I have to tell you, this Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup with Fresh Dill Recipe is one of those soul-comforting bowls that never disappoints. There’s something so satisfying about homemade chicken soup that’s rich and fragrant, with that fresh dill adding a subtle but unforgettable twist. Whether you’re nursing a cold, hosting friends, or just craving something cozy on a chilly day, this recipe always hits the spot.

What I love is how simple ingredients come together to create this deeply flavorful broth, packed with tender chicken and fresh veggies, and the bright, herby dill really lifts it in the best way. You’ll appreciate how straightforward it is, too, especially when you want something nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen. This Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup with Fresh Dill Recipe is definitely a keeper in my book.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this soup plays a special role — from the bone-in chicken that gives you that rich homemade broth, to the fresh dill that adds a burst of brightness. When shopping, look for fresh and vibrant veggies and real dill for the best results.

Small whole chicken bones and skin: These add incredible flavor and body to your broth; I usually save bones from a roast chicken in the freezer for soups.
Medium onion: Adds depth and sweetness; no need to chop—it all simmers and infuses the broth.
Carrots: Cut into 1-2 inch pieces; they sweeten the broth and hold up well during cooking.
Celery with leaves: Adds that classic soup aroma; don’t toss the leaves—they’re packed with flavor.
Fresh dill sprigs: The secret to this recipe’s fresh zing; add towards the end for the best flavor.
Chicken-style consomme or soup base: I use Osem brand, but any quality chicken base works; it strengthens the broth without extra effort.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning; I always taste as I go to get it just right.
Egg noodles: I prefer a pound of fresh or dried egg noodles; they soak up the broth perfectly without getting mushy too fast.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on what’s on hand or who I’m cooking for — feel free to make it your own! You can adjust the veggies, swap noodles, or tweak the herbs without losing that comforting vibe.

Variation: For a lighter version, I sometimes skip the chicken skin and use skinless chicken pieces instead — it still delivers plenty of flavor.
Variation: I’ve swapped egg noodles for gluten-free pasta for a friend’s dietary needs and it worked beautifully.
Variation: Adding a handful of chopped spinach or kale near the end is a great way to sneak in extra greens.
Variation: During colder months, I occasionally boost the warmth with a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of lemon juice for a bright finish.

How to Make Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup with Fresh Dill Recipe

Step 1: Build Your Flavorful Broth

Start by placing your chicken bones, whole onion, carrots, celery (with leaves), and fresh dill sprigs into a large stockpot. Cover with cold water — about 10 cups — and bring it slowly to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. I usually skim off any foam that rises to the top in the first 10 minutes to keep the broth clear and bright. Let it simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours; this slow cooking draws out that rich flavor we’re after.

Step 2: Add Seasoning and Consomme

Once your broth is beautifully fragrant and the veggies are tender, it’s time to stir in the chicken consomme (or your preferred soup base). This takes the flavor up a notch with minimal effort. Now, taste your broth and season generously with salt and freshly ground pepper. I usually do this in stages, tasting after each addition, to make sure the seasoning is spot-on and not overpowering.

Step 3: Cook Your Egg Noodles

Add the egg noodles straight into the simmering broth and cook them according to the package directions — often around 7-8 minutes for fresh noodles. I recommend testing the noodles a minute before they’re done because you want them tender but not mushy, especially if you plan to store leftovers. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking together.

How to Serve Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup with Fresh Dill Recipe

A white bowl filled with a warm soup showing three light beige dumplings in the center, surrounded by curly egg noodles with a pale yellow color, bright orange carrot slices, and shredded light-colored chicken pieces all in a clear broth. The bowl is set on a folded cloth with blue, white, and gray stripes, sitting on a white marbled surface. To the right of the bowl, several square saltine crackers with light brown spots are stacked on the cloth. Part of a black pot filled with more noodles is visible on the left, and a small white bowl with more dumplings sits behind the bowl on the same surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For me, a sprinkle of extra fresh dill right before serving amps that signature flavor and makes the soup feel fresh and vibrant. Sometimes I add a few cracks of black pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can also add creamy richness if you like.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this soup with crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping. A light side salad with vinaigrette is a nice way to balance the warm, hearty soup. If you want to treat yourself, some warm, buttery croissants work wonderfully too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I’ve served this soup in rustic bowls with sprigs of fresh dill on top and a small ramekin of chili flakes or grated Parmesan on the side. You could even use mini mason jars for individual portions — it feels special and makes leftovers easy to grab.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, but I’ve found the noodles tend to soak up all the broth after a day or two, so you might want to store extra noodles separately if you expect leftovers.

Freezing

Freezing works best if you store the broth and cooked chicken separately from the noodles. I freeze the broth in meal-sized portions, then add freshly cooked noodles when reheating. This way, you keep the soup’s texture fresh instead of ending up with mushy noodles.

Reheating

When reheating, gently warm the broth and chicken on the stove, then add freshly boiled noodles just before serving. This refreshes the noodles’ texture and brings everything back to that comforting, just-made taste. If you like, add an extra sprinkle of fresh dill at the end to revive the herbal notes.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of whole bones for this soup?

You certainly can! Using chicken breasts will reduce the cooking time, but keep in mind that the broth won’t be as rich or gelatinous without the bones. If you want a deep flavor, consider adding some chicken stock or bouillon in addition to the meat.
Why is fresh dill important in this soup?

Fresh dill brings a bright, slightly citrusy note that balances the richness of the chicken broth and gives the soup a unique twist. Dried dill doesn’t deliver the same fresh flavor, so if you can, use fresh sprigs added near the end of cooking or just before serving.
How do I keep the noodles from getting mushy?

Great question! Cook the noodles just until al dente and add them toward the end of cooking or separately when reheating leftovers. Storing noodles separately from the broth also helps maintain their texture.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Place all ingredients except the noodles in the slow cooker, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add noodles in the last 20-30 minutes to prevent them from overcooking.
What can I serve alongside this soup for a complete meal?

Crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables make wonderful sides that round out this hearty chicken noodle soup with fresh dill perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup with Fresh Dill Recipe has been my go-to comfort food for years, especially when I crave something homemade and nourishing without fuss. It’s truly one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl — simple, flavorful, and so adaptable. I hope you’ll give it a try, tweak it to your taste, and make it part of your kitchen rotation. Trust me, once you’ve tasted the fresh dill with that rich chicken broth, you’ll wonder how you ever made soup without it!