If you take the time to make Chicken Noodle Soup from scratch, you’ll never make it any other way! My mom’s recipe is the best because she uses homemade stock and egg noodles that are easy to make. The end result is the BEST Chicken Noodle Soup youll ever have!.
My kids literally jump up and down with excitement whenever homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is on the menu, and rightfully so, because it is AMAZING! This is one of my go-to recipes to bring to friends or neighbors (along with a loaf of Artisan Bread) during the cooler seasons and its always a hit.
The Ultimate Guide to Seasoning Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food. With its simple ingredients of chicken, vegetables, noodles and broth, it’s easy to make but packed with flavor. However, the key to taking chicken noodle soup from basic to extraordinary lies in how you season it.
With the right mix of herbs, spices, and other flavor enhancers, you can turn plain chicken soup into a delicious meal. But there are so many choices, how do you know where to begin? This complete guide will show you the best seasonings to make your chicken noodle soup more interesting.
The Foundation – Start with the Classics
Before we dive into creative spice blends, let’s cover the basics. There are a few staple seasonings that form the foundation of great chicken noodle soup:
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Salt and Pepper: Seasoning the broth is important for bringing out the flavor. Once the broth starts to simmer, add a good pinch or two of salt and pepper. Taste and make any necessary changes until the broth is well-seasoned.
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Bay Leaves – These woody leaves impart a subtle earthy aroma. Add 2-3 leaves to the broth.
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Thyme – A classic herb for chicken soup. Dried thyme adds an earthy, savory note. Use 1-2 teaspoons fresh or dried.
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Parsley – Brightens flavor. Chop 1/4 cup fresh parsley and add toward the end.
Once you’ve added these fundamentals, it’s time to layer on more spices and herbs. Let’s look at the best options.
Warming Spices
Warm spices like cumin, ginger and turmeric add comforting flavor and aroma, perfect for cold weather.
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Turmeric – Adds earthy warmth and bright color. Use 1/4 teaspoon powdered.
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Ginger – Fresh ginger adds zip. Grate a 1″ knob and add to the broth.
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Cumin – A savory spice that complements chicken. Start with 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin.
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Chili Powder – Adds mild heat. Use sparingly at first, to taste.
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Curry Powder – Contains turmeric, ginger and other spices. Start with 1/2 teaspoon.
Fresh Herbs
Dried herbs can’t compare to the bright, fragrant flavor of fresh herbs. Add these in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
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Dill – Delicate and grassy flavor. Chop 2 tablespoons fresh dill.
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Chives – Subtle onion and garlic notes. Snip 1-2 tablespoons fresh chives.
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Cilantro – Bright, citrusy flavor. Roughly chop 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves.
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Basil – Sweet, peppery taste. Tear 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves before adding.
Savory Depth
These herbs and spices add savory depth and complexity.
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Oregano – Earthy flavor. Use 1 teaspoon dried or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped oregano.
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Marjoram – Similar to oregano but more delicate. Use 1 teaspoon dried or 1 tablespoon fresh.
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Rosemary – Piney, woodsy taste. Use sparingly, 1/2 teaspoon dried or 1 teaspoon fresh chopped.
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Sage – Warm, slightly bitter flavor. Use 1/2 teaspoon rubbed or ground dried sage.
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Garlic & Onion Powder – Add savory background notes. Use 1/4 teaspoon each.
Smoked Paprika
A special seasoning that adds sweet smokiness, similar to bacon. Use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of smoked Spanish paprika.
Fresh Veggies
Don’t forget fresh aromatic veggies! This soup base adds tons of flavor:
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Onion – Diced yellow or white onion.
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Carrots – Peeled and sliced carrots.
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Celery – Diced celery stalks.
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Garlic – Minced or pressed garlic cloves.
Simmer the veggies in broth for 30 mins to infuse flavor before adding the chicken.
Putting it All Together
Now let’s talk technique. Here are tips for balancing and combining seasonings:
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Start with the essentials – Salt, pepper, bay leaves, thyme.
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Add warming spices next. Bloom them briefly in oil before adding broth.
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Use fresh herbs right at the end to preserve their vibrancy.
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Taste frequently and adjust seasonings as needed.
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Don’t go overboard. Stick to 1-3 spices and herbs at first before adding more.
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Consider how you seasoned the chicken pieces. If using rotisserie chicken, go lighter on seasonings.
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Allow flavors to mingle for maximum impact.
With these tips in mind, here are some of my favorite seasoning combos:
[Table with columns for Spice Combos, Ingredients, and Notes]
| Spice Combos | Ingredients | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Comfort | Thyme, rosemary, sage, garlic powder, onion powder, bay leaves | Perfect traditional flavor |
| Warm & Savory | Cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic | Smoky and robust |
| Fresh & Herby | Chives, dill, parsley, lemon zest | Bright and refreshing |
| Tex-Mex Twist | Chili powder, cumin, cilantro, lime | Southwestern kick |
| Ginger Lemon | Ginger, lemon zest, garlic, parsley | Ginger adds warmth |
The options are endless when seasoning chicken noodle soup. Start with the basics, layer on aromatics, herbs and spices, and taste frequently. With a little creativity, you can take chicken noodle soup from bland to spectacular.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Noodle Soup Seasonings
- What is the most essential seasoning for chicken noodle soup?
The two most important seasonings to start with are salt and pepper. Properly seasoning the broth is crucial for bringing out the savory flavor.
- When should I add seasonings to the soup?
Add dried herbs and spices once the aromatic veggies start to soften, about 5 minutes into cooking. This allows them to bloom and release their flavors. Save fresh herbs for the end.
- How much seasoning should I add?
Start with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of dried herbs and spices per batch of soup. Add 1-2 tablespoons of fresh herbs. Taste frequently and adjust to your preferences.
- My soup tastes bland. How can I fix it?
Try adding more salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder or a splash of lemon juice to brighten it up. Umami seasonings like Worcestershire or fish sauce also pump up flavor.
- I added too much of one spice. What should I do?
You can try adding more broth or water to dilute the flavor. For next time, start with less and add more to taste. Removing a spice once it’s added is very difficult.
- What herbs go well with lemon in chicken noodle soup?
Lemon pairs nicely with bright herbs like parsley, dill, chives, basil and tarragon. Lemon zest also adds great citrusy flavor.
- Can I use pre-made spice blends instead of individual spices?
Yes, spice blends like poultry seasoning or Italian seasoning provide an easy shortcut. Just check the ingredients to ensure it fits your flavor profile.
- How should I store leftover fresh and dried herbs?
Store dried herbs in airtight containers in a cool, dark place. Wrap fresh herb stems in damp paper towels and store in the crisper drawer of the fridge.
Amp up the flavor of your chicken noodle soup with the creative use of herbs, spices and seasonings. Follow these tips and guidelines to take your soup from basic to gourmet.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup:
Make Homemade Chicken Stock ahead of time using a rotisserie chicken, or choose a good brand of store-bought chicken stock.
Sauté veggies. Add butter, diced celery and carrots to a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Sauté for 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add chicken stock or broth. Add salt, pepper, and a small amount of rosemary, thyme, and crushed red pepper to the broth. Make sure you TASTE the broth before adding more salt. I may add another small spoonful of “better than bullion” chicken or chicken bouillon powder as well, if needed, to taste.
Add noodles and boil. Once boiling, add noodles (either the uncooked homemade egg noodles, or dry store-bought pasta) and cook just until noodles are al dente. If using store-bought noodles, be cautious not to overcook them! Remove the soup pot from heat as soon as the noodles are just barely tender, as they will continue to cook off of the heat.
Add chicken. Add chicken meat from the rotisserie chicken. Taste the broth again and add more seasonings, if needed.
Serve. This healthy soup goes great with this easy no-knead bread or rolls I make myself. If you like this recipe, check out my new chicken and dumpling soup too!
About the Chicken Stock:
Before you decide whether to use store-bought or homemade chicken stock for this recipe, remember that homemade is always better! The key is to use a rotisserie chicken so that you can use the meat in the soup and make chicken broth with the bones and carcass. You wont believe how easy it is and it really takes the soup over top in terms of depth of flavor.
How To Make Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe – Natasha’s Kitchen
FAQ
What spices to put in chicken noodle soup?
If you want your chicken noodle soup to taste great, try adding thyme, bay leaf, parsley, garlic, and poultry seasoning.
What are good seasonings to put in soup?
Aside from salt, the typical dried seasonings would be black pepper (a small amount in soup goes far), oregano, bay leaves, thyme, and sage (not all at the same time). Fresh seasonings can include parsley, garlic, onion, and the celery that you dislike. If you like cilantro (aka coriander), you could try that as well.
How do I make my chicken soup more flavorful?
Sautéing aromatic vegetables, like onion, carrot, and celery then simmering them in the broth adds more flavor. Mar 11, 2025.
What can I add to chicken soup to make it tastier?
Veggies: I keep it simple with onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Thyme, Bay leaves and parsley: All three are classic flavors for chicken soup. Apr 21, 2025.