Quick Facts:
Time: 30 minutes total • Yield: 6 servings • Skill: Easy • Method: One-pot stovetop • Diet: Dairy-free adaptable

Introduction

Chicken Noodle Soup is the comfort fix when time is tight but you still want a steaming bowl of real food. In this shortcut version, rotisserie chicken dives into an herb-y broth loaded with wide egg noodles, tender carrots, and celery for that classic, cozy flavor. The texture balances silky broth with springy noodles and juicy shreds of chicken—no long simmer, no fuss. It’s perfect for weeknights, meal-prep lunches, or anyone needing a gentle, nourishing bowl without spending hours at the stove. If you keep a store-bought rotisserie chicken in the fridge, you’re already halfway to dinner.

Craving variations? Browse more chicken noodle soup recipes for weeknights and meal prep.

Why You’ll Love It

• Weeknight-easy: clear steps, minimal prep, exact timing.
• Flexible: swap noodles, add greens, use whatever broth you have.
• Balanced flavor: thyme + parsley + a squeeze of lemon for lift.
• Great leftovers: reheats beautifully for next-day comfort.

Easy Chicken Noodle Soup (One-Pan, 30 Minutes)

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• Author: Lily
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

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Description

A fast, cozy one-pot chicken noodle soup using rotisserie chicken. An herby, aromatic broth with wide egg noodles, tender carrots and celery, and a bright squeeze of lemon—weeknight-easy, deeply comforting, and perfect for make-ahead lunches.

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Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional; use more oil if avoiding dairy)

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

• 2 medium carrots, peeled & sliced ¼-inch thick

• 2 ribs celery, sliced ¼-inch thick

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh)

• ½ tsp dried parsley (or 2 tbsp fresh, chopped, divided)

• 8 oz wide egg noodles

• 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (skin removed)

• ¾–1 tsp kosher salt, to taste

• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

• 1–2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (to taste)

• Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Heat & Sauté (3–5 min): Heat oil (and butter, if using) over medium. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook until glossy and slightly tender.

2. Bloom Garlic & Herbs (1 min): Stir in garlic, thyme, and parsley; cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

3. Broth & Simmer (8–10 min): Add broth, bay leaf, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a lively simmer until carrots are just fork-tender.

4. Noodles (6–8 min): Add egg noodles. Simmer, stirring once or twice, until tender but springy.

5. Chicken & Finish (2–3 min): Stir in shredded chicken to warm through. Remove bay leaf. Off heat, add lemon juice and remaining fresh parsley.

6. Taste & Adjust (1 min): Season with more salt, pepper, and lemon to taste. Rest 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Must-haves: broth, noodles, chicken, aromatics, salt. Flexible: butter, bay, lemon, fresh parsley.

• Use low-sodium broth so you can season perfectly at the end.

• Storage: 3–4 days in the fridge (store noodles separate for best texture). Freeze up to 3 months without noodles.

• Reheat gently; add a splash of broth/water and a squeeze of lemon.

• Diet swaps: dairy-free (omit butter); gluten-free (use GF egg-style or rice noodles).

• Add-ins (last 2–3 min): peas, spinach, or small broccoli florets.

• Make it creamy: off heat, whisk in ¼ cup plain yogurt or evaporated milk (don’t boil).

• Troubleshooting: too salty—dilute with unsalted broth/water + lemon; bland—salt + lemon + parsley; watery—simmer 5–7 min more.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: soup recipes
• Method: One-pot stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional; use more oil if avoiding dairy)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled & sliced ¼-inch thick
• 2 ribs celery, sliced ¼-inch thick
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh)
• ½ tsp dried parsley (or 2 tbsp fresh, chopped, divided)
• 8 oz wide egg noodles
• 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (skin removed)
• ¾–1 tsp kosher salt, to taste
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1–2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (to taste)
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley

What each ingredient does:
Olive oil/butter: builds savory base • Onion/carrots/celery: classic aromatics and sweetness • Garlic: aroma • Broth: body and salt backbone • Bay leaf + thyme + parsley: herby warmth • Egg noodles: satisfying slurp • Rotisserie chicken: tender protein, instant depth • Salt/pepper: definition • Lemon: brightens rich broth • Parsley: fresh finish.

Must-have vs. flexible: Must-have: broth, noodles, chicken, aromatics, salt. Flexible: butter, bay leaf, lemon, fresh parsley.
Pro tip: Use low-sodium broth so you can season perfectly at the end.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Aromatics: add diced leek; skip garlic if sensitive.
• Protein: leftover roasted chicken or poached thighs; turkey for a Turkey Noodle Soup angle.
• Veg: stir in peas, spinach, or broccoli florets in the last 2–3 minutes for a Chicken And Broccoli Soup vibe.
• Starch: swap egg noodles for rotini, or try Rice Noodle Soup (cook rice noodles separately to avoid clouding).
• Diet swaps: dairy-free—omit butter; gluten-free—use GF egg-style noodles or rice noodles.
• Budget/time savers: prechopped mirepoix; boxed stock; rotisserie chicken already shredded.

Equipment Notes

A heavy 5–6 qt pot or Dutch oven is ideal for even heating. A 10–12 inch pot diameter helps noodles cook without clumping. A fine mesh skimmer is nice for fishing out the bay leaf, but tongs work. Keep a ladle and heatproof spatula nearby. If cleanup matters, use a nonstick Dutch oven or lightly oil the pot’s sides to prevent starch sticking.

Step-by-Step

1. Heat & Sauté (3–5 min): Warm oil (and butter if using) over medium. Add onion, carrots, celery. Cook until edges look glossy and slightly tender; this sweetens the base.
2. Bloom Garlic & Herbs (1 min): Stir in garlic, thyme, parsley; cook until fragrant—30–60 seconds—so spices wake up.
3. Broth & Simmer (8–10 min): Add broth, bay leaf, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a lively simmer until carrots are just fork-tender.
4. Noodles (6–8 min): Add egg noodles. Keep the simmer steady so they cook evenly; stir once or twice to prevent sticking. Doneness cue: noodles are tender but springy.
5. Chicken & Finish (2–3 min): Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken until warmed through. Remove bay leaf. Off heat, add lemon juice and remaining fresh parsley.
6. Taste & Adjust (1 min): Broth should taste bright and full—add salt, pepper, or another squeeze of lemon. Rest 2 minutes so noodles relax before serving.

Doneness cues: noodles tender but not mushy; carrots fork-tender; broth lightly glossy with small bubbles; chicken hot throughout.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

• Make-ahead: Chop aromatics and shred chicken 1–2 days ahead.
• Fridge: 3–4 days; noodles continue to soften. For best texture, store noodles and broth separately.
• Freeze: Up to 3 months without noodles; add freshly cooked noodles after reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove; add a splash of broth or water and a squeeze of lemon to revive.

Batch-cooking this? See our most freezer-friendly soup recipes for easy lunches all week.

How to Lighten / Make It Creamy

• Lighten: Use 100% olive oil; add extra carrots/celery and a handful of white beans for body instead of more noodles.
• Creamy: Off heat, stir in ¼ cup plain yogurt or evaporated milk; temper by whisking in a little hot broth first. Avoid boiling after dairy is added.

Toppings, Garnishes & Finishes

Crunch: buttered croutons, toasted almonds, or crispy shallots.
Fresh: parsley, dill, or sliced scallions; lemon zest.
Tang/Heat: lemon wedges, a dash of apple cider vinegar, or chili flakes.
Microcopy: A sprinkle, a swirl, a squeeze—your three-second upgrade.

Sides & Pairings

Crusty bread, buttered toast, or garlic knots; simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette; steamed broccoli or roasted carrots. Sip sparkling water with citrus; if pairing wine, pick a crisp white.

Scaling the Recipe

To double, use a wider pot so noodles don’t clump. Add noodles in two batches and stir often. Cool large batches quickly by spreading finished soup (minus noodles) into shallow containers. To halve, keep herb amounts nearly the same for flavor.

Nutrition & Dietary Notes

High in protein from chicken; noodles offer quick carbs for energy. Contains gluten with egg noodles; use GF pasta if needed. Dairy-free if butter is omitted.

Troubleshooting

• Too salty? Add unsalted broth or water and a squeeze of lemon.
• Bland? More salt + lemon + fresh parsley; bloom a pinch more thyme in hot oil.
• Too watery? Simmer uncovered 5–7 minutes to reduce or add a cornstarch slurry (½ tsp).
• Overcooked noodles? Cook noodles separately next time; add fresh herbs and lemon to perk things up.

FAQs

Can I use frozen or precut veggies? Yes—frozen mirepoix works great; add straight to the pot.
Best noodle swap? Rotini or egg-style GF noodles. For Ramen Noodle Soup, cook ramen cakes separately and add at the end.
How do I keep it from drying out? Add a splash of broth when reheating; keep noodles slightly undercooked initially.
Dairy-free or gluten-free? Omit butter; use GF noodles or rice noodles.
How long does it keep/freeze? 3–4 days in the fridge; freeze up to 3 months without noodles.

Variations

• Lemony Herb: Extra zest + juice, finish with dill and parsley.
• Spicy Chipotle: 1–2 tsp minced chipotle in adobo; balance with a touch of honey and lime.
• Creamy Parmesan: Stir in grated Parmesan and a splash of cream off heat.

Chef Notes / Test Kitchen Tips

Salt in stages: once after adding broth and again after lemon. Keep noodles slightly shy of fully tender—they’ll keep softening off heat. Most pots finish perfectly between 18–22 minutes of simmering time in steps 3–5.

Conclusion

This is the weeknight bowl that proves simple ingredients + smart shortcuts can still taste homemade. Ladle it hot, remember it keeps 3–4 days, and if it helps someone feel better—extra win. If you make it, rate it and share your tweaks!