What ingredients do I need to make creamy chicken noodle soup?

To make creamy chicken noodle soup, you'll need unsalted butter, yellow onion, carrots, celery, garlic, all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, chicken broth, a medium potato, cooked chicken, half-and-half or whole milk, and wide egg noodles or another type of dry pasta. Fresh thyme leaves can be added as a garnish for extra flavor.

Can I make creamy chicken noodle soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can prepare this soup in a slow cooker. Start by cooking the butter, vegetables, and flour together on the stovetop. Then transfer the mixture to a slow cooker, add chicken broth and potato, and cook on low for about 2 hours. After that, add the cooked chicken, half-and-half or milk, and noodles, and continue cooking on low for another hour until the noodles are tender.

How do I thicken creamy chicken noodle soup without using heavy cream?

The soup thickens naturally by cooking flour with the sautéed vegetables, which creates a roux that absorbs liquid. The potato in the broth also breaks down during cooking, adding creaminess and body. Using half-and-half or whole milk further thickens the soup. If you prefer, substitute heavy cream with extra potatoes or a bit more flour to maintain creaminess without adding too much richness.

Can I use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken in this soup?

Absolutely. Leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or shredded roasted or poached chicken breasts are perfect for this soup. Simply add the shredded or chopped chicken during the last stage of cooking to ensure it’s heated through without becoming dry.

How should I store and reheat leftover creamy chicken noodle soup?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. When reheating, warm it over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much after refrigeration, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it and restore the creamy consistency. For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 3 months and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe With Rich Broth And Tender Chicken

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups shredded cooked chicken for lean protein and hearty texture

8 oz egg noodles as the classic pasta element for comfort

4 cups chicken broth serving as the base for flavor and moisture

1 cup milk or unsweetened plant-based milk to achieve that creamy texture

1 cup diced carrots adding natural sweetness and nutrients

1 cup diced celery to enhance flavor and provide crunch

1 small onion, finely chopped as the aromatic foundation

2 cloves garlic, minced for depth of flavor

2 tbsp olive oil or butter to help sauté vegetables and add richness

Salt and pepper to taste for seasoning to balance flavors

Chickpeas or tofu for vegan

Gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles

Vegetable broth for low-calorie

unsalted butter

chopped yellow onion

sliced or diced carrots

sliced or diced celery

minced garlic cloves

all-purpose flour or cornstarch as a thickener

salt

fresh ground pepper

dried or fresh thyme

dried or fresh oregano

chicken broth (ideally reduced sodium)

peeled and diced medium potato

shredded or chopped cooked chicken (preferably rotisserie)

half-and-half or whole milk

wide egg noodles or other dry pasta

optional fresh thyme leaves for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1-First, gather and prepare all your ingredients like shredding the cooked chicken and chopping the vegetables. This ensures everything goes smoothly from start to finish.

2-Next, heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the onions, carrots, and celery for about 5-7 minutes until they soften. Add the garlic and cook for another minute to build that flavorful base, just as described in the recipe directions.

3-Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Add the shredded chicken and noodles, letting them cook for 8-10 minutes until the noodles are tender. For variations like gluten-free, simply substitute the noodles and adjust the time accordingly.

4-Lower the heat and stir in the milk or plant-based alternative, simmering for 5 more minutes to get that creamy consistency. Finally, season with salt and pepper, then serve hot with optional garnishes. This method, including melting unsalted butter and adding herbs like thyme and oregano, makes for a soup that’s both comforting and easy to customize.

Last Step:

Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.

Notes

🍗 Use cooked chicken seasoned with garlic and thyme for enhanced flavor.
🥛 Choose full-fat milk or half-and-half for best creaminess; nondairy milk can be used but will be less creamy.
🍋 Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten-Free option available

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 203
Protein: 20 grams