This gluten free chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food that heals your soul and warms your heart. Ready in just 30 minutes with one pot, this homemade soup rivals any restaurant version with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and perfectly cooked gluten free noodles.
Nothing beats a steaming bowl of gluten free chicken noodle soup when the temperature drops or when you’re feeling under the weather. Last winter, after catching a terrible cold, I stumbled into my kitchen desperate for something warm and nourishing. What I created that day became my go-to healing recipe that I now make at least twice a month.
This gluten free chicken noodle soup from scratch delivers everything you crave: rich, golden broth infused with aromatic vegetables, succulent rotisserie chicken that falls apart with your spoon, and tender gluten free noodles that soak up all that savory goodness. It’s dairy free, naturally wholesome, and tastes exactly like the classic version grandma used to make.
The best part? You don’t need hours of simmering or fancy culinary skills. This free chicken recipe comes together in one pot with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Why This Gluten Free Chicken Soup Works
Traditional chicken noodle soup recipes contain wheat-based noodles that leave gluten-sensitive folks out in the cold. This gluten free chicken noodle soup solves that problem without sacrificing flavor or texture. Using quality gluten free noodles made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour creates the same satisfying bite you remember.
Rotisserie chicken serves as the secret weapon here. It cuts prep time in half while adding incredible depth of flavor from the pre-seasoned, roasted meat. The bones and skin can even be saved to make homemade bone broth for future batches of this healing chicken noodle soup.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect GF Chicken Noodle Soup
- Gluten free noodles: Choose short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or dedicated GF egg noodles that won’t get mushy
- Rotisserie chicken: Provides tender, flavorful meat without extra cooking time
- Fresh vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions form the classic aromatic base
- Quality broth: Use gluten free chicken broth or bone broth for rich, satisfying flavor
- Herbs and seasonings: Fresh thyme, bay leaves, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper elevate every spoonful
How to Make Gluten Free Chicken Noodle Soup from Scratch
Start by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. The vegetables should turn golden at the edges, releasing their natural sweetness into the base of your gluten free dairy free soup.
Pour in your gluten free chicken broth and add minced garlic, bay leaves, and fresh thyme. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Add your gluten free noodles and shredded rotisserie chicken to the pot. Cook according to the pasta package directions, usually 8-10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and black pepper. Remove bay leaves, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for the Best Dairy Free Soup
- Don’t overcook the gluten free noodles – they can become mushy faster than wheat pasta
- For thick chicken noodle soup, reduce the broth by one cup or add an extra handful of noodles
- Use dark meat from the rotisserie chicken for more flavor and moisture
- Add noodles just before serving if making ahead to prevent sogginess
- Season generously – gluten free recipes for dinner often need extra herbs and spices
Delicious Variations
Asian Chicken Noodle Soup
Transform this into an Asian chicken noodle soup by swapping regular broth for gluten free miso broth, adding fresh ginger, using rice noodles, and finishing with green onions, sesame oil, and a soft-boiled egg.
Vegetarian Chicken Noodle Soup
Make a vegetarian chicken noodle soup version by replacing chicken with chickpeas or white beans, using vegetable broth, and adding extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. For vegan chicken noodle soup, use plant-based chicken alternatives.
Keto Chicken Noodle Soup
Create a keto chicken noodle soup by substituting shirataki noodles or spiralized zucchini for traditional pasta. Add extra butter or coconut oil for healthy fats.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Problem: Noodles turn mushy
Solution: Cook noodles separately and add to individual bowls when serving, or reduce cooking time by 2 minutes.
Problem: Soup tastes bland
Solution: Add more salt, a splash of lemon juice, or a parmesan rind while simmering for depth.
Problem: Broth is too thin
Solution: Simmer uncovered for 10 extra minutes to reduce liquid, or add a cornstarch slurry.
Storage and Serving Tips
Store leftover gluten free chicken noodle soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, store noodles separately and add them when reheating. Freeze soup without noodles for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened. Serve this noodle soup recipe with gluten free crackers, crusty bread, or a simple green salad.
Smart Substitutions
- Noodles: Swap for rice noodles, quinoa pasta, or veggie spirals
- Chicken: Use leftover turkey, shredded pork, or canned chicken
- Broth: Replace with bone broth for gut-healing benefits or vegetable stock for lighter flavor
- Vegetables: Add parsnips, turnips, sweet potato, kale, or frozen peas
- Herbs: Try rosemary, oregano, or dill for different flavor profiles
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade chicken instead of rotisserie?
Absolutely! Poach chicken breasts in the broth for 15-20 minutes until cooked through, then shred. This adds extra flavor to your healing chicken noodle soup.
What are the best gluten free noodles for soup?
Look for brands like Jovial, Tinkyada, or Banza that hold up well in liquid. Rice-based and chickpea-based gluten free noodles work beautifully in this soup.
Is chicken noodle soup naturally gluten free?
Not traditionally – regular egg noodles contain wheat flour. However, using gluten free noodles and certified GF broth makes this gluten free chicken soup completely safe for celiacs.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add all ingredients except noodles to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours. Add gluten free noodles in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
How do I make gluten free cream of chicken soup?
For a creamy version, add dairy-free coconut cream or cashew cream in the last 5 minutes of cooking. You can also use gluten free cream of chicken soup as a base instead of regular broth.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
This gluten free dairy free recipe is perfect for meal prep! Make a large batch on Sunday and enjoy easy, nutritious lunches all week. Just remember to store noodles separately.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! This versatile noodle soup recipe welcomes mushrooms, bell peppers, green beans, corn, or any vegetables you love. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
This ultimate gluten free chicken noodle soup proves that healthy, allergen-friendly cooking doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or flavor. Whether you’re fighting off a cold, feeding hungry kids, or simply craving wholesome homemade goodness, this recipe delivers every single time.
Gluten Free Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent with golden edges.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Build the broth: Pour in the gluten free chicken broth. Add bay leaves, fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Add noodles and chicken: Stir in the gluten free noodles and shredded rotisserie chicken. Cook according to the noodle package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but not mushy.
- Final seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove and discard the bay leaves. Stir in fresh lemon juice if using for a bright, fresh finish.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with gluten free crackers or crusty bread on the side.
