Costco Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

If you’ve ever walked through the aisles of Costco, you’ve probably come across their famous chicken noodle soup. It’s one of those items that always seems to fly off the shelves. Whether it’s cold outside, you’re under the weather, or you’re simply craving something warm and comforting, Costco’s chicken noodle soup hits all the right spots. What’s great about it is not just its hearty, satisfying nature, but also the fact that it’s relatively simple to recreate at home.

This recipe is designed to help you make your own version of Costco’s chicken noodle soup, packed with tender chicken, flavorful broth, and perfectly cooked noodles. Not only does it taste amazing, but you’ll be able to adjust it to your tastes, so it’s truly your own.

So, grab your apron and let’s get into the details of how you can whip up this comforting soup in your own kitchen!

Before we dive into the ingredients and cooking instructions, let’s take a quick look at what makes this chicken noodle soup so irresistible:

Rich, Savory Broth – The broth is a perfect balance of savory chicken flavors, complemented by a hint of herbs and spices.
Tender Chicken – The chicken in this soup is succulent, flavorful, and perfectly shredded to blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.
Al Dente Noodles – The noodles are the perfect texture, providing that comforting slurp without becoming too mushy.
Hearty Vegetables – Carrots and celery bring in crunch and freshness, adding layers of flavor to the overall dish.

Ingredients Needed

To recreate this mouthwatering soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast or Thighs – Chicken breast is often used in Costco’s soup, but thighs can be a great alternative if you want a richer, juicier flavor.
Egg Noodles – Choose wide egg noodles for a hearty bite that complements the soup. You can also use any type of pasta, but egg noodles are traditional and work best.
Carrots – Fresh, peeled carrots add a natural sweetness and texture to the soup.
Celery – Celery gives the soup a delightful crunch and earthy flavor that balances out the richness of the chicken.
Yellow Onion – Adds depth and sweetness to the broth.
Garlic – For that aromatic punch that makes the broth irresistible.
Chicken Broth – The base of the soup, so opt for a high-quality, low-sodium broth to control the salt content.
Bay Leaves – Adds a subtle herbal note to the broth.
Dried Thyme – A classic herb in chicken soup that pairs beautifully with the other flavors.
Salt & Pepper – For seasoning the soup to taste.
Olive Oil or Butter – For sautéing the vegetables and starting the soup base.
Lemon Juice (Optional) – A small amount of fresh lemon juice can brighten the soup and add a little zing if you like a citrusy finish.

Cooking Instructions

Now that we’ve gathered all the ingredients, let’s walk through the steps of making this comforting chicken noodle soup:

Prep The Ingredients
- Dice the carrots, celery, and onion into small pieces.
- Mince the garlic.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks if you’re using breast meat. If you prefer thighs, you can shred them after they cook.
Sauté The Vegetables
- In a large pot, heat up about 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or butter) over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add Broth And Seasoning
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add in the bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Cook The Chicken
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot and stir them into the broth. Let the chicken cook for 10-12 minutes, or until fully cooked through. If you’re using chicken breasts, you can shred them with a fork after they’re cooked.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend a portion of the broth, or use an immersion blender for a creamier result.
Add Noodles
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the egg noodles to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions (usually 7-10 minutes), ensuring the noodles are al dente.
Final Seasoning
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or thyme to enhance the flavors.
- For a fresh kick, add a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving.
Serve And Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal!

Ingredient Insights

Each of these ingredients plays an essential role in creating the perfect chicken noodle soup:

Chicken: Chicken breast is lean, but if you want a richer flavor, using chicken thighs is a great option. Chicken thighs contain more fat, making the soup slightly richer and more flavorful.
Noodles: Egg noodles are a classic choice for chicken noodle soup because of their soft, pillowy texture. They absorb the broth well without becoming soggy, which is key for a perfect bite.
Broth: Chicken broth is the backbone of the soup. Opt for low-sodium varieties so you can control the salt levels, and avoid broth that’s too salty to begin with.
Herbs & Spices: Bay leaves and thyme are traditional in many chicken soups because they infuse the broth with herbal complexity. Be sure to remove the bay leaves before serving, as they can be tough and inedible.

Expert Tips

If you want to elevate your soup and make it more like Costco’s delicious version, here are a few tips from the pros:

Homemade Broth: If you have time, homemade chicken broth will take the flavor to the next level. Roasting chicken parts before simmering can add a deep, rich taste to your broth.
Shredded Chicken: After cooking the chicken, shred it using two forks for a more rustic, satisfying texture. This mimics the way Costco’s chicken is shredded and mixed throughout the soup.
Noodle Tip: If you’re planning to have leftovers, cook the noodles separately and add them to the soup just before serving. This helps prevent them from becoming mushy if stored.
Make Ahead: The soup actually gets better after sitting for a day, so you can prepare it in advance and let the flavors meld in the fridge overnight. Just remember to add the noodles right before serving.

Recipe Variations

While the basic chicken noodle soup recipe is already comforting and delicious, you can experiment with different ingredients and flavors:

Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup: Add some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a little heat. You can also stir in some hot sauce for a zesty kick.
Creamy Version: Add a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream to make the soup extra creamy. This version would be more like a creamy chicken noodle chowder.
Herb-Infused: Swap out dried thyme for rosemary or sage for a more robust herbal profile. Fresh herbs can also add a nice, fragrant touch.
Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth, adding extra veggies like potatoes, parsnips, or peas to make it hearty and filling.

Final Words

Recreating Costco’s chicken noodle soup at home is more than just following a recipe-it’s about recreating that cozy, heartwarming experience that comes from a steaming bowl of delicious, homemade soup. From the rich broth to the perfectly cooked chicken and noodles, every spoonful is comforting and satisfying.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with the recipe, adjust the seasoning, or play with variations to make it your own. Whether you’re using it to ward off a cold, serve it at a family dinner, or enjoy it as a weekday lunch, this soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Costco Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe