Looking for the easiest chicken soup recipe to keep you warm on cold days? This homemade chicken soup is the ultimate comfort food, with a rich and flavorful broth, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles. Whether you’re battling a winter chill, craving something soothing, or searching for a quick dinner idea, this recipe delivers every time.

Chicken soup isn’t just a classic—it’s a remedy for the soul. This recipe takes the traditional flavors you love and elevates them with fresh ingredients and simple techniques to create a bowl of soup that’s both hearty and nourishing. From its warm aroma to its satisfying taste, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Delicious chicken soup with carrots, parsley, and herbs in a white bowl.

Why is this version of chicken soup the best? It’s easy to make, uses everyday ingredients, and is incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite pasta shape, roughly chop the vegetables, or even add a kick with your favorite hot sauce. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep and freezer-friendly, making it a lifesaver on busy days.

It’s time to whip up a pot of the best chicken soup you’ve ever tasted. Follow along for step-by-step instructions, expert tips for perfecting your soup, and a recipe that’s sure to become your go-to for chilly evenings and comforting meals.

Be sure to read until the end for helpful tips on making homemade broth and customizing your soup with delicious Dominican flavors!

Person washing fresh carrots under a kitchen faucet using a colander, in a home setting.

Close-up of chopped garlic on a wooden cutting board with a stainless steel knife.

Recipe created by Aly

Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts
4 garlic cloves minced
1/2 white onion roughly chopped
2 medium russet potatoes roughly chopped
3 carrots roughly chopped
1/2 celery stalk or 4 celery ribs roughly chopped
2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
8 ounces spaghetti pasta or 1/2 a box of your favorite pasta
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp dried parsley
1 tbsp paprika
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp vinegar optional

Instructions

Prep

Wash the carrots, potatoes, and celery thoroughly. Peel the carrots, potatoes, and onion. For faster preparation time, roughly chop and separate the carrots, potatoes, and onion. “Roughly chop" means to cut food into bite sized irregular pieces, without needing to be precise or uniform in size. If you have fresh garlic cloves, these should be minced.
Wash your chicken breasts thoroughly with water and a cap-full of vinegar. Washing your chicken with vinegar is optional.
Measure and pour your seasonings into a small bowl. Mix this seasoning.

Cook

Put the onion and celery into the pot with olive oil at a medium temperature. Saute until these vegetables are evenly coated with olive oil.
Next, put the chicken and minced garlic into the pot. Evenly coat the chicken and vegetables with your seasoning mix. Sear the chicken until it is a golden brown color.
Put the carrots and potatoes into the pot. Mix everything until evenly coated with seasoning and olive oil.
Next, pour your chicken broth. Bring your pot to a high heat and broth to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot and lower the temperature to a medium-low heat.
After 10 minutes, grab the chicken breasts out of the pot and place onto a cutting board. Shred the chicken to your preferred shred size by pulling it apart with 2 forks. Put the chicken back into the pot. Check the texture of your potatoes and carrots by pressing a fork through them. You want to make sure the potatoes and carrots are not too soft.
Next, place your pasta into the pot. If you have longer noodles, break them in half before putting them into the pot. Bring the pot to a high heat and wait for a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot and bring the temperature to medium. Cook the noodles for the preferred time that the pasta box says. Usually it is 8 minutes.
Once noodles are at your preferred texture, your soup is ready!
You can garnish your soup with fresh cilantro, fresh parsley, or your favorite hot sauce!

Warm chicken noodle soup with vegetables served in a decorative ceramic pot, perfect for a cozy winter meal.

Warm, comforting chicken broth in a bowl with decorative spoon close-up.

Preparing Simple Homemade Broth

One of the best ways to elevate your chicken noodle soup is by using homemade broth. Not only does it add a depth of flavor you can’t get from store-bought versions, but it’s also an excellent way to make use of chicken scraps you’ve saved in the freezer. Whenever you roast a chicken or cook bone-in chicken pieces, save the leftover bones, skin, and any bits of meat. Freeze them in a resealable bag or container until you’re ready to make broth.

To prepare the broth, simply add your frozen chicken scraps to a large stockpot along with water. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 8 hours. This slow cooking process extracts all the nutrients and flavors from the bones, resulting in a rich and golden broth. Once it’s done, strain the liquid, let it cool, and can them in jars. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for longer storage.

Homemade broth not only makes your soup tastier but also lets you control the ingredients, ensuring it’s free of preservatives and excess sodium. It’s an economical and eco-friendly way to get the most out of your chicken scraps while adding incredible flavor to your recipes.

Customizing This Chicken Soup Recipe for Dominicans

If you’re Dominican or love Dominican flavors, this chicken noodle soup can easily be adapted to reflect the comforting tastes of traditional Dominican cuisine. Here’s how you can add a cultural twist:

Hearty chicken noodle soup with fresh avocado slices and eggs on a cozy table setting.

Warm chicken soup with corn, carrot, and parsley, perfect for comforting meals.

Tips for Sopa de Pollo Dominicano

Incorporate Sofrito: Start the recipe by sautéing a blend of garlic, onion, bell peppers, cilantro, and oregano—Dominican sofrito—in the olive oil. This step infuses the soup with a deep, aromatic base that’s signature to many Dominican dishes.
Replace Potatoes with Plátanos (Green Plantains): For a heartier, more traditional twist, swap out the potatoes for green plantains. Peel the plantains, cut them into chunks, and add them to the broth along with the carrots. As the soup simmers, the plantains will soften, releasing their mild, starchy flavor and adding a unique texture that complements the other ingredients.
Add Corn for Sweetness: For an added touch of sweetness and texture, include chunks of corn on the cob in your soup. Add the corn along with the plantains and carrots. The corn will infuse the broth with its natural sweetness, creating a perfect balance of flavors in your soup.
Swap the Pasta for Rice: While pasta is classic in chicken noodle soup, substituting it with white rice creates a more Dominican-inspired comfort food. Add the rice towards the end of cooking and allow it to simmer until tender.
Finish with Lime and Fresh Cilantro: Serve the soup with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. This bright, zesty garnish is a staple in Dominican cooking and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Serve with Avocado and Pan de Agua (water bread): For the ultimate Dominican-style meal, pair the soup with slices of ripe avocado and a side of Dominican bread. Pan de Agua (water bread), has a crisp, golden-brown crust and a soft, airy interior. It’s similar to a baguette but with a slightly rounder shape and a more neutral flavor, making it perfect for soaking up flavorful soups like chicken noodle. These simple additions make the dish even more satisfying.

Wrapping It Up

There’s something truly magical about a steaming bowl of chicken soup, especially when it’s this simple to make. In just 30 minutes, you can create a hearty, nourishing meal that’s perfect for cozy nights and cold days. Whether you’re following the recipe to the letter or adding your own personal touches—like Dominican-inspired flavors—this soup is a staple that belongs in every home cook’s repertoire.

Not only is it quick and easy, but it’s also versatile enough to suit any taste or occasion. Make it ahead of time, freeze portions for later, or enjoy it fresh out of the pot with your favorite toppings. However you serve it, this chicken noodle soup is sure to bring comfort, warmth, and plenty of smiles to your table.

Now it’s your turn! Try the recipe, customize it your way, and let us know how it turned out in the comments. We’d love to hear about your favorite variations or tips for making this classic dish even better.

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The Best 30-Minute Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe – Perfect for Cozy Days!