Mary Berry Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

This comforting chicken noodle soup is a classic, hearty dish that is both nourishing and deeply satisfying. Tender chicken, soft noodles, and a light yet flavourful broth come together beautifully for a bowl that feels like home. It is simple to prepare, making it ideal for beginners, and comes together in under an hour. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need something soothing and wholesome.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery sticks, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

For the Chicken and Broth

• 2 skinless chicken breasts
• 1.2 litres chicken stock
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Noodles and Finishing

• 100g egg noodles
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of half a lemon (optional)

How to Make Mary Berry Chicken Noodle Soup

• Prepare the base: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook gently for 5 to 7 minutes until softened but not browned.
• Add the garlic: Stir in the crushed garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Build the broth: Pour in the chicken stock and add the bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer.
• Cook the chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the pan. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
• Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the pan and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
• Add the noodles: Stir in the egg noodles and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until tender.
• Finish and season: Remove the bay leaf, season with salt and pepper, and stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice if using.
• Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.

Tips

How do I keep the chicken tender?

Simmer gently rather than boiling rapidly. This keeps the chicken soft and prevents it from becoming tough.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes, simply skip the cooking step and add shredded cooked chicken towards the end with the noodles.

How do I make the broth richer?

Use homemade stock if possible, or add a splash of cream or a knob of butter for extra richness.

What noodles work best?

Egg noodles are traditional, but you can use spaghetti broken into pieces or any small pasta.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with warm crusty bread or rolls
• Add a side of buttered toast for a simple meal
• Pair with a light green salad
• Top with extra fresh herbs for brightness

Storage

At Room Temperature

Allow the soup to cool slightly, but do not leave it out for more than 2 hours.

In the Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or stock if needed.

In the Freezer

Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze without noodles and add fresh ones when reheating.

Nutrition

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 26g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Sodium: 680mg

These values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs