People | Food | Culture

Chicken Noodle Soup

ByAva
Published OnFeb 2, 2025
Updated OnJun 14, 2026

When the colder seasons arrive in the year, many people look for recipes with a wholesome appeal, and chicken Noodle Soup is often the go-to choice for an uplifting bowl of goodness. Many people assume that Chicken soup is a European or Western dish, however Chicken noodle soup has been developed in a multitude of different ways across various cultures.

Chicken soup originated in China, where people have been enjoying it for thousands of years. They love this poultry dish so much that they’ve adapted it by adding chili flakes and chili oil, which gives it a spicy twist. Meanwhile, in South Korea, chicken soup often includes roots and dates, resulting in a balanced meal that is frequently paired with spicy kimchi and other side dishes.

In contrast, Western and European countries have developed a more neutral version of Chicken Noodle Soup that typically includes vegetables like carrots, onions, turnips, herbs, and leftover chicken. This soup is not only healthy but also nourishing and comforting. Since the chicken is cooked using bone-in pieces, the nutrients from the bones are extracted into the soup, enhancing its health benefits.

Ingredients

Chicken breast, Tagliatelle, Water, Cooking oil, Frozen mixed vegetables, Onion, Garlic cloves, Zucchinis, Garlic powder, Onion powder, Ground White pepper, Dried Rosemary, Dried Thyme, Chicken stock cube, Bay leaves and Salt.

You can use chicken breast, thighs, or a whole chicken for this soup. Tagliatelle is the ideal pasta choice, but you can also use egg noodles, fettuccine, or other types of pasta. Frozen vegetables are convenient and require minimal preparation. Additionally, you can chop your favorite mix of vegetables. Consider using bell peppers, celery, potatoes, parsnips, or cabbage as substitutes for the vegetables mentioned.

Onions and garlic cloves add savory flavor to the soup, with spices used sparingly but enhancing the dish. Garlic and onion powder improve the recipe, while ground white pepper provides some heat. Herbs like rosemary and thyme complement chicken, and bay leaves add earthy notes. Cooking noodles in the soup thickens it due to released starch. For additional thickness, mix equal parts corn starch and cold water to create a slurry, or add a teaspoon of white flour or instant potato flakes. Using bone-in chicken thighs enhances flavor, but chicken breast can also be used, remaining tender during cooking.

Instructions

Slice the onions, roughly chop up the garlic cloves, and cube the zucchinis. The frozen vegetables used in this recipe contain carrots, green beans, peas, and sweet corn. Onion, carrot, and sweet corn add a hint of sweetness to the soup, whilst other vegetables provide plant-based protein and enhance its overall flavor.

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces or half-inch cubes. Also, prepare the spices, such as ground white pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and a chicken stock cube. Preheat a pot to medium-low temperature.

Drizzle the cooking oil, add the onion and garlic. Toss them around so the aromatics are evenly coated with oil. Cook the onion and garlic for four minutes, or until they begin to brown.

Toss in all the remaining ingredients into the pot, a quarter cup of water, and then stir to mix. Continue to stir everything and cook the ingredients until all the chicken turns white in colour.

Add the chicken stock cube, bay leaves, and one and a half litres of water to the pot. Then, simmer the soup for thirty minutes, on medium-low heat, with the lid closed. Add the noodles to the soup in the last nine minutes of simmering. Garnish with parsley, and enjoy.

What to Serve Chicken Noodle Soup with?

Crusty bread, like sourdough or a baguette, pairs wonderfully with chicken noodle soup. Consider an Green salad to add a refreshing flavour to the soup.

How to Store Chicken Noodle Soup?

Chicken soup noodles are best enjoyed when made fresh. Keep the soup separate from the noodles and cook fresh noodles when you want to enjoy the soup. Before storing the soup in the fridge, bring it to room temperature. Transfer the soup to an airtight container and refrigerate. The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days and in the freezer for up to three months.