How Many Calories Does a Bowl of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Have?

November 14, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition data, the calorie count for a single serving of homemade chicken noodle soup can range widely, typically falling between 200 and 400 calories. This wide variation means there is no single answer to how many calories a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup contains, as the final number depends on a multitude of factors, from the type of noodles used to the fat content of the chicken and broth.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of homemade chicken noodle soup depends on ingredient choices. Key factors include the type of noodles, cut of chicken, use of fats like oil or butter, and additions such as cream. Making substitutions can help reduce total calories.

Key Points

Variable Calories: Homemade chicken noodle soup can range from 200 to 400+ calories per bowl, depending entirely on the ingredients used.
Control Your Fat: The biggest calorie impact comes from the chicken cut, added oils, and any cream or thickeners used. Use lean chicken breast and less oil to reduce calories.
Load with Veggies: Increasing the amount of vegetables and using a low-sodium broth base bulks up the soup with fiber and nutrients without adding significant calories.
Choose Your Noodles Wisely: The type and quantity of noodles drastically affect calories. Consider whole-wheat, low-carb options, or reduce the portion size.
Taste Over Fat: Enhance flavor with fresh herbs, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice rather than relying on butter or cream to keep the soup lighter.
Homemade Wins: Homemade soup is generally healthier than canned versions, offering more control over sodium and using fresh, higher-quality ingredients.

Factors That Influence Calorie Count

There is no single, standard calorie count for homemade chicken noodle soup because every recipe is different. The ingredients you select and the proportions you use will directly affect the final nutritional value. Understanding these variables allows you to control the calorie density of your soup, tailoring it to your specific dietary needs.

Ingredient Choices and Their Impact

Chicken Cut: The choice of chicken is one of the most significant factors. Using lean, skinless chicken breast will result in a lower calorie count than using fattier cuts like chicken thighs or drumsticks, especially if the skin is left on during cooking. Some recipes even use an entire whole chicken, which contributes more fat and calories to the broth.
Broth Base: The broth is the foundation of your soup. A rich, homemade bone broth often has more calories and fat than a simple, low-sodium store-bought chicken broth. However, many find the flavor and nutritional benefits of homemade broth worth the extra calories. To reduce calories, you can skim the fat from the top of the broth after it has been cooked and chilled.
Noodle Type: Noodles are a major source of carbohydrates and can vary in calorie density. Traditional egg noodles, for example, have a different calorie profile than whole-wheat noodles. Replacing standard noodles with lower-calorie alternatives like shirataki noodles or increasing the amount of vegetables can significantly lower the overall calorie load.
Added Fats: Many recipes call for sautéing vegetables in butter or olive oil before adding the broth. While these fats add flavor, they also add calories. A tablespoon of olive oil, for instance, contains about 120 calories. You can reduce this by using a non-stick pan with a small amount of oil spray or by sautéing in a splash of broth or water instead.
Thickening Agents: For those who prefer a creamier soup, thickeners like heavy cream, full-fat milk, or a roux (butter and flour mixture) are sometimes added. These ingredients dramatically increase the calorie count. A single cup of heavy cream adds over 800 calories to the pot. Healthier alternatives include using mashed beans, a puréed potato, or fat-free half and half to achieve a creamier consistency.
Veggies and Fillers: Adding more vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, and mushrooms bulks up the soup with fiber and nutrients without a significant calorie increase. You can also incorporate legumes like lentils to add more protein and fiber, making the soup more filling.

Homemade vs. Canned Chicken Noodle Soup

When comparing homemade soup to its canned counterpart, calories are just one part of the story. Homemade soup is almost always more nutritious and lower in sodium.


Feature	Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup	Canned Chicken Noodle Soup
Calorie Count (per cup)	200–400 (highly variable)	70–200 (consistent)
Sodium	Controllable; often low-to-moderate	High; can exceed 800mg per cup
Ingredient Quality	Fresh, whole ingredients	Preserved, processed ingredients
Nutritional Value	High in protein, vitamins, minerals	Lower nutritional density, less fresh
Added Fats	Controllable; can be minimal	Often includes preservatives and added fats
Flavor	Rich, fresh, and complex	Often salty and one-dimensional

Tips for a Healthier, Lower-Calorie Soup

Creating a delicious and comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup doesn't mean you have to sacrifice flavor for calories. With a few simple adjustments, you can make a healthier version that is equally satisfying.

Recipe Modifications for Calorie Reduction

Start with Low-Sodium Broth: Choose a low-sodium chicken broth as your base. This gives you control over the total salt content and is much healthier than many store-bought options. Homemade bone broth, skimmed of fat, is another excellent option.
Lean Protein: Use boneless, skinless chicken breast. Cook it separately and shred or dice it before adding it to the soup. This ensures a lean protein source and prevents excess fat from entering the broth.
Load Up on Veggies: Increase the amount of vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, spinach, and kale. This adds fiber, vitamins, and bulk, making the soup more filling and nutrient-dense without adding many calories.
Watch the Noodles: Instead of a full portion of regular egg noodles, consider using whole-wheat noodles or a smaller amount. For a low-carb alternative, add cauliflower florets or use shirataki noodles.
Use Herbs for Flavor: Enhance the taste with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and dill instead of relying on excess salt or fatty ingredients. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten all the flavors.

Conclusion

Ultimately, a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup is what you make it. The calorie count isn't fixed; it's a direct reflection of your choices in the kitchen. By being mindful of your ingredients—opting for lean protein, plenty of vegetables, and a modest amount of noodles and fats—you can create a deeply satisfying, low-calorie comfort food that nourishes your body and warms your soul. Enjoying a homemade meal gives you control over your nutrition, a luxury you rarely get with processed, canned alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. While some homemade recipes can be high in calories, you have full control over the ingredients to make a healthier, lower-calorie version. By using lean chicken, a vegetable-heavy base, and minimal added fats, you can keep the calorie count low.

To reduce calories, use lean chicken breast, a low-sodium broth base, and less oil for sautéing. Add more low-calorie vegetables and use a moderate amount of whole-wheat or alternative noodles instead of traditional egg noodles. Skim excess fat from the broth.

The highest calorie ingredients typically include fatty cuts of chicken, oils or butter used for sautéing, and heavy cream or other thickeners added for a creamy consistency.

Canned chicken noodle soup often has a lower calorie count per serving than many homemade versions, but it is typically much higher in sodium and contains fewer fresh vegetables and nutrients.

Yes, to reduce calories and carbohydrates, you can opt for whole-wheat egg noodles, shirataki noodles, or increase the vegetable content by adding more shredded carrots, celery, or zucchini noodles.

Yes. Instead of heavy cream or butter, use a small amount of fat-free half and half or purée some of the cooked soup vegetables, like potatoes or white beans, to thicken the broth for a creamy texture without the extra calories.

Yes, a homemade version can be very healthy for weight loss when prepared with low-calorie ingredients. Its high water content and use of vegetables and lean protein can promote satiety and help reduce overall calorie intake.