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Chicken Noodle Soup

Hearty chicken noodle soup with tender chicken and vegetables in glossy broth

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This classic chicken noodle soup gets a memorable twist with fresh lemon juice and zest, adding a sunny brightness that lifts the whole pot. It’s a wholesome, family-friendly comfort food that comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into coins
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 cups good-quality chicken broth, low-sodium preferred
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 3-4 sprigs fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 8 ounces wide egg noodles
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • zest of 1 lemon
  • ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in chicken broth. Add whole chicken, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
  4. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook chicken for 15-20 minutes, until cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and shred with two forks.
  5. Bring broth back to a simmer. Add egg noodles and cook according to package directions, about 6-8 minutes, until al dente.
  6. Remove pot from heat. Stir in shredded chicken, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

For best leftovers, cook noodles separately and add to individual bowls to prevent them from becoming mushy in the stored soup. The lemon juice and zest should always be added off the heat to preserve their bright flavor.

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