Hearty Chicken No Noodle Soup – 1-Pot Comfort in 60 Minutes

Name: Hearty Chicken No Noodle Soup - 1-Pot Comfort in 60 Minutes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489441H10M21S
Total time: PT-489441H10M21S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs); 8 cups water; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 1 onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; 1 tbsp olive oil

By:

Christina R. Jones

October 31, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

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There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade chicken no noodle soup when you’re feeling under the weather or just need some comfort. This recipe has been my go-to for years – simple enough for busy weeknights but packed with so much flavor you won’t even miss the noodles. My grandma used to make this for me whenever I had a cold, and now I make it for my own family.

What I love most about this chicken no noodle soup is how nourishing it feels. You get all the cozy warmth of traditional chicken soup without the carb-heavy noodles weighing you down. Just tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a broth that’s rich with garlic and thyme. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone gather around the kitchen table, spoons ready.

The secret is letting the whole chicken simmer slowly – those bones give the broth incredible depth. After an hour, the meat practically falls off the bone. Trust me, once you try making chicken no noodle soup this way, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.

chicken no noodle soup - detail 1

Why You’ll Love This Chicken No Noodle Soup

This isn’t just any soup—it’s a hug in a bowl that happens to be ridiculously good for you. Here’s why it’s my forever favorite:

Healthy without trying: Packed with lean protein and veggies, it’s naturally low-carb and full of nutrients
Effortless to make: One pot, simple ingredients, and the stove does most of the work
Deep, cozy flavor: Simmering the whole chicken gives the broth incredible richness you can’t get from bouillon
Comfort food magic: Warm, soothing, and perfect for sick days or chilly nights

Honestly? The hardest part is waiting while your kitchen fills with that amazing smell.

Ingredients for Chicken No Noodle Soup

Gather these simple ingredients – you probably have most in your kitchen already! The magic happens when these humble items come together:

1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs) – bones in for maximum flavor
8 cups water – or swap half with chicken broth for extra richness
2 carrots, chopped into half-moons – about 1/4″ thick
2 celery stalks, chopped – include the leafy tops for more flavor
1 onion, diced – yellow or white work best
3 garlic cloves, minced – more if you’re fighting a cold!
1 tsp salt – I use kosher
1/2 tsp black pepper – freshly ground if you can
1 tsp dried thyme – or 1 tbsp fresh
1 bay leaf – don’t skip this flavor booster
1 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing those aromatic veggies

See? Nothing fancy – just real food that makes real good soup.

How to Make Chicken No Noodle Soup

Okay, let’s get cooking! This chicken no noodle soup comes together in one pot with minimal fuss. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have the most comforting bowl of soup in no time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté those aromatics: Heat your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the onions, carrots, and celery – you’ll know it’s ready when the onions turn translucent and your kitchen smells amazing (about 5 minutes). Stir in the garlic last so it doesn’t burn.
Add the chicken: Place your whole chicken right into the pot – yes, bones and all! This is where the magic happens. Pour in enough water to completely submerge the bird (about 8 cups). Don’t worry if some parts peek out at first – they’ll sink as they cook.
Season it right: Now toss in the salt, pepper, thyme, and that precious bay leaf. Give everything a gentle stir to distribute the seasonings.
Simmer to perfection: Bring the pot to a boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Set your timer for 1 hour – this slow cooking transforms tough chicken into fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
Shred the chicken: Carefully remove the chicken with tongs (it’ll be hot!) and let it cool slightly. Then get your hands in there – pull off all the meat and discard the bones. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Final simmer: Let everything mingle for another 10 minutes so the chicken absorbs all that delicious broth flavor.

Pro tip: Skim off any foam that rises to the top during cooking for clearer broth. And don’t rush the simmer – that hour makes all the difference!

Tips for Perfect Chicken No Noodle Soup

Want to take your soup to the next level? Here are my go-to tips:

Taste and adjust: Always check seasoning at the end—sometimes it needs an extra pinch of salt or pepper.
Skim the fat: Use a spoon to skim off any excess fat from the broth for a cleaner taste.
Fresh herbs: Swap dried thyme for fresh if you have it—it makes a world of difference.
Patience pays: Let it simmer low and slow—that’s where the magic happens!

Ingredient Substitutions & Notes

No whole chicken? No problem! Here’s how to adapt this chicken no noodle soup to what you’ve got:

Chicken swaps: Bone-in thighs work great (use 2-3 lbs), or leftover rotisserie chicken – just add the meat at the end.
Broth options: Use half water, half low-sodium chicken broth for deeper flavor, or veggie broth to keep it light.
Fresh herb magic: Out of thyme? Try rosemary or parsley instead – about 1 tbsp chopped fresh.
Garlic lovers: Add an extra clove or two if you’re fighting a cold (grandma’s trick!).

Remember – the bay leaf is non-negotiable in my book. It adds that elusive “something special” to the broth!

Serving Suggestions for Chicken No Noodle Soup

This soup is a meal all on its own, but here’s how I love to round it out:

Crusty bread: A warm baguette or sourdough for dipping – total comfort food perfection
Simple green salad: Something bright and crisp to balance the soup’s richness
Garnish game: Fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon, or grated Parmesan take it next-level

Sometimes I just grab a spoon and dig in—it’s that good!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

This chicken no noodle soup keeps beautifully! Here’s how to store it right:

Fridge: Let it cool first, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 days
Freezer: Portion into freezer bags (lay flat to save space) – it’ll keep for 1 month
Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first

Little secret? The flavors get even better the next day as everything marries together. Just add a splash of water when reheating if the broth seems too thick.

Nutritional Information

While I’m no dietitian, I can tell you this chicken no noodle soup is packed with good-for-you ingredients. The nutrition will vary depending on your exact ingredients and brands, but here’s the general idea per serving:

Calories: Around 220 – perfect for a light but satisfying meal
Protein: About 28g from that delicious chicken
Fat: Roughly 8g (mostly the good kind!)
Carbs: Just 6g – all from the veggies

What I love is how nutrient-dense it is – you’re getting vitamins from the carrots, celery, and onions, plus all that collagen from simmering the bones. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel nourished from the inside out.

Remember, these are estimates – your soup might be slightly different depending on how much chicken you use or if you tweak the recipe. But one thing’s for sure – it’s way healthier than anything from a can!

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about chicken no noodle soup? I’ve got answers! Here are the ones I hear most often from friends trying this recipe for the first time.

Can I Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?

Absolutely! My lazy Sunday version: Sauté the veggies in a pan first (that caramelization adds so much flavor), then dump everything into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours until the chicken falls apart. The broth won’t be quite as rich as the stovetop method, but it’s still delicious when you’re short on time.

Is This Soup Gluten-Free?

Yes! This chicken no noodle soup is naturally gluten-free since we’re not using any flour or noodles. Just double-check your broth if using store-bought – some brands add sneaky thickeners. As written, this recipe is safe for gluten-free diets and celiacs.

How Can I Add More Flavor?

Oh, I love playing with flavors! Try these easy boosts:

Toss in a Parmesan rind while simmering (fish it out before serving)
Squeeze fresh lemon juice at the end for brightness
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat
Throw in extra fresh herbs like parsley or dill

The possibilities are endless – make it your own!

Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead?

You can, but the broth won’t be as rich. Bone-in, skin-on chicken gives the best flavor. If using breasts, add a tablespoon of gelatin to mimic that silky mouthfeel you get from simmering bones. And don’t overcook them – about 30 minutes should do.

How Do I Make the Broth Clearer?

Two tricks: First, skim off any foam that rises during the first 15 minutes of simmering. Second, avoid boiling vigorously – a gentle simmer keeps the broth clear. If it’s still cloudy, don’t sweat it – the flavor’s what counts! My grandma always said cloudy broth just means it’s extra nourishing.