Healing Chicken Noodle Soup

Name: Healing Chicken Noodle Soup
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/3rd inch rounds; 3 stalks celery, halved and sliced; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, chopped; 1 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or sub 1/2 tsp dried thyme); 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or sub 1/2 tsp dried rosemary ); 1/2 lemon zest and juice; 1.5 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; pinch of cayenne (optional ); 1 bay leaf; 10 cups chicken broth or bone broth; 2-3 cups dry egg noodles (I prefer flat noodles but you can use your preferred shape ); 1 rotisserie chicken, meat removed and shredded; 2-3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; salt & pepper to taste

Published: Dec 3, 2020 · Modified: Aug 31, 2026 by jamjarkitchen · This post may contain affiliate links · 93 Comments

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This easy homemade chicken noodle soup is loaded with tender chicken, egg noodles and veggies in a flavorful, herb-packed broth. Ready in just 30 minutes, this soup's healing powers get an extra boost from turmeric, garlic, lemon and fresh herbs for the ultimate cozy bowl when you're feeling under the weather.

A pot of healing chicken noodle soup with wide noodles, carrots, herbs, and broth, surrounded by fresh parsley and lemon halves.

The healing power of chicken soup!

Over the years, this has become one of the recipes I hear from readers about the most. I've received so many messages from people who have made this healing chicken noodle soup for sick friends and family members, brought a pot to a new mother, or simply made it when someone they love needed a little comfort. I always love hearing about the place this homemade chicken noodle soup has found in people's homes and memories.

Because when you're feeling under the weather, or just need something warm and comforting on a cold winter's day, there really is nothing like a big bowl of chicken noodle soup. This version is packed with tender chicken, egg noodles and vegetables in a flavorful broth, along with turmeric, garlic, lemon, fresh herbs and bone broth. It's cozy, nourishing and incredibly easy to make, whether you're making it for someone who's sick or simply serving your family a comforting dinner.

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More Soups and Stews recipes from The Jam Jar Kitchen.
Equipment
Ingredients & Substitutions
How to make chicken bone broth at home.
Recipe FAQs
More cozy soup recipes you will love.
Recipe

More Soups and Stews recipes from The Jam Jar Kitchen.

A pot of healing chicken soup with carrots, herbs, and wide noodles sits surrounded by fresh parsley on a kitchen towel.

Equipment

Cutting Board
Sharp Knife
Dutch Oven or Large Pot with a Lid: I love my Le Creuset Dutch Oven and use it more than any other kitchen tool.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Rotisserie chicken: Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is my favorite shortcut for making this chicken noodle soup a true 30-minute meal. Simply remove the meat and shred it before adding it to the soup. You can also use leftover roasted chicken or cook chicken breasts or thighs and shred them yourself.
Old Fashioned Egg Noodles: I love using old-fashioned egg noodles because they're thick, hearty and hold up beautifully in the broth. If you can't find them, any egg noodles or your favorite pasta will work. Just keep in mind that cooking times vary depending on the type and thickness of the noodles, so check them frequently for doneness.
Chicken broth or bone broth: Either works beautifully here. I especially love using homemade chicken bone broth for this healing chicken soup because it creates a rich, flavorful base. See my notes below for more on using bone broth and making your own.
Carrots & Celery: The classic vegetables that give chicken noodle soup its familiar flavor and add a little sweetness to the broth.
Onion: I typically use yellow onion, but white onion works well too. Red onion will also work in a pinch, although it has a slightly different flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the broth the best flavor, so I highly recommend using fresh rather than pre-minced garlic if you have it.
Turmeric: One of the ingredients that makes this healing chicken noodle soup a little different from the classic. It adds earthy flavor and gives the broth a beautiful golden color. (Plus, is has great inflammation fighting properties!)
Fresh Thyme & Rosemary: These fresh herbs add tons of flavor to the broth. You can substitute dried herbs if needed; see the recipe card for exact amounts.
Parsley, fresh: Stirred in at the end for freshness and a pop of color.
Lemon zest and juice: This is one of my favorite additions to this soup! The lemon brightens up the rich chicken broth without making the soup taste overly lemony.
Bay leaf: Adds another layer of savory flavor as the chicken noodle soup simmers. Be sure to remove it before serving.
Cayenne (optional): Completely optional, but I love adding a small pinch for a subtle bit of warmth. It shouldn't make the soup spicy.
Olive oil: You could also use butter or another oil that you prefer.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the soup. The amount of salt you'll need will depend heavily on whether you're using regular, low-sodium or homemade chicken broth, so taste and adjust before serving.

How to make chicken bone broth at home.

Making homemade chicken bone broth is much easier than you might think, and it's a great way to use the leftover bones from a roasted or rotisserie chicken.

Add the chicken carcass to a slow cooker along with roughly chopped carrots, celery and onion. You can also add other aromatics you have on hand, such as garlic, fresh herbs or a bay leaf.

Cover everything with water, then cook on LOW for 12-16 hours. Once the broth is finished, strain out the bones and vegetables, then season with salt to taste.

Use your homemade bone broth right away to make this chicken noodle soup, or let it cool and store it for later.

How long does homemade chicken bone broth last?

Store homemade chicken bone broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months.

Tip: Freeze bone broth in smaller portions so you can easily thaw just what you need for soups, sauces and other recipes.

A bowl and pot of healing chicken soup with carrots, herbs, and egg noodles, surrounded by parsley, lemon slices, and a striped towel.

Recipe FAQs

What are the best noodles for chicken noodle soup?

I prefer old-fashioned egg noodles because their hearty texture works so well with the chicken and vegetables. You can substitute regular egg noodles or another pasta shape, but be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of noodle you use.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, but keep in mind that the noodles will continue to absorb broth as the soup sits. If you're making the soup ahead of time, I recommend cooking the noodles separately and adding them to individual bowls when serving. This keeps the noodles from becoming too soft and the soup from losing too much broth.

How should I store this healing chicken soup?

Allow the soup to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Keep in mind that the egg noodles will absorb some of the broth during storage, so you may want to add a splash of chicken broth when reheating.

Can you freeze this soup?

Yes, although chicken noodle soup freezes best without the noodles since cooked pasta can become soft after freezing and thawing. If you're planning to freeze it, make the soup through the broth, vegetable and chicken portion, then freeze it in an airtight freezer-safe container. Add freshly cooked egg noodles after thawing and reheating.

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Made this homemade chicken noodle soup recipe? Let me know what you think in the comments!

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