Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

The Best Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Comfort flows through every spoonful of this creamy chicken noodle soup that promises warmth and healing.

Steaming broth carries delicate chicken pieces and tender noodles in a velvety embrace.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen whisper through each carefully crafted ingredient.

Home cooks appreciate how simple techniques can create something extraordinarily satisfying.

Silky textures and rich flavors combine to offer more than just a meal.

Weeknight dinners become magical moments with this soul-soothing recipe.

Chicken Noodle Soup That Keeps Its Comfort

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on soup surface to prevent skin formation.
  • Warm soup slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore original consistency if needed. Avoid boiling to prevent cream from breaking.
  • Freeze soup without cream for up to 3 months. Add fresh cream when reheating for best texture and flavor.

Comforting Sides For Chicken Noodle

Pair with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Slice a warm, tangy sourdough bread to soak up the rich, creamy broth and add delightful texture contrast to the soft noodles and tender chicken.

Wine Selection – Chardonnay Companion: Choose a buttery, medium-bodied Chardonnay with subtle oak notes that complement the soup’s creamy base and enhance the savory chicken flavors.

Crisp Green Salad Sidekick: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, zesty counterpoint to the soup’s hearty and creamy profile, balancing the dish’s richness.

Fresh Herb Garnish Boost: Sprinkle extra fresh dill or chopped parsley on top to brighten the soup’s flavor, adding a vibrant herbal note that cuts through the creamy texture.

Chicken Noodle Soup Versions

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free pasta noodles to ensure the soup remains safe for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Replace butter with olive oil or plant-based margarine for a lactose-free option.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use less corn and focus on protein and vegetable content to reduce overall carbohydrate count.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with firm tofu or white beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add extra mushrooms for umami flavor and protein boost.

FAQs

  • Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works perfectly. Just ensure it’s boneless and skinless, and cook it carefully to prevent drying out. Thighs tend to be more flavorful and tender, but breast meat is a great leaner alternative.

  • Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Just cool it completely before storing in airtight containers. When reheating, thaw slowly and add a little extra broth to restore the creamy consistency.

  • How can I make this soup gluten-free?

Replace regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend when creating the creamy base. Use gluten-free pasta or replace noodles with rice to ensure the entire dish remains gluten-free.

  • What herbs work best in this soup?

While the recipe uses dill, you can also try fresh parsley, thyme, or chives. Each herb will add a unique flavor profile to the soup, so experiment to find your favorite combination.

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup That Feels Like Home

  • Whip Up Family Comfort: This creamy chicken noodle soup delivers ultimate home-cooked warmth in every spoonful.
  • Effortless Cooking Adventure: The recipe breaks down into simple steps anyone can master, making it perfect for beginner and intermediate home cooks who want delicious results without complex techniques.
  • One-Pot Wonder Convenience: Everything comes together in a single pot, minimizing kitchen cleanup and saving precious time during busy weeknight dinners or lazy weekend meals.
  • Nutritious Meal Powerhouse: Packed with protein from chicken, vegetables for essential nutrients, and a creamy base that makes healthy eating feel indulgent and satisfying for the entire family.

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Must-Haves

Protein Base:
  • Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that provides rich flavor and protein for the soup.
  • Chicken Broth: Foundational liquid that creates the soup's deep base and enhances overall taste.
Vegetables:
  • Onion: Aromatic base that adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
  • Carrots, Celery: Classic soup vegetables that provide texture and natural sweetness.
  • Corn: Adds extra sweetness and a pop of color to the soup.
Noodles and Creamy Components:
  • Pasta: Hearty element that makes the soup more filling and satisfying.
  • Butter, Flour: Create a roux for thickening the soup and adding richness.
  • Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious, smooth texture and creamy consistency.
Seasonings:
  • Mrs. Dash Seasoning: Herb blend that adds complexity without extra salt.
  • Dill: Fresh herb that brings a light, bright flavor to the soup.
  • Salt: Essential for enhancing and balancing all other flavors.
Additional Components:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and adding subtle flavor.
  • Water: Helps adjust soup's consistency and volume.

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Cooking Steps

Step 1: Poach the Chicken

Place chicken thighs into a large soup pot with broth and water.

Bring the liquid to a rolling boil.

Cook chicken uncovered for about 20 minutes.

Remove any foam or impurities that float to the surface during cooking.

Step 2: Prepare Vegetable Base

Warm olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat.

Add onions and cook until they become soft and translucent.

Increase the cooking temperature, then introduce carrots and celery.

Sauté the vegetables, stirring frequently, until they develop a golden color and become tender.

Transfer the vegetable mixture into the soup pot.

Step 3: Separate Chicken Meat

Allow the cooked chicken to cool slightly.

Carefully pull the meat apart using two forks or your hands.

Discard bones and fatty pieces.

Return the shredded chicken back to the soup pot.

Step 4: Incorporate Pasta and Additional Vegetables

Gently stir in:
  • Pasta
  • Sliced carrots
  • Corn kernels

Simmer the soup for approximately 15 minutes, ensuring the pasta reaches the perfect texture.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce

Melt butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat.

Sprinkle flour into the melted butter and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color.

Slowly incorporate hot broth from the soup pot, whisking until completely smooth.

Pour in heavy cream and mix thoroughly.

Combine this creamy mixture back into the main soup pot.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serving

Season the soup with:
  • Mrs.

Dash seasoning

  • Salt

Sprinkle fresh dill into the soup.

Bring to a final boil, then remove from heat.

Serve the soup warm and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.

Chicken Soup Creaminess Secrets

  • Pat chicken thighs dry before cooking to help achieve better browning and enhance overall flavor.
  • Chop vegetables uniformly for consistent cooking and balanced texture throughout the soup.
  • Temper the cream mixture slowly to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, silky texture.
  • Let the soup sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
  • Substitute heavy cream with low-fat milk or coconut milk for a lighter version, and use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly option.
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Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Heartwarming creamy chicken noodle soup brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, packed with tender chicken, silky noodles, and rich, velvety broth. Simmered with love and seasoned perfectly, you’ll savor each spoonful of this classic culinary embrace.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 34 chicken thighs, skinless (bone-in or boneless)

Liquid Base:

  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 5 cups (1.2 liters) water
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 medium carrots (2 grated, 1 sliced into thin rings)
  • 2 medium celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) corn (from a 15 ounces can or 1 cooked cob)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh or frozen dill
  • 1 teaspoon Mrs. Dash seasoning (or any salt-free seasoning)

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup (40 grams) all-purpose flour

Additional Seasonings:

  • Salt, to taste

Pasta:

  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) pasta (rotini, egg noodles, or preferred type)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken broth by combining liquid ingredients in a spacious soup vessel, introducing the poultry and allowing it to gently simmer until fully cooked.
  2. While the chicken poaches, create a flavor foundation by caramelizing aromatics in a separate skillet, developing a rich golden base through careful sautéing of onions, carrots, and celery.
  3. Extract the poached chicken from the broth, carefully separating tender meat from bones and connective tissues, then return the delicate shreds back to the simmering liquid.
  4. Introduce pasta and additional vegetable components into the evolving soup, monitoring the cooking process to achieve optimal texture and tenderness.
  5. Construct a velvety thickening agent by whisking butter and flour into a delicate roux, gradually incorporating hot broth and cream to create a luxurious, silky consistency.
  6. Elevate the soup’s flavor profile by incorporating herbaceous dill and balanced seasoning, allowing the ingredients to meld and harmonize through a final gentle heating.
  7. Ladle the creamy, aromatic soup into serving vessels, ensuring each portion captures the complex layers of flavor developed throughout the cooking process.

Notes

  • Chicken Preparation Tip: Opt for bone-in chicken thighs to enhance the soup’s rich, deep flavor and ensure tender, juicy meat that easily shreds.
  • Vegetable Flexibility: Feel free to swap or add vegetables like zucchini, peas, or bell peppers to customize the soup’s nutritional profile and taste.
  • Creamy Consistency Hack: Gradually whisk the cream mixture to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, velvety texture without curdling.
  • Dietary Adaptation: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, and use gluten-free noodles to make the soup celiac-friendly.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 405
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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