21 Best Herbs And Spices For Chicken Noodle Soup

In this post, I’ll go over the best herbs and spices for chicken noodle soup.

Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food that can be made in so many different ways.

But no matter how you make it, there are certain herbs and spices that just make it taste better.

So if you want to know what herbs and spices to add to chicken noodle soup, then you are in the right place.

I’m sharing 21 of the best herbs and spices for chicken noodle soup, as well as some tips on how to use them.

So whether you are making a classic chicken noodle soup or something a little more unique, be sure to add some of these ingredients to your next batch!

See Also: 17 Best Herbs and Spices for Chicken Soup

21 Best Herbs And Spices For Chicken Noodle Soup

If you want your soup to be packed with flavor, then you need to use the right herbs and spices.

Using the wrong herbs and spices can easily make your soup taste bland and unappetizing.

Fortunately, there are a number of great herbs and spices that work well in chicken noodle soup.

Here are 21 of the best herbs and spices for chicken noodle soup:

1. Parsley

Parsley has a somewhat peppery taste and a strong, fresh aroma.

It’s often used as a garnish, but it can also be used to flavor soups, stews, sauces, and other dishes.

When using parsley in chicken noodle soup, I like to add a handful of chopped parsley to the pot towards the end of cooking.

This allows the parsley to retain its flavor and color.

Other ingredients that go well with parsley in chicken noodle soup include carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and black pepper.

Pro Tip: To get the most flavor out of parsley, chop it just before adding it to your dish.

Fun Fact: Parsley is actually a member of the carrot family!

2. Chives

Chives have a mild onion flavor (but without the pungency) and are a great way to add some freshness and depth of flavor to chicken noodle soup.

I like to add chives at the very end, right before serving.

This way, they retain their bright green color and flavor.

Other ingredients that pair well with chives in chicken noodle soup are carrots, celery, and parsley.

Pro Tip: To get the most flavor out of your chives, chop them just before adding them to your soup.

Fun Fact: Chives are actually a member of the onion family!

3. Thyme

Thyme dances between earthy, minty, and woodsy flavors, making it a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes.

When it comes to chicken noodle soup, thyme is a classic ingredient that helps give the soup its savory flavor.

I like to add about 1 teaspoon of thyme for every 4 cups of chicken noodle soup.

Other ingredients that pair well with thyme are garlic, onion, carrots, and celery.

Pro Tip: To make sure your thyme doesn’t overpower your soup, add it towards the end of the cooking process.

4. Basil

Basil is a balance between sweet and savory (with hints of mint) and is a great addition to chicken noodle soup.

You’ll want to use about 1 teaspoon of basil per cup of soup.

Other ingredients that pair well with basil are tomatoes, garlic, and onions.

Pro Tip: To keep your basil fresh for longer, store it in a jar or container with an inch or two of water at the bottom.

Change out the water every few days.

Fun Fact: There are more than 60 varieties of basil!

5. Oregano

Oregano is peppery and assertive, making it a perfect addition to chicken noodle soup.

It’s also really versatile – you can use it fresh, or dried.

I like to use about 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano, or 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.

Other ingredients that pair well with oregano are garlic, onion, carrots, and celery.

Pro Tip: If you’re using dried oregano, add it towards the end of cooking so it doesn’t get too bitter.

Fun Fact: Oregano is actually a member of the mint family!

6. Rosemary

Rosemary is a lemony-pine-like herb (think: Christmas trees) that is used fresh or dried.

It’s a classic flavor in chicken noodle soup, and can be paired with other herbs like thyme, sage, and oregano.

When using fresh rosemary, strip the leaves off the stem and give them a rough chop before adding to your soup.

For every pound (or two) of chicken, use about 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary or 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary.

Pro Tip: If you want more of a lemony flavor in your soup, add the zest of one lemon along with the rosemary.

Fun Fact: Rosemary is part of the mint family!

7. Marjoram

Marjoram has an earthy and woodsy flavor (think oregano, but milder) that pairs well with chicken noodle soup.

I like to add a teaspoon of marjoram for every quart of soup that I make.

Other ingredients that go well with marjoram are carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have fresh marjoram on hand, you can use dried oregano instead.

Just use half as much as the recipe calls for.

8. Bay Leaves

Bay leaves have an almost minty flavor that pairs well with chicken noodle soup.

They’re also a good source of vitamins A and C.

I like to use about 1-2 bay leaves per quart of soup.

Other ingredients that pair well with bay leaves are carrots, celery, onion, and thyme.

Pro Tip: Be sure to remove the bay leaves before serving the soup.

If you don’t, they can be sharp and tough to chew.

9. Dill

Dill has a bright and sweet taste (some think it tastes like a combination of anise and parsley) that goes great in chicken noodle soup.

It’s also a good source of calcium, so it’s perfect for a hearty and healthy soup.

I like to use about 1 teaspoon of dill per quart of soup.

Other ingredients that pair well with dill are potatoes, carrots, and celery.

Pro Tip: If you want to add a little bit of texture to your soup, try adding some chopped up dill pickles.

They’ll add a nice salty flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the dill.

10. Paprika

Paprika has a subtle earthiness (some might even say smokiness) that takes chicken noodle soup to the next level.

I like to use 1 teaspoon per quart of soup.

Other great additions to chicken noodle soup are: carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and thyme.

Pro Tip: For an extra boost of flavor, try roasting your chicken before adding it to the soup.

11. Sage

Sage has a strong, slightly minty (and musky) flavor that works well in chicken noodle soup.

I like to use about 1 teaspoon of sage for every 4 cups of soup.

Other ingredients that pair well with sage are rosemary, thyme, and potatoes.

Pro Tip: To bring out the flavor of sage (and other herbs), add them at the beginning of cooking.

This way, they have time to release their flavor into the dish.

12. Coriander Seeds

Coriander seeds taste slightly nutty, with hints of citrus and floral notes.

They’re a great addition to chicken noodle soup because they can help cut through the richness of the broth.

I like to use about 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds per quart of soup.

Other ingredients that pair well with coriander are cumin, ginger, and garlic.

Pro Tip: Toasting the seeds before adding them to the soup will help bring out their flavor.

Just add them to a dry pan over medium heat and stir frequently until they’re fragrant.

13. Allspice

Allspice tastes like a mix of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and it’s a popular ingredient in Jamaican cuisine.

When used in chicken noodle soup, allspice adds a warm and inviting flavor. I like to use about 1/2 teaspoon of allspice for every 4 cups of soup.

Other ingredients that pair well with allspice are ginger, garlic, and bay leaves.

Pro Tip: Allspice is a strong flavor, so start with a little and add more to taste.

14. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is mostly hot and a little fruity (think: raisins).

It’s a powder made from grinding up dried cayenne chili peppers.

You’ll often see it used as a seasoning or spice in dishes like gumbo, chili, and of course, chicken noodle soup.

Just a little pinch of cayenne can go a long way in adding heat to your dish.

Other ingredients that pair well with cayenne are garlic, onion, and paprika.

15. Onion Powder

Onion powder tastes a lot more onion-y than fresh onions, so use it accordingly.

I like to add onion powder to chicken noodle soup for a little extra flavor, but if you’re not careful it can easily become overwhelming.

Try using about 1 teaspoon per quart of soup.

Other ingredients that pair well with onion powder are celery seed, black pepper, and parsley.

16. Garlic Powder

Garlic powder tastes less assertive (and sweeter) than fresh garlic, so it’s a great way to add garlic flavor without overwhelming your dish.

I like to use garlic powder in chicken noodle soup because it’s a subtle way to add depth of flavor.

Other ingredients that pair well with garlic powder are onion powder, black pepper, and dried thyme.

17. Caraway Seeds

Caraway seeds have a nutty and bittersweet sharpness (with a hint of citrus) that can really elevate a bowl of chicken noodle soup.

I like to use about 1 teaspoon per quart of soup.

Other ingredients that pair well with caraway are potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and dill.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have caraway seeds on hand, you can substitute fennel seeds or cumin.

18. Lemongrass

Lemongrass tastes like mild citrus with a hint of ginger, and it’s a great way to add flavor to chicken noodle soup without making it too heavy.

I like to use about 1 stalk of lemongrass per quart of soup.

Other ingredients that pair well with lemongrass are ginger, cilantro, and chili peppers.

Pro Tip: When using lemongrass, make sure to remove the tough outer layer and only use the softer inner part of the stalk.

19. Tarragon

Tarragon has a subtle licorice flavor (which adds a bit of elegance) and pairs well with chicken, fish, and egg dishes.

I like to use it in soups, stews, and sauces.

A little goes a long way with this herb, so start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to taste.

Other ingredients that pair well with tarragon include: lemon, parsley, chives, shallots, garlic, and cream.

Pro Tip: If you want to really bring out the flavor of tarragon, add it at the end of cooking.

20. Cumin

Cumin is rich and hearty, earthy and warm.

It’s a perfect spice for chicken noodle soup, because it can really help round out the flavors.

I like to use about 1 teaspoon of cumin per pound of chicken.

Other great ingredients to add to your chicken noodle soup are carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and potatoes.

Pro Tip: If you want a little bit of heat in your soup, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

21. Turmeric

Turmeric is overwhelmingly earthy and bitter (almost musky I’d say) with a slight hint of citrus.

It’s one of those spices that you either love or hate, there is no in between.

I personally love it and find that it pairs well with other strong flavors like ginger, garlic, and chilies.

When using turmeric in chicken noodle soup, I would recommend starting with 1/2 teaspoon per quart of soup and increasing to taste from there.

Other ingredients that pair well with turmeric are:

• Ginger
• Garlic
• Chili peppers
• Coconut milk
• Lime juice
• Cilantro

Pro Tip: When cooking with turmeric, be careful not to add too much as it can quickly overpower a dish.

A little goes a long way!

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