So Easy Chicken Noodle Soup For Kids

This easy soup is one that I’ve been making for my family for a few years and it’s become my oldest daughter’s favorite soup. I love it because there’s not a ton of chopping (and the veggie chopping can be done ahead of time if needed) and it’s fast. It ranks right up there with our beloved Alphabet Soup! Plus, it’s just one of those meals that’s so incredibly satisfying—especially when it’s chilly outside or someone is under the weather. I know that serving soup to kids can sometimes feel daunting since it’s inherently messier with the liquid in the mix, but there are so many ways to make small adjustments to make it easy for them to eat. You can simply serve their portion with less broth. And you can cut up the elements smaller with a pair of kitchen scissors. They can eat this with a spoon, a fork, or even their fingers. It’s all good! We usually have bread or cheese and crackers on the side, and top our bowls with a little grated Parmesan, but you could add one of my other flavor options too as you like. (You may also like my Chicken and Stars Soup, Turkey Noodle Soup, Macaroni Soup and Alphabet Soup recipes.)

Ingredients You Need

Here is a look at the ingredients that you need to get this recipe started so you know what you’ll need at the store:

Olive oil Garlic: You can peel and mince it with a knife or use jarred minced garlic. Diced celery: From about 4-5 celery ribs. Diced carrot: From about 4-5 medium carrots. Diced onion: From about one onion. I sometimes skip this since my kids don’t love tiny piece of onion, so that’s an option. Reduced-sodium chicken stock: You can use canned, cartons, or homemade stock as you prefer. Chicken: I typically use boneless, skinless chicken breast, but you can use another kind if you prefer. Egg noodles: These cook nicely in the broth and are super cozy. Salt to taste: This is optional and will depend on the flavor of your broth so taste and adjust as needed. Optional flavor additions: ¼ cup pesto, grated Parmesan to top, and/or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use a variety of types of chicken here according to what you have. I usually use chicken breast, but chicken tenders or chicken thighs work too. here. I prefer egg noodles in this recipe, but you can use a different type of small pasta like ditalini, ABC pasta, or mini elbows, which would have similar cooking times to the egg noodles. You can add extra flavor to the whole pot, or one bowl at a time, by stirring in pesto, fresh lemon juice, or grated Parmesan cheese.I have the salt to taste since the flavor of chicken broth can vary so widely. Skip the onion if your kids prefer. It still tastes great without it.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a look at how to make this Chicken Noodle Soup recipe so you know what to expect. Scroll down to the bottom of this post for the full information. TIP: If you prefer your soup with a lot of broth, you can simply add more broth or a little water.

How to Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in 30 second increments, stirring in between, in the microwave or in a pot on the stove. Add more broth or water when reheating as needed as the pasta will continue to absorb the liquid. My kids love this soup packed in a thermos for lunch at school the day after we make it. And I often saved a portion for my youngest to eat for lunch at home when he was one.

Best Tips for Success

You can use chicken breast, chicken tenders, or chicken thighs here. Whichever you go with, use boneless, skinless if possible (or trim them). I prefer egg noodles in this soup for kids, but you can use a different type of small shape pasta, such as ditalini, ABC pasta, or mini elbows, which would have similar cooking times. Add extra flavor to the whole pot or one bowl at a time by stirring in pesto, fresh lemon juice, or grated Parmesan cheese. I have the salt to taste since the flavor of chicken broth can vary so widely. Jarred Better than Bouillon is a handy backup option to keep on hand when you might not always have cartons of stock. Gluten-free: Choose a gluten-free noodle. Egg-free: Choose an egg-free noodle. To make this vegetarian, sub in two cans of drained and rinsed white beans for the chicken and use vegetable broth. You may also like Alphabet Soup, Extra-Veggie Minestrone, Broccoli Cheddar Soup, and my full list of Soup for Kids.