Name: Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 yellow onion, diced; 3 large carrots, diced; 3 celery stalks, diced; 1 ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon oregano; 1 ¼ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs; 2 dried bay leaves; 8 cups water; 3 ounces egg noodles (about 2 cups); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 2 tablespoons lemon juice

When chilly days call for cozy comfort food, nothing hits the spot like a Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe packed with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and egg noodles swimming in a bright, flavorful broth. Trust me, this soup warms both your belly and soul!

The image shows two white bowls filled with chicken noodle soup on a white marbled surface. Each bowl has clear broth with chunks of light beige shredded chicken, pale yellow twisted noodles, bright orange carrot cubes, and light green celery pieces. The soup is garnished with small green parsley leaves scattered on top. One bowl has a silver spoon inside, picking up some of the soup ingredients, and a lemon wedge rests on the side of the bowl’s rim. A white pot with more soup is partially visible near the bowls. There is also a piece of orange cloth under one bowl. The 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 Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this creamy chicken noodle soup so many times—it’s become my go-to when I need something nourishing and quick. The combination of juicy chicken thighs and that bright lemon finish just makes it unbeatable.

Loaded with Flavor: Simmered chicken thighs infuse the broth with rich, savory goodness you can taste in every spoonful.
Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is fresh, whole, and easy to find—no mystery components here.
Comfort in Every Bite: Soft egg noodles and tender vegetables make it a soothing classic for any day.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start chopping, let's chat about the ingredients. Picking fresh veggies and good-quality chicken thighs really elevates this soup. And I love using egg noodles—they hold up perfectly without getting mushy.

Flat lay of a few pats of golden butter, one whole yellow onion with smooth skin, three large bright orange carrots, three fresh green celery stalks, a small white bowl with coarse salt crystals, another small white bowl with cracked black peppercorns, three plump garlic cloves with papery skins, a small white bowl of dried oregano leaves, several raw boneless skinless chicken thighs with pale pink flesh, two whole dried bay leaves, a simple white bowl filled with clear water, a small neat pile of uncooked egg noodles, a small white bowl of fresh chopped parsley, and a small white bowl of pale yellow lemon juice 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

Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the veggies while creating a flavorful base.
Yellow Onion: Brings sweetness and depth to the broth once sautéed.
Carrots: Provide natural sweetness and vibrant color, balancing the savory elements.
Celery: Offers a subtle aromatic crunch that rounds out the veggie base.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together harmoniously.
Black Pepper: Adds just a hint of warmth and spiciness, used at different stages for complexity.
Garlic: Infuses the soup with inviting aroma and a gentle kick of flavor.
Oregano: Gives a lovely herbal note that elevates the classic chicken noodle profile.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Juicy and tender, they make the soup hearty and flavorful.
Dried Bay Leaves: Softly scent the broth with subtle, earthy flavors during simmering.
Water: The neutral liquid base that allows flavors from ingredients to shine through.
Egg Noodles: Classic choice for chicken noodle soup, tender with just the right bite.
Fresh Parsley: Brightens the soup with a fresh, herbal finish just before serving.
Lemon Juice: Adds a refreshing tang that balances the creamy richness perfectly.

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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

The beauty of this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is how easy it is to make it truly your own. Whether you like it extra rich, a little zestier, or with a twist on the noodles, there’s plenty of room to customize and keep things cozy and comforting.

Swap the chicken: I often switch chicken thighs for chicken breasts when I want a leaner meal, and it works beautifully—just watch the cooking time as breasts tend to cook a bit faster.
Boost the broth flavor: Using low-sodium chicken broth instead of water adds a wonderful depth to the soup without overpowering the fresh veggies and herbs.
Noodle options: Feeling adventurous? Try replacing egg noodles with whole wheat pasta, or even gluten-free options. Just keep an eye on the cooking time so your pasta doesn’t get mushy.
Spice it up: For a comforting twist, sprinkle in a pinch of turmeric or ginger—it adds warmth and a subtle health boost that brightens up each spoonful.
Seasonal veggies: Swap in some diced parsnips or sweet potatoes during cooler months for added sweetness and color.
Make it extra creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or a splash of cream at the end for a luscious finish without compromising that classic soup feel.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

A white pot filled with a mix of chopped orange carrots and green celery at the bottom as the first layer. On top, there are seven pieces of raw pale pink chicken arranged mostly in the center, with two green bay leaves placed on the chicken. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Base Veggies

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of butter in a large stockpot over medium heat. Once melted, add your diced yellow onion, carrots, celery, along with 1 ½ teaspoons salt and half of the black pepper (¼ teaspoon). Stir occasionally as you cook the veggies until they're softened and fragrant—this usually takes about 10 minutes. This step builds a savory foundation you'll notice in every comforting spoonful.

Step 2: Add Garlic, Oregano, and Chicken

Next, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon oregano, cooking for about 1 minute until the aroma fills your kitchen. Then nestle in 1 ¼ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs along with 2 dried bay leaves. This layering of flavors is what makes the soup taste so rich and wholesome.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Pour in 8 cups of water and bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender. This slow simmer lets all those flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken, Add the Noodles

Remove the bay leaves and transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces—it’s easier than it sounds and perfect for soaking up that delicious broth. Return the shredded chicken to the pot along with 3 ounces of egg noodles (about 2 cups). Cook over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, or until the noodles are just tender but not mushy.

Step 5: Finish with Freshness

Once the noodles are cooked, remove the pot from heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, the remaining ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Give it a quick taste and adjust salt or seasoning if needed—this bright lemon finish really lifts the whole bowl.

Top Tip

Getting the most flavor and perfect texture from your Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is easier than you think. These tips come from hands-on kitchen experience and will help you make this soup truly shine every time.

Use Bone-In Thighs First: While the recipe calls for boneless skinless chicken thighs, cooking bone-in thighs first for simmering enhances the broth’s richness before shredding the meat.
Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Adding egg noodles towards the end and cooking just until tender keeps them from turning mushy, giving you that perfect bite.
Fresh Herbs Are Key: Stir in fresh parsley right at the end to keep the bright, herbal flavor alive and the soup looking fresh and vibrant.
Adjust Salt at the End: Since chicken thighs and broth lend natural flavor, fine-tuning salt just before serving helps prevent over-seasoning.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

A large white pot filled with chicken noodle soup, showing several layers: the bottom layer is clear broth with small pieces of shredded chicken, bright orange carrot chunks, and light green celery pieces; above this are twisted egg noodles mixed throughout the soup; the top layer is sprinkled with finely chopped green parsley. The pot sits on a white marbled surface with a white bowl of fresh green parsley and a clear bowl of lemon wedges nearby. A soft peach colored cloth is placed to the lower left of the pot. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a little extra flair with garnishes like a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, a few more chopped parsley leaves, or even a light drizzle of good olive oil. For a pop of freshness, serve lemon wedges on the side so everyone can brighten their bowl with a squeeze of lemon juice.

Side Dishes

This creamy soup pairs beautifully with crusty artisan bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up every last bit of broth. For a light contrast, serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette or roasted Brussels sprouts for a cozy, balanced meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for a quick and comforting meal ready to reheat on busy days.

Freezing

Freeze your soup in portion-sized containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months. To preserve the best texture, you might consider freezing the broth and chicken separately from the noodles and adding fresh noodles when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the noodles have absorbed too much liquid, add a splash of water or chicken broth to adjust consistency before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this soup?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer leaner meat. Just keep in mind thighs offer juicier and richer flavor, so the broth may be a bit less robust.

Is there an easy way to make this soup dairy-free?

Absolutely! This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup recipe doesn’t include any dairy ingredients—its creamy texture comes from the butter and aromatic vegetables, so it’s naturally low lactose and perfect for dairy-free diets.

Can I make this soup ahead of time and reheat it?

Definitely. The soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freezes up to 2 months. Just be mindful to add noodles fresh or reheat gently to keep the perfect texture.

What’s the best way to keep the noodles from getting mushy?

Add the egg noodles only during the last 10 minutes of cooking, and avoid overcooking. If reheating leftovers, consider adding freshly cooked noodles just before serving for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup recipe brings warmth and comfort to your table, just like it has in mine over countless chilly evenings. It’s a simple, nourishing dish that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl — perfect for sharing with family or savoring solo. So grab your butter, fresh veggies, and those tender chicken thighs, and treat yourself to a homemade bowl of goodness that’s ready in just 45 minutes. Happy cooking and stay cozy!