Mary Berry Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Mary Berry’s Chicken Noodle Soup is a warm, comforting bowl of nourishment perfect for chilly days or when you need a gentle, soothing meal. Made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and soft noodles simmered in a light, flavorful broth, it’s wholesome, satisfying, and easy to make from scratch.

This homemade soup brings together traditional British simplicity with a touch of rustic charm. Whether you’re cooking for family or recovering from a cold, this Mary Berry-inspired soup delivers both flavour and comfort in every spoonful.

What is Mary Berry Chicken Noodle Soup?

This soup combines shredded cooked chicken, vegetables, and noodles simmered in a rich, seasoned broth. It’s light yet hearty, using basic ingredients like carrots, celery, leeks, and herbs. Mary Berry’s version focuses on simple, natural flavours without unnecessary complexity—making it a timeless classic for everyday meals.

Other Popular Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry Marble Cake
• Mary Berry Drop Scones
• Mary Berry Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
• Mary Berry Dijon Chicken
• Mary Berry Mediterranean Chicken Thighs

Why This Recipe is Worth Trying

• Nutritious and comforting – Ideal for recovery or cold days.
• Quick and easy – Ready in under 40 minutes with simple ingredients.
• Family-friendly – Loved by adults and children alike.
• Customizable – Works well with any noodles or leftover chicken.
• Perfect make-ahead meal – Keeps beautifully in the fridge or freezer.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Chicken Noodle Soup

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery sticks, diced
• 1 medium leek, cleaned and sliced
• 1.5 litres chicken stock (homemade or low-sodium)
• 200g cooked shredded chicken (from roast or poached chicken)
• 120g egg noodles (or any thin noodles)
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or a sprig of fresh thyme)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedge, for serving (optional)

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Large soup pot or saucepan
• Sharp knife and chopping board
• Ladle
• Tongs or fork (for shredding chicken)
• Wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Sauté the vegetables

Heat olive oil or butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and leek. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.

Step 2: Add stock and herbs

Pour in the chicken stock, then add thyme and the bay leaf. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Add the chicken

Stir in the shredded chicken and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld.

Step 4: Add the noodles

Add the noodles to the pot and cook according to package instructions (usually 6–8 minutes) until tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Season and serve

Remove the bay leaf. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve with a wedge of lemon for brightness.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Noodles too soft – Added them just before serving next time.
• Soup too bland – Used homemade stock and a splash of lemon juice to lift the flavour.
• Vegetables undercooked – Allowed more simmering time before adding noodles.

Healthier Ways to Make Mary Berry Chicken Noodle Soup

• Use whole wheat noodles for added fibre.
• Replace butter with olive oil for a lighter option.
• Add extra greens like spinach or kale.
• Use skinless chicken breast for lower fat content.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Chicken Noodle Soup

• Chicken → Turkey or leftover roast meat.
• Noodles → Rice noodles or small pasta shapes.
• Stock → Vegetable broth for a lighter version.
• Thyme → Mixed herbs or rosemary for aroma.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Chicken Noodle Soup

• Crusty bread – Perfect for dipping into the broth.
• Green salad – Adds freshness and balance.
• Cheese toasties – A classic, comforting combination.
• Roasted vegetables – For a more filling meal.
• Herb butter rolls – Add a soft, buttery complement.

Expert Tips for Chicken Noodle Soup Success

• Use good-quality stock – It forms the flavour foundation.
• Add noodles later – Prevents them from becoming mushy.
• Simmer gently – Keeps chicken tender and broth clear.
• Taste before serving – Adjust salt and lemon for perfect balance.
• Double the batch – It freezes wonderfully for busy days.

Creative Ways to Customize Chicken Noodle Soup

• Add chilli flakes for a little heat.
• Stir in cream or coconut milk for a richer texture.
• Add mushrooms or peas for extra depth.
• Use vermicelli noodles for a lighter variation.
• Sprinkle grated Parmesan for a savoury touch.

Storing Chicken Noodle Soup the Right Way

• Cool completely before refrigerating.
• Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• If freezing, omit noodles and add them fresh when reheating.

How to Reheat Chicken Noodle Soup (If Needed)

• Stovetop: Warm on medium heat until piping hot.
• Microwave: Heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• From frozen: Defrost overnight and reheat gently on the stove.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~310 kcal
• Protein: 28 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fat: 10 g
• Fibre: 3 g
• Sodium: 480 mg

Print

FAQs

How do you keep noodles from getting soggy in chicken noodle soup?

To prevent soggy noodles, cook them separately and add them to the soup just before serving. This keeps the noodles firm and stops them from soaking up too much broth while stored.

Can I use leftover chicken for this soup?

Yes, leftover roast or poached chicken works perfectly. Simply shred it into bite-sized pieces and add it during the final few minutes of cooking so it heats through without drying out.

What vegetables work best in chicken noodle soup?

Classic options include carrots, celery, and leeks. You can also add peas, spinach, or sweetcorn for extra colour and nutrients without overpowering the flavour of the chicken broth.

How can I make chicken noodle soup more flavorful?

Use homemade chicken stock or a quality low-sodium broth as the base. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley brightens the soup and enhances its depth.

Wrapping It Up

Mary Berry’s Chicken Noodle Soup is comfort in a bowl — simple, nourishing, and heart-warming. Its balance of tender chicken, soft noodles, and aromatic broth makes it the perfect meal for any season. This easy one-pot recipe is not only delicious but also a wonderful reminder that the best dishes are often the simplest ones.