Best EASY Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup – Cozy & Delicious!

Introduction – Can You Make Chicken Noodle Soup Vegan?

Vegan chicken noodle soup might sound like a contradiction, but it’s entirely possible—and delicious! Traditional chicken noodle soup is a comfort food staple, often enjoyed when you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving something warm and nourishing. The good news? You don’t need chicken or animal-based broth to make a rich, satisfying version of this classic dish.

By swapping chicken for plant-based alternatives and using flavorful vegan broth, you can create a bowl of soup that’s just as hearty and comforting—while being completely cruelty-free. This guide will walk you through the best substitutes for chicken, how to make a flavorful vegan broth, and an easy step-by-step recipe for a delicious, warming bowl of vegan chicken noodle soup.

👉 Looking for more cozy soup recipes? Check out Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Recipe for Comfort and Romance.

Best Vegan Substitutes for Chicken in Soup

One of the most important aspects of making vegan chicken noodle soup is choosing the right plant-based chicken substitute. The goal is to find an ingredient that absorbs flavor well, has a meaty texture, and holds up in broth.

2.1 Best Plant-Based Chicken Substitutes

✔ Soy Curls – When rehydrated, they have a chewy, shredded chicken-like texture and soak up broth beautifully.
✔ Jackfruit – Its fibrous texture mimics pulled chicken, making it a great option for heartier soups.
✔ Tofu (Extra-Firm or Super-Firm) – Crumbled or cubed, it absorbs seasoning well and adds protein.
✔ Chickpeas – While not a direct replacement for chicken, they provide protein and heartiness to the soup.

To get the best results, season your plant-based substitute with poultry seasoning, garlic, and nutritional yeast to enhance the umami flavor. Many vegan soup recipes rely on this trick to get that classic chicken broth taste. If you love cozy, comforting soups, you might also enjoy this deliciously creamy take on chicken soup—Marry Me Chicken Soup, which offers incredible depth of flavor.

Vegan Broth Alternatives – Is Chicken Broth Vegan?

A great chicken noodle soup starts with a rich, flavorful broth, but traditional chicken broth isn’t vegan since it’s made from animal bones and fat. The good news? There are plenty of plant-based alternatives that provide the same depth of flavor, making your vegan chicken noodle soup just as satisfying.

3.1 Best Vegan Broth Substitutes

✔ Vegetable Broth – A classic option made from onions, carrots, celery, and herbs.
✔ Mushroom Broth – Adds a rich umami taste and works great for hearty soups.
✔ Miso Paste + Water – A unique option that provides a deep, savory flavor.
✔ Homemade Vegan “Chicken” Broth – Made with nutritional yeast, garlic, onion, and spices, it mimics the taste of traditional broth.

3.2 How to Make Homemade Vegan Chicken Broth

For the best flavor, you can make your own vegan chicken-style broth at home. Here’s a simple method:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp poultry seasoning
• ½ tsp turmeric (for color)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a pot and bring to a simmer.
2. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
3. Use immediately in your vegan chicken noodle soup!

A flavorful broth is key to making comforting, hearty soups, just like the ones grandma used to make. If you’re interested in more comforting soup recipes, check out Marry Me Chicken Soup, a rich, creamy dish packed with bold flavors.

Key Ingredients for a Flavorful Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup

A good soup is all about the right combination of ingredients. Since we’re making a vegan version of chicken noodle soup, we need to ensure that it still has rich flavor, hearty texture, and comforting warmth. Here’s everything you need to make a delicious plant-based bowl of soup.

4.1 Essential Vegetables for Depth of Flavor

✔ Onions, Carrots, and Celery (The “Holy Trinity”) – These three create a classic soup base, adding sweetness and depth.
✔ Garlic – Boosts the soup’s aroma and enhances its savory taste.
✔ Mushrooms (Optional) – A great addition for an extra layer of umami flavor.
✔ Parsley and Fresh Herbs – Add freshness and balance the richness of the broth.

4.2 Choosing the Best Noodles for Vegan Soup

✔ Traditional Egg-Free Noodles – Some pasta brands offer egg-free wheat noodles, which work great.
✔ Gluten-Free Options – Use rice noodles, chickpea pasta, or quinoa pasta for a gluten-free soup.
✔ Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles) – A low-carb alternative that adds extra veggies to your dish.

🔹 Pro Tip: Cook noodles separately and add them to the soup before serving. This prevents them from soaking up too much broth and getting mushy.

4.3 Secret Ingredients That Make Vegan Soup Taste Like Chicken

Since we’re skipping real chicken, we need a few tricks to replicate that savory, comforting flavor:

✔ Nutritional Yeast – Adds a subtle cheesy, umami depth, making the broth richer.
✔ Poultry Seasoning – A blend of sage, thyme, marjoram, and rosemary that mimics chicken flavors.
✔ Turmeric – Gives the broth a warm golden color, just like traditional chicken soup.
✔ Soy Sauce or Tamari – Boosts umami without overpowering other ingredients.

These ingredients ensure that your soup is flavorful, nourishing, and comforting, even without the meat. If you love rich, comforting soups, you might also enjoy Marry Me Chicken Soup, a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for cozy nights.

Step-by-Step Recipe – How to Make Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup

Now that we have the best ingredients and flavor boosters, it’s time to put them together into a warm, nourishing bowl of vegan chicken noodle soup. This recipe is simple, comforting, and perfect for any occasion.

5.1 Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

✔ 1 tbsp olive oil (or vegan butter for extra richness)
✔ 1 small onion, diced
✔ 2 carrots, sliced
✔ 2 celery stalks, chopped
✔ 3 cloves garlic, minced
✔ 6 cups vegan chicken-style broth (see Part 3)
✔ 1 cup plant-based chicken substitute (soy curls, jackfruit, or tofu)
✔ 1 tsp poultry seasoning
✔ ½ tsp turmeric (for color)
✔ Salt and pepper to taste
✔ 2 cups cooked noodles (egg-free or gluten-free)
✔ Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

🔹 Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add onions, carrots, and celery, then cook for 5 minutes until softened.
• Stir in garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

🔹 Step 2: Add the Broth & Seasonings

• Pour in vegan chicken-style broth and bring to a simmer.
• Add poultry seasoning, turmeric, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor.

🔹 Step 3: Cook the Vegan Chicken Substitute

• If using soy curls, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain and add to the soup.
• If using jackfruit, shred it slightly before adding it to the pot.
• If using tofu, crumble or cube it and stir it into the soup.

🔹 Step 4: Add the Noodles

• Cook noodles separately according to package instructions.
• Add cooked noodles to the soup right before serving to prevent sogginess.

🔹 Step 5: Garnish & Serve

• Stir in fresh parsley for extra flavor.
• Serve hot and enjoy your vegan chicken noodle soup!

This simple, wholesome soup is packed with nutrients, protein, and comforting flavors—without any animal products. If you’re in the mood for more cozy soup ideas, check out Marry Me Chicken Soup, a creamy, satisfying dish that’s perfect for a chilly evening.

Why Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup Is Perfect When You’re Sick

Chicken noodle soup has long been a go-to remedy for colds and flu, but can a vegan version provide the same benefits? Absolutely! Vegan chicken noodle soup is packed with nutrient-rich ingredients that can help boost immunity, soothe sore throats, and keep you hydrated when you’re feeling under the weather.

6.1 The Healing Properties of Vegan Ingredients

✔ Garlic & Onions – Both contain antiviral and antibacterial properties that support the immune system.
✔ Carrots & Celery – Loaded with vitamins A & C, which help fight off infections.
✔ Turmeric – Contains curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory compound that may help reduce cold symptoms.
✔ Nutritional Yeast – Provides B vitamins, which support energy and recovery.
✔ Vegan Broth – Keeps you hydrated and helps relieve congestion, just like traditional chicken soup.

These ingredients work together to create a healing, soothing bowl of soup, just like the one grandma used to make. Speaking of comfort foods, if you’re looking for another nourishing soup idea, check out Marry Me Chicken Soup, a creamy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for cozy nights.

6.2 Does Vegan Soup Work as Well as Traditional Chicken Soup?

Many believe that chicken soup has medicinal properties, but studies suggest that the real benefits come from the warm broth, hydrating effects, and nutrient-dense ingredients—all of which are present in vegan versions, too!

✔ Keeps you hydrated – Warm liquids help loosen mucus and relieve congestion.
✔ Eases digestion – A light, nourishing meal that’s easy on the stomach.
✔ Provides essential nutrients – Helps your body recover faster.

🔹 Pro Tip: For extra healing benefits, add a squeeze of lemon juice for vitamin C and a dash of ginger for its natural anti-inflammatory properties.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Vegan Soup

Even though vegan chicken noodle soup is easy to make, a few simple mistakes can affect its flavor, texture, and overall quality. Avoid these common errors to ensure your soup turns out delicious every time.

7.1 Overcooking the Noodles

✔ The Mistake: Adding noodles directly to the pot and letting them cook too long, which makes them mushy and soggy.
✔ The Fix: Cook noodles separately and add them just before serving to prevent them from soaking up too much broth.

7.2 Using the Wrong Vegan Chicken Substitute

✔ The Mistake: Choosing a plant-based protein that falls apart or lacks flavor in broth.
✔ The Fix: Use soy curls, jackfruit, or extra-firm tofu for the best texture. If using jackfruit, season it well to remove its natural sweetness.

7.3 Not Seasoning the Broth Enough

✔ The Mistake: Expecting vegetable broth to provide the same depth of flavor as traditional chicken broth.
✔ The Fix: Boost flavor by adding nutritional yeast, poultry seasoning, soy sauce, and fresh herbs.

🔹 Pro Tip: Let your soup simmer for at least 20–30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop fully. If you love comforting, flavorful soups, you might enjoy Marry Me Chicken Soup, a creamy dish with bold, cozy flavors.

7.4 Skipping the Fresh Herbs at the End

✔ The Mistake: Not adding fresh herbs, which results in a soup that tastes flat.
✔ The Fix: Always finish with fresh parsley, dill, or thyme for a boost of freshness and balance.

7.5 Not Letting the Soup Rest Before Serving

✔ The Mistake: Eating the soup immediately, before flavors have had time to blend.
✔ The Fix: Let the soup sit for 5–10 minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld together.

Best Easy Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup

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• Author: Lucy
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

 

This vegan chicken noodle soup brings all the comforting flavors of the classic dish—without any animal products! With a rich, homemade broth, hearty plant-based chicken substitutes, and warming herbs, this soup is perfect for cozy nights, sick days, or meal prepping. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and totally cruelty-free.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Vegan “Chicken” Broth:

• 6 cups vegetable broth (or homemade vegan chicken broth – see notes)
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (adds a rich, umami flavor)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp poultry seasoning (sage, thyme, marjoram, rosemary blend)
• ½ tsp turmeric (for color – optional)
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Soup Base:

• 1 tbsp olive oil (or vegan butter for richness)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Plant-Based Chicken Substitute:

• 1 cup soy curls, rehydrated (or shredded jackfruit, cubed tofu, or chickpeas)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (for depth of flavor – optional)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (adds umami flavor to plant-based chicken substitutes)

For the Noodles:

• 2 cups cooked noodles (egg-free or gluten-free pasta of choice)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish – optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegan “Chicken” Substitute

1️⃣ If using soy curls, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain and squeeze out excess moisture.
2️⃣ If using jackfruit, shred slightly before adding to soup.
3️⃣ If using tofu, cube or crumble into bite-sized pieces.
4️⃣ In a small pan, sauté soy curls, jackfruit, or tofu with smoked paprika and soy sauce for 3-5 minutes. Set aside.

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Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

5️⃣ Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
6️⃣ Add onions, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5 minutes until softened.
7️⃣ Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

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Step 3: Build the Broth

8️⃣ Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
9️⃣ Stir in nutritional yeast, poultry seasoning, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
🔟 Let simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

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Step 4: Add the Vegan “Chicken” & Noodles

1️⃣1️⃣ Add the prepared soy curls, jackfruit, or tofu into the soup and let simmer for 5 minutes.
1️⃣2️⃣ Meanwhile, cook noodles separately according to package instructions.

💡 Pro Tip: Cooking noodles separately prevents them from soaking up too much broth and getting mushy.

1️⃣3️⃣ Add cooked noodles to the soup just before serving.
1️⃣4️⃣ Stir in fresh parsley for extra flavor.

Notes

✔ Make It Gluten-Free: Use rice noodles, chickpea pasta, or quinoa pasta.
✔ Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
✔ Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months, but leave out the noodles and add fresh ones when reheating.
✔ Boost the Nutrition: Add spinach, kale, or mushrooms for extra nutrients and flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (~1.5 cups)

FAQs About Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup

Conclusion

Vegan chicken noodle soup proves that you don’t need animal products to enjoy a warm, comforting, and nourishing bowl of soup. By using plant-based ingredients like soy curls, jackfruit, or tofu, along with a flavorful homemade vegan broth, you can create a dish that is just as satisfying as the traditional version.