Easiest Chicken Noodle Soup

Total Time: 30 minutes

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

  • 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 pound ground chicken

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

  • 4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped

  • 1½ teaspoons ground coriander

  • ½ teaspoon celery seeds (optional)

  • 2 celery stalks, halved lengthwise, then sliced ½-inch thick

  • 1 large carrot, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes

  • 1 large shallot, finely chopped

  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves)

  • 7 to 8 cups chicken stock (adjust for desired consistency: 7 cups for a hearty stew-like soup, 8 cups for a lighter, brothy soup)

  • 8 ounces dried egg noodles (cavatelli, or alternative small pasta like orcchiette/pastina)

  • Garnishes: crème fraîche, chopped fresh parsley and dill, lemon zest

Instructions

Step 1: Cook Ground Chicken & Aromatics

In a large pot, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, season generously with salt and pepper, and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until lightly browned and crumbly, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic, ground coriander, and celery seeds (if using). Stir frequently and cook until the chicken is fully cooked through, about 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken to a small lidded bowl to retain moisture; cover and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables & Build the Broth

Add the celery, carrot, shallot, fresh thyme, and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil to the pot. Season with salt and pepper, then cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a boil over high heat.

Step 3: Cook Noodles & Finish the Soup

Add the dried noodles to the boiling broth. Cook over medium-high heat according to package directions until al dente (typically 7–10 minutes). If the noodles absorb excess liquid, add more broth to reach the desired consistency. Gently stir in the reserved chicken and any accumulated juices, then heat until warmed through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving

Divide the soup among warmed bowls. Top each portion with a spoonful of crème fraîche, a generous handful of torn fresh herbs (parsley and dill), and a light sprinkle of lemon zest for brightness.

Pro Tips (From User Feedback)

  • Noodle Texture: Add noodles to individual bowls first, then pour soup over. This prevents breakdown in leftovers.

  • Broth Depth: Substitute ground chicken with bone-in thighs/legs (3–4 pieces). Sauté for 30 minutes, then shred meat and return to the soup.

  • Pasta Alternatives: Use orcchiette, pastina, or acini di pepe if cavatelli is unavailable.

  • Spice Enhancement: For richer flavor, grind whole coriander seeds fresh (crush with a mortar and pestle).

User Comments

  • "Really look forward to trying this recipe! Just one note: I always leave the noodles on the side and plop them in the bowl first and pour soup over. I love leftovers and typically enjoy soup the next day but I hate when the noodles are left in there and breakdown. This method keeps it all still kinda 'fresh'."

  • "Adding thighs and legs on the bone, sautéing them first, will add much more depth to the broth. Just take out the chicken after its cooked for ½ hour, pull off the meat and add it back in to finish the soup."

  • "Our family loved this. We couldn't find cavatelli so used orcchiette instead. Sautéing the chicken added a really good depth of flavor, as did the coriander and celery seed. We added dill and lemon zest—just the right amount of savory lip-smacking goodness."

  • "This soup is so delicious and so easy. I have always been a traditional-cook-the-whole-chicken chicken soup maker, but I'm a convert now that I have found this one. The garlic and coriander give it so much flavor. And the fresh herbs make it so special. We use pastina or acini pasta...the tiny pasta is really fun. I've made this maybe four times in 2 months."

  • "Basic and good. Should have listened to the advice of [previous user] and kept noodles to the side. Next time."

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