Chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food that warms both body and soul Whether you’re fighting a cold or just craving something cozy on a chilly day, knowing exactly how long to cook your chicken noodle soup on the stove can make all the difference between a mediocre meal and a bowl of perfection Let’s dive into everything you need to know to get that perfect soup every time!
The Basic Timeline for Chicken Noodle Soup
The ideal cooking time for chicken noodle soup on the stove typically ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours total, depending on your ingredients and method. However, this timeline breaks down into several stages:
- Preparation time: 15-25 minutes for chopping vegetables and prepping ingredients
- Initial cooking (with raw chicken): 20-30 minutes
- Simmering for flavor development: 1-2 hours
- Adding and cooking noodles: Final 7-15 minutes (depends on noodle type)
Let me walk you through the process in more detail so you’ll know exactly what to expect when making your next batch.
Cooking Times Based on Chicken Type
Your cooking time will vary significantly based on whether you’re starting with raw or pre-cooked chicken:
Raw Chicken Method
If using raw chicken (which gives the most flavor)
- Total cooking time: 2-3 hours
- Initial cooking: Bring broth to a boil, add raw chicken, reduce to simmer
- Chicken cooking time: 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (75°C)
- Simmering time: Additional 1-2 hours for flavor development
Pre-Cooked or Rotisserie Chicken Method
If using pre-cooked chicken:
- Total cooking time: 1.5-2 hours
- Initial cooking: Sauté vegetables, add broth and bring to boil
- Simmering time: 15-20 minutes after broth is boiling
- Additional simmering: 1+ hour for best flavor development
I usually go with the raw chicken method when I have time because it creates a richer broth, but using a rotisserie chicken is my go-to shortcut when I’m in a hurry!
The Noodle Timing Secret
Here’s where many home cooks go wrong! Adding noodles too early is the #1 reason for mushy soup The timing depends on your noodle type
- Egg noodles: Add during the last 7-10 minutes of cooking
- Regular pasta shapes (shells, ditalini): Add during last 10-15 minutes
- Whole wheat or gluten-free noodles: Follow package instructions, typically 8-12 minutes
For the best results, I always add my noodles at the very end of the cooking process. Nothing ruins a good soup faster than soggy, overcooked noodles!
How to Prevent Mushy Noodles in Your Soup
If you’re making a big batch or plan to have leftovers, consider these options to prevent noodle mushiness:
- Cook noodles separately and add to individual bowls when serving
- Slightly undercook noodles (they’ll continue cooking in the hot soup)
- Store soup and noodles separately in the refrigerator
- Use heartier noodle varieties that hold up better to extended cooking
My grandma always kept her noodles separate from the broth until serving time. I thought she was just being fussy, but turns out she was onto something!
Building Flavor: The Importance of Ingredients and Time
A truly delicious chicken noodle soup needs more than just proper cooking time—it needs quality ingredients and proper technique:
The Foundation: Mirepoix
Start with the classic aromatic base of:
- Diced onions
- Carrots
- Celery
Sauté these in butter or olive oil for 5-7 minutes before adding your broth to build a flavorful foundation.
The Broth Factor
Your broth makes or breaks your soup:
- Homemade bone broth: Provides richest flavor (can be made ahead)
- Store-bought broth: Choose low-sodium to control salt levels
- Bouillon cubes/powder: Convenient but watch sodium content
Herbs and Seasonings
Don’t forget to enhance with:
- Bay leaves (remove before serving)
- Fresh or dried thyme
- Parsley (add at end for brightness)
- Black pepper
- Salt (to taste)
- Optional: garlic, rosemary, or a pinch of turmeric
Step-by-Step Cooking Timeline
Here’s my foolproof timeline for perfect chicken noodle soup:
- 0:00-0:15 – Prep vegetables and ingredients
- 0:15-0:25 – Sauté mirepoix until slightly softened
- 0:25-0:30 – Add broth and bring to a boil
- 0:30-0:50 – Add raw chicken and simmer until cooked (skip if using pre-cooked)
- 0:50-1:00 – Remove chicken, shred or cube it, return to pot
- 1:00-2:30 – Simmer soup to develop flavors
- 2:30-2:45 – Add noodles and cook until just tender
- 2:45-3:00 – Add fresh herbs, adjust seasonings, and serve
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you’ve made a large batch of chicken noodle soup:
- Refrigerator storage: 3-4 days in airtight container
- Freezer storage: Up to 3 months (freeze without noodles for best results)
- Reheating: Gentle simmer on stovetop (don’t boil vigorously)
- Noodle tip: If freezing, slightly undercook noodles or freeze soup base without noodles
FAQ: Common Chicken Noodle Soup Questions
Can I cook chicken noodle soup longer than 3 hours?
While you can simmer the broth and vegetables longer for more flavor, extending beyond 3 hours may result in mushy vegetables. Never cook the noodles for that long!
What’s the best chicken cut for soup?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or a mix of dark and white meat provides the richest flavor. For leaner soup, chicken breast works fine but may become dry if overcooked.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! Add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. Be sure it reaches 165°F internal temperature before shredding.
How do I know when my soup is done?
Your soup is ready when the chicken is fully cooked, the vegetables are tender (but not mushy), and the noodles are al dente. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.
How can I thicken my soup if it’s too watery?
Remove a cup of broth, whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour, and return to the pot. Simmer until thickened. Alternatively, mash some of the vegetables to naturally thicken.
Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic timing, try these variations:
- Asian-inspired: Add ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and replace egg noodles with rice noodles
- Lemon-herb: Add lemon zest and juice at the end with extra fresh herbs
- Spicy kick: Include red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce
- Extra veggie: Add zucchini, corn, peas, or green beans (in the last 10 minutes)
Final Thoughts
The perfect chicken noodle soup is all about timing! Remember these key points:
- Total cook time: 1.5-3 hours (depending on method)
- Add noodles last: 7-15 minutes before serving
- Build flavor gradually: Through proper sautéing and simmering
- Prevent mushiness: By timing your noodles correctly
I’ve been making chicken noodle soup for years, and I still sometimes get distracted and add the noodles too early. When in doubt, err on the side of adding them later rather than sooner!
What’s your favorite chicken noodle soup trick? Do you have a special ingredient that takes your soup to the next level? Whatever your method, just remember that good soup, like many good things in life, takes time—but it’s always worth the wait!
“Nothing beats a nice hearty bowl of chicken noodle soup. It doesn’t get any simpler than that really. Love it.” — Jenn
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- Chicken Broth — I’ll always choose homemade chicken broth if I have it on hand, but there are some very good store-bought broths available.
- Cooked Chicken — This is a great recipe for using “planned-overs.” I often cook two when I’m doing roast chicken or purchase two rotisserie chickens with the specific intent of using one for this soup.
- Egg Noodles — Of course, you can use any width noodles you like. I just like the medium egg noodles. Feel free to substitute gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Vegetables — Onion, carrots, and celery provide the classic flavor profile you expect in chicken soup.
- Fresh Herbs — A few fresh herbs always add a little brightness!
The complete ingredient list with detailed measurements is included in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
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You can cook the soup a day in advance and refrigerate it. When making it ahead, I would cook the noodles separately and add them when I rewarmed the soup for serving.
Yes, substitute 1 teaspoon of dried parsley and ½ teaspoon of dried thyme for fresh.
