perfectly to dietary needs!

  4. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

    Yes! In fact, it tastes even better the next day when the flavors meld together. If you’re using homemade noodles, they hold up well in the fridge. For store-bought noodles, consider cooking the broth a day ahead and cooking the noodles fresh right before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites because it’s so comforting without the heaviness of traditional recipes. It’s a bowl full of freshness, flavor, and warmth that I love sharing with my family—especially on those days when you just need a little extra care. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do; it’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for any cozy occasion.

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Healthy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 84 reviews
  • Author: Villerius
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This classic Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is a comforting blend of tender rotisserie chicken, homemade or store-bought egg noodles, and flavorful broth infused with celery, carrots, garlic, and aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is easy to prepare on the stovetop and customizable with gluten-free options.


Ingredients

Soup Ingredients

  • 1/2 Tablespoon butter
  • 2 ribs celery, diced
  • 3-4 large carrots, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 10 cups chicken stock or broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary, or more, to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 batch homemade egg noodles or 4 cups dry egg noodles, farfalle, or other bite-size pasta
  • 3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon better than bouillon chicken flavor (or more as needed) or chicken bouillon granules


Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: Add butter, diced celery, and carrots to a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add Stock and Seasonings: Pour in chicken stock and season the broth with dried rosemary, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Taste the broth carefully before adjusting salt. Stir in “better than bouillon” chicken flavor or chicken bouillon granules to deepen the flavor, adding more if needed.
  3. Cook Noodles: Bring the broth to a boil. Add uncooked homemade egg noodles or dry store-bought pasta and cook just until noodles are al dente. If using store-bought noodles, take care not to overcook; remove from heat as soon as they are barely tender since they will continue cooking off-heat.
  4. Add Chicken: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken meat. Taste the soup again and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  5. Serve and Store: Serve hot. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days, depending on chicken freshness.

Notes

  • Stock: Homemade stock is highly recommended for best flavor, especially if made from rotisserie chicken bones. If using store-bought broth, enhance with Better than Bouillon chicken base.
  • Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor. For raw chicken, add it to boiling broth before noodles and simmer about 5 minutes until cooked.
  • Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free egg noodles or use gluten-free all-purpose flour in homemade noodles.
  • Make Ahead: Best made ahead when using homemade noodles which resist sogginess. For store-bought dry noodles, prepare broth ahead and cook noodles and add chicken the day of serving.
  • Freezing: Cool completely before freezing in airtight containers for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge or reheat gently on stovetop. Undercook store-bought noodles before freezing to prevent sogginess on reheating.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

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