Soups & Stews

Chicken And Udon Noodle Soup

Name: Chicken And Udon Noodle Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, boneless; 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, peeled and sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 4 cups (1L) chicken broth; 2 cups (475ml) water; 1 tsp (5g) dried thyme; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper; 8 oz (225g) udon noodles

By Theo Calloway · June 19, 2026 · Soups & Stews

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves4

There's something comforting about a warm, steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup, and my Chicken And Udon Noodle Soup recipe takes this classic to the next level with the addition of springy udon noodles and a rich, savory broth. As a busy home cook, I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are easy to make, delicious, and satisfying, and this soup checks all those boxes.

I remember making this soup for my family on a chilly winter evening, and it was a huge hit. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful broth, and chewy noodles was a perfect way to warm up and cozy up together. Since then, it's become a staple in our household, and I'm excited to share it with you.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch, and it's also a great way to use up any leftover chicken or vegetables you have on hand. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, so you can have a delicious, homemade meal on the table in no time.

One of the things I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can customize it to your taste by adding your favorite vegetables, herbs, or spices. And if you're looking for a vegetarian or vegan version, you can easily substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use a plant-based broth.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to make a delicious and satisfying Chicken And Udon Noodle Soup that's perfect for any occasion. From the initial prep work to the final garnish, I'll provide you with all the tips and tricks you need to create a truly exceptional dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
The combination of tender chicken, flavorful broth, and chewy noodles is a perfect way to warm up and cozy up on a chilly day.
This recipe is highly customizable, so you can add your favorite vegetables, herbs, or spices to make it your own.
The udon noodles add a delightful texture and chewiness to the soup, making it a pleasure to eat.
This recipe is a great way to use up any leftover chicken or vegetables you have on hand, reducing food waste and saving you money.
The broth is rich and savory, making it a perfect base for other soups or stews.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great chicken noodle soup is in the layers of flavor, and this recipe delivers. By sautéing the aromatics in butter and then simmering the chicken and noodles in a rich, savory broth, we create a depth of flavor that's hard to resist. The udon noodles add a delightful texture and chewiness to the soup, making it a pleasure to eat.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of proper cooking techniques. By cooking the chicken to the right temperature and then letting it rest, we ensure that it stays tender and juicy. And by using a combination of chicken broth and water, we create a broth that's both flavorful and clear.

Finally, the seasoning in this recipe is carefully balanced to bring out the best flavors in the ingredients. By using a combination of salt, pepper, and herbs, we add a brightness and depth to the soup that elevates it to the next level.

Overall, this recipe works because it combines simple, accessible ingredients with proper cooking techniques and a focus on layering flavors. The result is a dish that's both comforting and delicious, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Chicken And Udon Noodle Soup, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including chicken, udon noodles, and a variety of aromatics. Be sure to choose high-quality ingredients, such as fresh vegetables and herbs, to get the best flavor out of your soup.

When shopping for ingredients, look for chicken that's fresh and has no added preservatives or hormones. You can also use leftover chicken or turkey if you have it on hand. For the udon noodles, choose a high-quality brand that's made with simple ingredients and has no added preservatives or flavorings.

1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, bonelessBoneless chicken thighs are a great choice for this recipe because they're easy to cook and stay tender and juicy. Look for chicken that's fresh and has no added preservatives or hormones.
2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butterUnsalted butter is a great choice for this recipe because it adds a rich, creamy flavor to the soup without adding extra salt. You can also use salted butter if you prefer, just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
1 medium onion, dicedA medium onion is a great size for this recipe because it adds a sweet, caramelized flavor to the soup without overpowering the other ingredients. Look for an onion that's fresh and has no signs of sprouting or mold.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a great addition to this recipe because it adds a pungent, savory flavor to the soup. Look for garlic that's fresh and has no signs of sprouting or mold, and be sure to mince it finely so it cooks evenly.
2 carrots, peeled and slicedCarrots are a great addition to this recipe because they add a sweet, crunchy texture to the soup. Look for carrots that are fresh and have no signs of sprouting or mold, and be sure to slice them thinly so they cook evenly.
2 celery stalks, slicedCelery is a great addition to this recipe because it adds a fresh, herbal flavor to the soup. Look for celery that's fresh and has no signs of sprouting or mold, and be sure to slice it thinly so it cooks evenly.
4 cups (1L) chicken brothChicken broth is a great choice for this recipe because it adds a rich, savory flavor to the soup. Look for a high-quality broth that's made with simple ingredients and has no added preservatives or flavorings.
2 cups (475ml) waterWater is a great addition to this recipe because it helps to thin out the broth and add moisture to the soup. Use fresh, cold water for the best flavor.
1 tsp (5g) dried thymeThyme is a great addition to this recipe because it adds a savory, herbal flavor to the soup. Look for high-quality thyme that's fresh and has no signs of sprouting or mold.
1/2 tsp (2g) saltSalt is a great addition to this recipe because it helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients. Use a high-quality salt that's fresh and has no added preservatives or flavorings.
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperBlack pepper is a great addition to this recipe because it adds a sharp, savory flavor to the soup. Look for high-quality pepper that's fresh and has no signs of sprouting or mold.
8 oz (225g) udon noodlesUdon noodles are a great choice for this recipe because they're chewy and fun to eat. Look for a high-quality brand that's made with simple ingredients and has no added preservatives or flavorings.

Ingredients for Chicken And Udon Noodle Soup

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy pot or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerWooden spoon or silicone spatula

How to Make Chicken And Udon Noodle Soup

1
In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3
Add the sliced carrots and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until they're tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Add the chicken broth, water, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
5
Add the chicken thighs to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until they reach an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C), about 15-20 minutes.
6
While the chicken is cooking, cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
7
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
8
Add the cooked noodles to the pot and stir to combine with the broth and vegetables.
9
Add the sliced chicken back to the pot and stir to combine with the noodles and broth.
10
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or thyme if desired.
11
Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese, if desired.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh vegetables and herbs, to get the best flavor out of your soup.
Don't overcook the chicken or noodles, as this can make them tough and unappetizing.
Let the soup rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, as this allows the flavors to meld together and the soup to cool slightly.
Experiment with different spices and herbs to add unique flavors to your soup.
Use leftover chicken or turkey to make the soup, as this can save time and reduce food waste.
Add other ingredients, such as diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms, to add more flavor and nutrition to the soup.
Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying and filling meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not cooking the chicken to the right internal temperature, which can result in undercooked or overcooked meat.
Overcooking the noodles, which can make them mushy and unappetizing.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can result in a bland or unflavorful soup.
Not letting the soup rest before serving, which can result in a lack of depth and complexity in the flavors.
Not adjusting the seasoning to taste, which can result in a soup that's too salty or too bland.
Not using a large enough pot, which can result in a soup that's too thick or too thin.

Variations and Substitutions

Add diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms to the soup for added flavor and nutrition.
Use leftover chicken or turkey to make the soup, as this can save time and reduce food waste.
Experiment with different spices and herbs, such as paprika or basil, to add unique flavors to the soup.
Add other ingredients, such as diced zucchini or sliced spinach, to add more flavor and nutrition to the soup.
Use a different type of noodle, such as rice noodles or egg noodles, to change the texture and flavor of the soup.
Add a splash of cream or coconut milk to the soup for a rich and creamy texture.
Use a different type of broth, such as beef or vegetable broth, to change the flavor and nutrition of the soup.

What to Serve With Chicken And Udon Noodle Soup

This Chicken And Udon Noodle Soup is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch, and it's also a great option for a special occasion or holiday meal. Serve it hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese, and accompanied by a side of crusty bread or crackers.

Some other options for serving this soup include adding a side of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. You could also serve the soup with a side of roasted chicken or turkey, or with a slice of warm bread and a pat of butter.

Crusty bread or crackersSteamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beansSimple green salad with a light vinaigretteRoasted chicken or turkeyWarm bread with a pat of butterChopped fresh herbs or grated cheese

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This Chicken And Udon Noodle Soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days, or frozen for up to 2-3 months. To store the soup in the refrigerator, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate.

To freeze the soup, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and freeze. When you're ready to reheat the soup, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and steaming.

It's also a good idea to label the container or bag with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of how long it's been stored. And be sure to reheat the soup to an internal temperature of at least 165 F (74 C) to ensure food safety.

One final tip for storing and reheating this soup is to add a splash of water or broth to the pot when reheating, as this can help to thin out the soup and add moisture. You can also add other ingredients, such as diced vegetables or cooked noodles, to add more flavor and nutrition to the soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of noodles should I use for this recipe?

Udon noodles are a great choice for this recipe because they're chewy and fun to eat. Look for a high-quality brand that's made with simple ingredients and has no added preservatives or flavorings.

Can I use leftover chicken or turkey for this recipe?

Yes, you can use leftover chicken or turkey for this recipe. Simply shred or chop the meat and add it to the pot with the other ingredients.

How long can I store this soup in the refrigerator or freezer?

This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days, or frozen for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to label the container or bag with the date and contents, and reheat the soup to an internal temperature of at least 165 F (74 C) to ensure food safety.

Can I add other ingredients to this soup to change the flavor and nutrition?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to this soup to change the flavor and nutrition. Some options include diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, diced zucchini, or chopped fresh herbs. Experiment with different combinations to find the one you like best.

What type of broth should I use for this recipe?

Chicken broth is a great choice for this recipe because it adds a rich, savory flavor to the soup. Look for a high-quality broth that's made with simple ingredients and has no added preservatives or flavorings.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Simply brown the chicken and cook the vegetables in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

How do I reheat this soup without drying it out?

To reheat this soup without drying it out, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and steaming. You can also add a splash of water or broth to the pot to help thin out the soup and add moisture.

Can I serve this soup at a special occasion or holiday meal?

Yes, this soup is perfect for a special occasion or holiday meal. Serve it hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese, and accompanied by a side of crusty bread or crackers.

The Full Recipe

Recipe Card