I Tried Five Chicken Noodle Soup Recipes—The Winner Was Pure Comfort

Chicken noodle soup is arguably the most comforting dish around. It's the go-to meal when we're feeling under the weather, the perfect remedy for chilly winter evenings, and the kind of food that feels like a warm hug. However, making it is no quick task; crafting the perfect soup takes time and careful attention to each ingredient. That’s why I decided to test five highly rated chicken noodle soup recipes from Dinogo to find the ultimate version. After all, if you're dedicating an hour or more to making soup, it should be worth every minute.

Which Chicken Noodle Soup Recipes Did I Test?

Five chicken noodle soup recipes were chosen for their popularity and rave reviews on Dinogo. Each recipe offers a unique twist on the classic, with different techniques and ingredients designed to bring out distinct flavors. Some use vegetable stock, others make homemade chicken broth, and a few rely on bouillon cubes for richness. What unites these recipes is their loyal following of readers who swear by them. The lineup includes a quick and simple soup ready in under an hour, a completely homemade version with fresh broth, one that uses leftover rotisserie chicken, a version that skips the carrots and adds extra broth, and another that swaps broth for bouillon cubes to deepen the flavor.

How I Evaluated the Chicken Noodle Soup Recipes

Each soup was prepared on the same day using the same ingredients whenever possible—no swapping premium celery for wilted stalks here. I stuck strictly to the recipes without making any modifications. To keep things fair, I enlisted a friend to help with the taste test, ensuring my personal preferences didn’t skew the results. After trying each soup, we both agreed on the winner, and it’s now my new go-to. Here’s what we discovered.

1. Perfect for Broth Lovers: Grandma's Chicken Noodle Soup

• Fast Facts: Developed by CORWYNN DARKHOLME, has 1,379 reviews with a 4.6-star rating
• Community Review: "Just perfect. Easy to make, and tastes great!" – Heather Bullard Turner

Some people prefer their chicken noodle soup packed with ingredients, while others love a big bowl of rich broth. If you're in the latter camp, this recipe is made for you. Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup features all the traditional add-ins but is more focused on the broth, calling for an impressive 12 cups of chicken stock. To thicken the broth, a cornstarch slurry is added, giving it a silky smooth texture. It's not thick enough to be noticeable, but it definitely has a velvety finish that sets it apart from the others.

If you're in need of a lighter chicken noodle soup to enjoy while under the weather, this recipe is a fantastic option. It’s light yet deeply nourishing. You can always start with less broth and add more as needed to adjust the thickness to your liking.

Find the recipe here: Grandma's Chicken Noodle Soup

2. Ideal for Those Who Prefer Less Broth: Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup

• Fast Facts: Developed by Michelle Molina, has 23 reviews with a 4.4-star rating
• Community Review: "Easy to make and loved the flavor from the oregano and Italian seasoning. Will definitely make it again!" – Nancy Fearon

If you like your chicken noodle soup packed with loads of add-ins and just enough broth to technically still be considered a soup, this is the recipe for you. It makes use of shredded rotisserie chicken, a brilliant way to elevate a store-bought staple. The chicken adds a rich, roasted flavor that gives the soup the depth of a dish that’s been simmering for hours. What sets this recipe apart is how little broth it uses—just 4 cups, compared to the 12 cups used in other recipes.

Keep in mind, the recipe allows for adjusting the amount of broth "to taste" if you prefer a more brothy soup. I recommend starting with the listed amount and adding more gradually to achieve your preferred consistency without overdoing it from the start.

Get the recipe here: Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup

3. Most Nostalgic Recipe: Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

• Fast Facts: Developed by marymerharhotmailcom, has 2,390 reviews with a 4.7-star rating
• Community Review: "I love this soup. Easy to make and tastes great." – Mary Ann Arsenault Stewart

For anyone who craves the taste of classic canned chicken noodle soup, this recipe hits all the right notes. It’s like the beloved version we grew up with, but elevated. The combination of vegetable broth, chicken broth, oregano, and basil brings out a nostalgic, comforting flavor that immediately takes you back to childhood, especially when you’re feeling a little under the weather.

This soup also comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it one of the fastest recipes I tried. The broth is light yet full of flavor, with just the right balance of add-ins.

Find the recipe here: Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

4. Perfect for a Relaxing Weekend Cook: Chef John's Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

• Fast Facts: Developed by Chef John, has 284 reviews with a 4.8-star rating
• Community Review: "We loved the soup, and the roasted chicken broth, as well. It is very comforting, and I will be making it again very soon!" – Rhonda Ran

Unlike the other recipes that use store-bought or bouillon-based stock, this one features a homemade roasted chicken broth that gives the soup a rich, layered flavor that takes it to an entirely new level.

In terms of flavor, this recipe shines with its savory depth and overall richness. It’s a more refined take on chicken noodle soup, designed to build layers of flavor over time, which means it’s not a quick fix. The homemade chicken broth requires several hours to make, so plan ahead if you want to give this recipe a try. I recommend preparing a large batch of stock in advance and freezing it so you can make this soup on a whim without dedicating hours to the process.

Find the recipe here: Chef John's Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

5. My All-Time Favorite Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe: Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

• Fast Facts: Developed by Sherry, has 783 reviews with a 4.7-star rating
• Allstar Review: "Great flavor with very little work. A perfect combination. This recipe is a keeper. Thank you!" – wamsmom

This recipe quickly became my favorite, not because it’s fancy or uses unusual ingredients, but because it embodies everything I envision when I think of classic chicken noodle soup: comforting, simple, and satisfying. It strikes the perfect balance between being brothy yet hearty, packed with a generous four cups of chicken, and it comes together in under an hour. A blend of bay leaves, marjoram, and parsley gives the broth a subtle herbal complexity, making it taste like it’s been simmering for hours.

Tip: The broth is made with nine chicken bouillon cubes, creating a deep, savory flavor. While I love the richness it adds, you can opt for reduced-sodium bouillon if you prefer a milder taste.

Find the recipe here: Chicken Noodle Soup