Name: Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup unsalted butter; 1 sweet onion, diced; 3 carrots, peeled and sliced; 2 ribs celery, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme leaves; ¼ cup apple cider or chicken broth; 6 cups chicken stock; 1 bay leaf; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 3 cups leftover shredded rotisserie chicken; 2 cups wide egg noodles; ½ cup heavy cream; ½ cup frozen green peas; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this soup because it’s comforting and satisfying while being quick to prepare. The combination of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and creamy broth makes it a perfect weeknight meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s also a great way to use leftover chicken and create a hearty, nutritious dinner.

Ingredients

¼ cup unsalted butter
1 sweet onion, diced
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 ribs celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
¼ cup apple cider or chicken broth
6 cups chicken stock
1 bay leaf
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 cups leftover shredded rotisserie chicken
2 cups wide egg noodles
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup frozen green peas
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Melt butter in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3–4 minutes.
Stir in garlic and thyme until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Whisk in flour and cook until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
Stir in apple cider or chicken broth, scraping browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Add chicken stock and bay leaf; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, about 10 minutes for flavors to blend.
Stir in shredded chicken and egg noodles. Cook until noodles are tender, about 10–12 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream, peas, and parsley. Heat through for 1–2 minutes and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Serves 8. Prep time: 20 minutes. Cook time: 30 minutes. Total time: 50 minutes.

Variations

Substitute apple cider with extra chicken stock for a milder flavor.
Use gluten-free noodles or spiralized vegetables for a low-carb alternative.
Add fresh spinach or kale in the last few minutes for extra greens.
Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free twist.
Use fresh thyme or rosemary depending on your herb preference.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding extra chicken stock or water if the soup thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?

Yes, cooked shredded chicken or poached chicken breast works well.

What if I don’t have apple cider?

You can substitute with additional chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, but avoid freezing the soup after adding cream; freeze before adding cream and stir it in after reheating.

How do I prevent noodles from getting mushy?

Cook noodles separately and add just before serving, or monitor cooking time carefully.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute instead of heavy cream.

Is this soup spicy?

No, it has a mild, comforting flavor profile.

How thick is the soup?

It’s creamy but not overly thick; you can adjust thickness by adding more stock or cream.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, peas can be swapped or supplemented with corn, green beans, or zucchini.

How long does it keep in the fridge?

Up to 3 days in an airtight container.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy broth in a quick and easy meal. Perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you need a warm, nourishing dish that the whole family will love.

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

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This creamy chicken noodle soup is warm, cozy, and soothing, featuring tender rotisserie chicken, hearty vegetables, and egg noodles in a rich, flavorful broth finished with cream and fresh herbs.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Soup
Method: Sautéing and simmering
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Instructions

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery; cook 3–4 minutes until tender.
Stir in garlic and thyme; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Whisk in flour; cook 1 minute until lightly browned.
Stir in apple cider or broth, scraping browned bits.
Add chicken stock and bay leaf; season with salt and pepper. Bring to boil, reduce heat, simmer covered 10 minutes.
Add shredded chicken and noodles; cook 10–12 minutes until noodles are tender.
Stir in heavy cream, peas, and parsley; heat through 1–2 minutes. Adjust seasoning.
Serve immediately.