This Mary Berry Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is a comforting and hearty recipe, which is made with tender chicken and egg noodles. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 2 hours.
Mary Berry Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broth:
- 1 medium whole chicken (about 1.5kg / 3.5lb)
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 1 large onion, peeled and quartered
- 2 bay leaves
- 8-10 black peppercorns
- 2.5 litres (4.5 pints) cold water
For the Soup:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 200g (7oz) dried egg noodles (medium or fine)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
How To Make Mary Berry Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Make the Chicken and Broth: Place the whole chicken, roughly chopped carrots, celery, quartered onion, bay leaves, and peppercorns into a large stockpot or saucepan. Pour in the cold water. Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface. Partially cover and let it simmer for 1.5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred the Chicken and Strain the Broth: Carefully lift the cooked chicken out of the pot and place it on a board to cool. Once cool enough to handle, remove the skin and bones, and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Set the shredded chicken aside. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl or clean pan, discarding the cooked vegetables and aromatics.
- Sauté the Soup Vegetables: In the now-empty stockpot, heat the olive oil over a medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 8-10 minutes until softened but not browned.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the strained chicken broth into the pot with the softened vegetables. Bring back to a simmer. Add the reserved shredded chicken and cook for 5 minutes to heat it through.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the simmering soup. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or according to the packet instructions, until the noodles are tender.
- Finish and Serve: Stir the chopped fresh parsley into the soup. Taste and season generously with salt and pepper. Ladle into warm bowls and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips
- How to get a really clear broth? The key is to start with cold water and to skim any grey foam (impurities) that rises to the surface as it first comes to a simmer. A gentle, slow simmer, rather than a rolling boil, also helps keep the broth clear.
- What are the best noodles for chicken soup? Classic dried egg noodles are the best choice. They have a firm texture that holds up well in the soup without becoming mushy too quickly.
- Can I use leftover chicken? Yes, this is a great way to use up leftover roast chicken. Simply skip the first two steps and use 2 litres of good-quality store-bought chicken stock instead. Sauté the vegetables, add the stock and shredded chicken, and then cook the noodles.
- How can I boost the flavour? For a richer flavour, use a good-quality chicken. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh dill at the end can also brighten up the final taste of the soup.
What To Serve With Chicken Noodle Soup
This is a hearty one-bowl meal, but it pairs wonderfully with simple sides.
- Warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls with butter
- Simple saltine or oyster crackers
- A classic cheese toastie for dipping
- A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette
How To Store Chicken Noodle Soup
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be aware that the noodles will continue to absorb the broth and will become much softer. Freeze: For the best texture, it’s recommended to freeze the soup without the noodles. Let the soup cool completely, then freeze it in portions. When ready to eat, thaw, bring to a simmer, and cook a fresh batch of noodles directly in the soup.
Mary Berry Chicken Noodle Soup Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1 bowl (of 6)
- Calories: 420kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
A cloudy broth is usually caused by boiling the chicken too rapidly. To keep it clear, maintain a very gentle simmer and make sure to skim off any foam that appears in the first few minutes of cooking.
Yes, you can. Cooking the noodles in a separate pot of salted water and adding them to individual bowls before ladling over the soup will prevent them from absorbing all the broth and becoming mushy in leftovers.
Using a whole chicken, including the bones and skin, is the secret to a rich, flavourful, and gelatinous broth. Roasting the chicken bones before simmering can also add another layer of deep flavour.
Try More Recipes:
- Mary Berry Mediterranean Chicken Thighs with Chorizo Recipe
- Mary Berry Dijon Chicken Recipe
- Mary Berry Chicken Liver Pâté Recipe

Mary Berry Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Description
A timeless and comforting bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup, featuring a rich, clear broth, tender shredded chicken, classic vegetables, and soft egg noodles.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the whole chicken, rough-chopped veg, bay leaves, and peppercorns in a large pot. Cover with water and simmer gently for 1.5 hours, skimming the surface initially.
- Remove the chicken, let it cool, then shred the meat. Strain the broth through a fine sieve.
- In the same pot, sauté the diced onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil for 10 minutes until soft.
- Pour the strained broth back into the pot with the vegetables and add the shredded chicken. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the egg noodles and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until tender.
- Stir in the fresh parsley and season generously with salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
- Skimming the foam from the broth at the beginning is key to a clear, beautiful soup.
- For the best flavour, use a whole chicken to make your own stock from scratch.
- The noodles will continue to absorb liquid, so if you plan on having leftovers, consider cooking them separately.
- A final seasoning of fresh parsley and black pepper right at the end brightens the whole dish.