Bone Broth Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing more comforting than a steaming bowl of Bone Broth Chicken Noodle Soup. This rich, flavorful soup isn’t just a simple, tasty dish-it’s a powerhouse of nutrition. Packed with protein, minerals, and collagen, bone broth offers a variety of health benefits. Whether you’re recovering from a cold, in need of a hearty meal, or simply craving something warm and soothing, this soup checks all the boxes. It combines the deep, savory flavor of slow-simmered bone broth with tender chicken, vegetables, and soft noodles, creating a soul-warming experience in every spoonful.

This recipe is easy to make and is loaded with health benefits, especially if you take the time to make your own bone broth from scratch. It’s a fantastic way to boost your immune system, support joint health, and nourish your gut.

Let’s dive into how you can make this bone broth chicken noodle soup from scratch, starting with the basic ingredients and then moving on to tips and tricks to perfect your dish.

Bone Broth Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Here’s a step-by-step recipe that will help you create a bowl of comfort you can’t resist. By using homemade bone broth, you’ll get that rich, deep flavor that store-bought broths just can’t match. This recipe serves about 4-6 people, depending on portion size.

Ingredients Needed

1. Bone Broth – 6 cups (homemade or store-bought, but homemade is best for maximum flavor and nutrients)
2. Chicken Breast or Thighs – 2 boneless, skinless breasts or thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces
3. Carrots – 2 medium, peeled and sliced
4. Celery – 2 stalks, diced
5. Yellow Onion – 1 medium, diced
6. Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
7. Egg Noodles – 2 cups (or any noodle of your choice, like rice noodles or gluten-free pasta)
8. Bay Leaves – 2
9. Fresh Thyme – 2-3 sprigs (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
10. Salt – To taste
11. Black Pepper – To taste
12. Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
13. Lemon Juice – A squeeze to brighten the flavors (optional)
14. Fresh Parsley or Dill – For garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

Now let’s walk through the cooking process. This recipe involves a bit of sautéing, a bit of simmering, and a little time to let all the flavors come together. Don’t worry, it’s easy!

1. Prepare the bone broth: If you’ve made your own bone broth, that’s great! If not, store-bought will work just fine. Either way, heat it in a large pot over medium heat until it starts to simmer. You want it hot and ready for the next step.
2. Sauté the vegetables: While the broth is warming up, heat the olive oil in a separate large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften and the onions become translucent.
3. Add garlic and chicken: Stir in the minced garlic and diced chicken, cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes, until the chicken starts to turn white on the outside.
4. Combine with the broth: Once the chicken and vegetables are ready, pour in the hot bone broth. Stir everything together, making sure the chicken and veggies are well incorporated into the liquid.
5. Season the soup: Add the bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the soup come to a gentle simmer, and cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through.
6. Add the noodles: Now it’s time to add the noodles! Drop in the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes. You want them to be tender but not mushy, so keep an eye on them.
7. Finish and garnish: Once the noodles are cooked, taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs (if you used fresh). Garnish with fresh parsley or dill for that final burst of flavor and color.

Ingredient Insights

When you make bone broth chicken noodle soup, the ingredients you choose can elevate the dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Let’s break down why each one matters:

• Bone Broth: Bone broth is packed with collagen, which helps support joint health, skin elasticity, and gut healing. The long simmering process breaks down the bones, extracting minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are beneficial for overall health.
• Chicken: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and energy levels. It also adds that rich, comforting flavor we associate with classic chicken noodle soup.
• Noodles: Noodles provide that satisfying, chewy texture that makes every bite more comforting. You can choose your favorite kind-egg noodles are classic, but rice noodles or even quinoa pasta can make this dish gluten-free.
• Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions bring not only flavor but also a mix of essential vitamins. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene (a type of vitamin A), while celery and onions add fiber, antioxidants, and digestive support.
• Herbs: Fresh thyme and bay leaves lend a savory depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the bone broth. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill are great for garnish, adding a touch of brightness and freshness.

Expert Tips

To take your bone broth chicken noodle soup to the next level, here are a few pro tips:

• Use homemade bone broth: While store-bought versions are convenient, homemade bone broth is superior. It’s richer in flavor and nutrients, and you can control the seasonings. If you don’t have time to make it from scratch, consider slow-cooking your broth overnight for a deep, concentrated flavor.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooking chicken can make it tough and dry. Add it to the soup near the beginning, but be sure to monitor it as it cooks. You want the chicken to be juicy and tender.
• Adjust the noodle cooking time: If you’re using a different type of pasta (like rice noodles or gluten-free noodles), follow the package instructions carefully to avoid overcooking. Some noodles might become mushy if left in the soup too long.
• Double the recipe for leftovers: Bone broth soup keeps really well in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it in portions for a future meal! Just be aware that noodles can soak up some of the broth when stored, so you may need to add a bit more liquid when reheating.
• Go light on the salt at first: Bone broth can sometimes be naturally salty, especially if you’re using store-bought. Taste the soup before adding extra salt, and adjust according to your preferences.

Recipe Variations

While this bone broth chicken noodle soup is fantastic as is, here are a few variations to make it your own:

• Add greens: Toss in some spinach, kale, or Swiss chard near the end of cooking for a boost of vitamins and a burst of color.
• Spicy twist: For those who like a bit of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta or zoodles (zucchini noodles) to make the soup gluten-free without compromising on taste.
• Creamy version: For a richer texture, stir in a bit of heavy cream or coconut milk near the end of cooking. This will make the broth silky and smooth.

Final Words

Bone broth chicken noodle soup is more than just a meal-it’s an experience. The depth of flavor, the nourishing qualities of bone broth, and the comforting textures make it a dish you’ll come back to again and again. It’s the perfect balance of health and comfort food, and it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Whether you’re sick and craving warmth, hosting a cozy dinner, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this soup is versatile, easy to make, and full of goodness. The beauty of this dish is that it’s customizable to your preferences, so feel free to adjust the ingredients or seasonings to suit your taste.