Lucy M. There’s a reason grandmothers around the world have sworn by chicken noodle soup for generations. It’s more than just food; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a remedy for sniffles, and the ultimate comfort when life feels overwhelming.
Mary Berry Chicken Noodle Soup captures this timeless magic perfectly, combining tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and silky noodles in a golden broth that seems to heal everything it touches. Mary Berry, Britain’s beloved baking queen, understands that the best recipes are often the simplest ones. Her approach to this classic soup strips away complexity while preserving every ounce of soul-warming goodness.
Whether you’re battling a cold, seeking comfort on a rainy afternoon, or simply craving something that tastes like home, this recipe delivers exactly what you need in under an hour.
Why You’ll Love this Chicken Noodle Soup
There’s a kind of alchemy that happens when you make chicken noodle soup from scratch. Simple things like chicken, carrots, celery, and noodles gather in your pot and slowly become something that feels like a hug. The warmth reaches you before the first spoonful ever does.
Each piece of chicken falls apart with barely a touch, the vegetables have drunk in all that golden richness, and the noodles taste the way noodles should taste, not like their pale canned cousins. The broth itself glows like liquid sunshine, savory and soul-satisfying.
What I treasure about this soup is its honesty. No cream hiding behind the flavors, no clever tricks or time-saving gimmicks. Just real cooking that fills your kitchen with the most wonderful aroma and leaves you feeling just a little bit more whole.
Craving more comforting dinner ideas? Our Spiced Meatballs are another crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for cozy family meals and entertaining guests any season.
What Ingredients are in Chicken Noodle Soup?
The beauty of homemade chicken noodle soup lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and creating that comforting bowl you crave. The recipe relies on quality basics that work together harmoniously: protein from the chicken, aromatic vegetables that form the foundation, and a good stock that ties everything together. When you understand what each component contributes, you’ll appreciate why this straightforward approach yields such exceptional results.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (500g) chicken thighs
- 1 lb (500g) carrots, sliced
- ½ head celery, chopped
- 1 small onion, peeled but left whole
- 2–3 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
- A few parsley sprigs
- 7¼ cups chicken stock
- Salt and black pepper
- 4 oz (125g) thin noodles
- Chopped fresh dill for garnish
When sourcing these ingredients, opt for the best quality you can access. Chicken thighs offer more flavor and moisture than breasts, making them ideal for soup. If possible, use homemade or high-quality store-bought chicken stock—this makes a noticeable difference in the final dish.
Fresh vegetables will yield better flavor than frozen alternatives, particularly for the aromatics. The garnish of fresh dill is optional but recommended, as it adds a bright, herbaceous note that elevates the entire soup.
How to Make this Chicken Noodle Soup
- Begin by combining 1 lb (500g) chicken thighs, 1 lb (500g) sliced carrots, ½ head chopped celery, 1 small whole onion, 2–3 coarsely chopped garlic cloves, and a few parsley sprigs in a large saucepan.
- Pour in 7¼ cups of chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, use a slotted spoon to skim off any foam that rises to the surface—this step is indispensable for achieving a clear, clean-tasting broth.
- Lower the heat, season with salt and black pepper to taste, then cover the pan and simmer gently for 30 minutes. During cooking, skim any accumulated fat from the surface of the soup to keep it light and flavorful.
- After the initial 30-minute simmer, use a slotted spoon to remove the parsley sprigs, whole onion, and chicken thighs from the pot and set them aside.
- Discard the parsley, then chop the onion into bite-sized pieces and shred the chicken meat, discarding the skin and bones. These components will be returned to the soup later.
- Break 4 oz (125g) of thin noodles into 2-inch (5cm) pieces and add them directly to the simmering broth.
- Bring the soup back to a boil, cover, and simmer for approximately 10 minutes or until the noodles are tender.
- Once the noodles have reached the desired tenderness, return the chopped onion and shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
- Allow the soup to heat through for a minute or two before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with chopped fresh dill to add a bright, herbaceous finish that complements the rich, savory broth and tender ingredients.
Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Begin by combining 1 lb (500g) chicken thighs, 1 lb (500g) sliced carrots, ½ head chopped celery, 1 small whole onion, 2–3 coarsely chopped garlic cloves, and a few parsley sprigs in a large saucepan.
- Pour in 7¼ cups of chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, use a slotted spoon to skim off any foam that rises to the surface—this step is indispensable for achieving a clear, clean-tasting broth.
- Lower the heat, season with salt and black pepper to taste, then cover the pan and simmer gently for 30 minutes. During cooking, skim any accumulated fat from the surface of the soup to keep it light and flavorful.
- After the initial 30-minute simmer, use a slotted spoon to remove the parsley sprigs, whole onion, and chicken thighs from the pot and set them aside.
- Discard the parsley, then chop the onion into bite-sized pieces and shred the chicken meat, discarding the skin and bones. These components will be returned to the soup later.
- Break 4 oz (125g) of thin noodles into 2-inch (5cm) pieces and add them directly to the simmering broth.
- Bring the soup back to a boil, cover, and simmer for approximately 10 minutes or until the noodles are tender.
- Once the noodles have reached the desired tenderness, return the chopped onion and shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
- Allow the soup to heat through for a minute or two before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with chopped fresh dill to add a bright, herbaceous finish that complements the rich, savory broth and tender ingredients.
Notes
Health Benefits of Mary Berry Chicken Noodle Soup
Mary Berry chicken noodle soup is incredibly nourishing and healing. The chicken provides lean protein that supports muscle repair and immune function, while the rich homemade broth contains beneficial minerals and collagen that aid digestion and joint health. Carrots deliver vitamin A for eye health and immunity, while celery offers anti-inflammatory properties and essential nutrients. The warm broth helps clear congestion and keeps you hydrated, making it perfect when fighting colds. Garlic and onions boost your immune system with natural antibiotics. This comforting soup is low in calories yet filling, providing balanced nutrition that supports overall wellness and recovery.Health Benefits of Mary Berry Chicken Noodle Soup
Mary Berry chicken noodle soup is incredibly nourishing and healing. The chicken provides lean protein that supports muscle repair and immune function, while the rich homemade broth contains beneficial minerals and collagen that aid digestion and joint health.
Carrots deliver vitamin A for eye health and immunity, while celery offers anti-inflammatory properties and essential nutrients. The warm broth helps clear congestion and keeps you hydrated, making it perfect when fighting colds.
Garlic and onions boost your immune system with natural antibiotics. This comforting soup is low in calories yet filling, providing balanced nutrition that supports overall wellness and recovery.
Chicken Noodle Soup Substitutions and Variations
Want to shake things up with your soup without ditching that cozy, comforting vibe? I’d swap the chicken thighs for rotisserie chicken if I’m short on time, though you’ll lose some depth. Turkey works beautifully too, lending a slightly different flavor profile. Noodle-wise, I might try egg noodles, pasta shells, or even rice for something different.
Feeling adventurous? Toss in diced potatoes, green beans, or corn. Fresh herbs matter here—I’d experiment with thyme or tarragon instead of dill. Want creamier results? A splash of heavy cream transforms everything. The stock itself deserves attention; I’d consider vegetable or turkey stock for variety. Don’t overthink substitutions though. This soup’s forgiving nature means most swaps work beautifully.
What to Serve with Chicken Noodle Soup
How do you take a bowl of comfort and make it even better? Pair it with the right sides, honestly. I’d reach for crusty bread first—nothing beats dunking warm slices into that savory broth. A simple grilled cheese sandwich alongside transforms your soup into something almost fancy, though you’re basically eating comfort food’s dynamic duo.
Consider adding a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Oyster crackers work too, though they’re pretty basic. What really gets me excited is pairing this with roasted vegetables on the side—maybe some Brussels sprouts or roasted broccoli. The contrast between hot soup and those caramelized edges creates this interesting texture play.
Want something lighter? Skip the heavy sides and just serve crusty garlic bread.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely satisfying about ladling a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup—the kind you actually made yourself from scratch—and knowing exactly what went into it. You’ve got control over the sodium levels, the chicken quality, even how many noodles float around in there. No mysterious additives lurking in the background. This recipe delivers comfort without the guilt, and honestly, it’s not complicated enough to stress over. The ingredients are straightforward, the technique is forgiving, and the payoff is a warm, nourishing bowl that tastes like home. Whether you’re nursing a cold, feeding a crowd, or just craving something simple and delicious, this soup works. Make it your own, adjust seasonings to your taste, and enjoy.
