Name: Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup with Fresh Vegetables and Herbs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (about 2 pieces); 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided; 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons salted butter; 3 medium carrots, sliced; 4 medium celery ribs, sliced; 1 medium white onion, diced; 1 tablespoon grated ginger (or 1 teaspoon dried ginger); 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 8 cups chicken broth; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 12 ounces egg noodles (dried or frozen)

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of homemade soup on a chilly day. This Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup with Fresh Vegetables and Herbs Recipe is one of my favorite go-to dishes when I want something nourishing, full of flavor, and easy enough to pull together any day of the week. Let me walk you through how to make this soothing classic just right, with plenty of tips to help you succeed in your kitchen.

The image shows a black ladle lifting a serving of chicken noodle soup from a bowl. The ladle holds layers of light beige shredded chicken pieces on top, bright orange carrot slices next to it, and translucent celery chunks underneath, all mixed in a clear golden broth. Thin strips of pale yellow noodles are scattered around the ladle, floating in the broth with small green parsley bits. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup with Fresh Vegetables and Herbs Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup with Fresh Vegetables and Herbs Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup with Fresh Vegetables and Herbs Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Over the years, I’ve made countless versions of chicken noodle soup, but this one stands out thanks to its fresh veggies, fragrant herbs, and that lovely hint of ginger. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug in a bowl — perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Fresh, wholesome ingredients: Carrots, celery, and onion create the perfect soft base while fresh herbs elevate the flavor without overpowering it.
Simple but effective technique: Searing the chicken first locks in juices for tender, flavorful meat that you shred right into the broth.
Flexible and customizable: Whether you prefer egg noodles or want to sneak in extra veggies or cream, this recipe has you covered.
Comfort food that’s also nourishing: Packed with protein, fresh vegetables, and herbs, it’s a meal that warms body and soul.

chicken noodle soup - A white pot filled with a clear yellow broth soup that has many layers of ingredients: orange carrot slices, light green celery pieces, white thick noodles, and shredded white chicken pieces. There are small green herb pieces scattered on top. A woman’s hand is holding a black ladle lifting a portion of the soup, showing the carrots, noodles, chicken, and herbs clearly. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface with a white and gray striped cloth near the pot. Some green herbs are in the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup with Fresh Vegetables and Herbs Recipe shines because each ingredient brings something special to the pot. The classic trio of carrots, celery, and onion builds a rich, savory foundation, while garlic, ginger, and herbs brighten it up beautifully. Here’s a quick look at why each plays a starring role and some tips when shopping or prepping.

chicken noodle soup - Flat lay of two raw boneless skinless chicken breasts with a light pink and smooth texture, three fresh medium carrots sliced into bright orange rounds, four celery ribs cut into crisp pale green stalks, one medium white onion diced showing its clean white layers, a small pile of freshly grated ginger with pale yellow fibrous strands, a heap of minced garlic cloves shining white and moist, a bunch of vibrant green fresh parsley leaves with delicate texture, and a nest of uncooked yellow egg noodles with a slightly rough surface, all beautifully arranged in a natural, slightly scattered way placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Boneless skinless chicken breast: Easy to shred and cooks quickly; opt for fresh chicken to maximize flavor.
Salt and black pepper: Balances and enhances natural flavors; I split the seasoning between the chicken and broth for depth.
Olive oil: For searing the chicken; brings a subtle fruitiness without overwhelming the soup.
Salted butter: Adds richness when sautéing veggies; using salted adds seasoning along the way.
Carrots: Sweetness that softens during cooking and brings color to the bowl.
Celery ribs: Adds a subtle crunch and classic soup aroma; slicing thin lets it cook evenly.
White onion: Builds savory umami layers; I always dice it small for quick softening.
Ginger (fresh or dried): Adds a warm, slightly spicy lift that brightens the broth — fresh is best if you have it.
Garlic: Essential aromatic; mince finely for an even flavor infusion.
Chicken broth: The soup’s body—opt for a good-quality or homemade broth for the best results.
Dried thyme and oregano: Earthy herbs that bring complexity without stealing the spotlight.
Egg noodles (dried or frozen): Classic choice for comforting texture; follow package timing to avoid mushiness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how forgiving this Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup with Fresh Vegetables and Herbs Recipe is when it comes to making it your own. Over time, I’ve experimented with a few tweaks, and honestly, they all taste fantastic depending on what you’re in the mood for!

Variation: Sometimes I toss in a cup of frozen peas during the last few minutes — it adds a pop of sweetness and an extra veggie boost that my kids actually ask for.
Dairy twist: Adding 2 cups of heavy cream near the very end creates a silky, velvety soup that feels extra indulgent on cold evenings.
Speedy shortcut: If you’re in a pinch, you can use pre-cooked or leftover shredded chicken instead of cooking the breasts; just add it in towards the end to warm through.
Herb swaps: Feel free to replace thyme or oregano with rosemary or fresh dill — each herb gives a different but equally delicious aroma.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup with Fresh Vegetables and Herbs Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients Like a Pro

This is when you’ll prepare all the fresh vegetables and season your chicken. I slice the carrots and celery thin so they soften nicely with just a little cooking. Dicing the onion finely helps it melt into the broth, and fresh ginger grated directly into the pot makes all the difference in flavor. Don’t forget to season your chicken with half the salt and pepper — this seasoning boost really helps the meat shine once shredded.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. This step locks in juices and builds extra flavor that’ll soak into the broth. Once seared, set the chicken aside — no need to overcook here since it’ll finish cooking in the soup.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables and Aromatics

In the same pot (don’t clean it — all those browned bits add flavor!), add butter then toss in carrots, celery, and onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the veggies start to soften, stirring occasionally. Then stir in the ginger and garlic for another couple of minutes until fragrant. This foundation is where your soup’s hearty taste begins.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Herbs

Return the chicken breasts to the pot, nestling them on top of the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the remaining salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Bring everything to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. This gentle simmer finishes cooking the chicken while flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Add Noodles and Final Touches

Add the egg noodles to the simmering soup and cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes for dried). Meanwhile, remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and return the shredded meat to the pot. Give everything a good stir, taste for seasoning, and add fresh parsley right before serving to brighten the bowl visually and flavor-wise.

Top Tip

Through many batches of this Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup with Fresh Vegetables and Herbs Recipe, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference between “just okay” and “absolutely perfect.” Here are my top tips for you:

Don’t skip searing the chicken: It adds a beautiful layer of flavor and keeps the meat moist when shredded.
Use fresh ginger if possible: It gives a subtle zing that dried just can’t match, but if you’re out, dried works fine too.
Reserve some fresh parsley for the end: Adding herbs right before serving keeps their flavor vibrant and gives your soup a fresh aroma.
Avoid overcooking noodles: Add them late and keep an eye on the texture so your soup never turns gluey.

How to Serve Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup with Fresh Vegetables and Herbs Recipe

chicken noodle soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish my bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley — it adds a lovely pop of color and fresh flavor. Sometimes I add a few twists of freshly ground black pepper or even a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness right before serving. A little drizzle of good-quality olive oil on top can also enrich each spoonful.

Side Dishes

For a full comforting meal, I like to pair the soup with crusty bread — a warm baguette or sourdough works beautifully for dipping. Occasionally, I’ll serve it alongside a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to bring some crisp freshness into the mix.

Creative Ways to Present

For cozy dinner parties, I have served the soup in mini crocks or inside hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls — guests love it! Another fun idea is adding a dollop of crème fraîche or shredded cheese on top just before serving for that extra indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the noodles from turning mushy, if I know I’ll have leftovers, I sometimes undercook them slightly when making the soup. Reheat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, but I recommend freezing it without the noodles if possible. You can add fresh noodles when reheating. I portion the soup into freezer-safe containers and label them; it thaws nicely in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer doing it on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring gently to prevent burning and to keep the chicken tender. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens too much during reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs have more fat so they’ll add extra richness to the soup. Just adjust cooking times accordingly — thighs may take a little longer to cook through.

How do I make this soup gluten-free?

You can swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or rice noodles. Just watch the cooking time, as different noodles vary in how quickly they cook.

Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the chicken first, then add all ingredients (except noodles) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

What’s the best way to store leftovers without soggy noodles?

Store the soup and noodles separately if possible, or slightly undercook the noodles when making the soup. This helps them hold their texture better after reheating.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup with Fresh Vegetables and Herbs Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that I always feel good making and eating. It’s soothing, nourishing, and can be easily tailored to your taste and schedule. Whether you’re cozying up on a rainy afternoon or looking to soothe a cold, this soup is like a little blessing in a bowl — and I can’t wait for you to make it your own!