The Best Chicken Noodle Soup

Discover the ultimate homemade chicken noodle soup recipe that’s comforting, healthy, and packed with flavor! This easy recipe features tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a hint of lemon and dill, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick family dinner. Customize it with your favorite noodles, add extra veggies, or make it gluten-free. A hearty classic that’s both nutritious and delicious!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast tenders
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Soup:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 large carrots, peeled and diced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 1 very large onion, finely diced
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• Big pinch of salt
• 32 ounces chicken stock (or chicken bone broth)
• 4 cups water
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups noodles of your choice (suggested: elbows or egg noodles)
• Juice of 1 lemon (plus extra for serving)
• 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Place the chicken tenders in the dish, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and evenly sprinkle with garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
3. Bake for 25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. Once cooked, shred the chicken into small chunks using two forks and set aside.

Make the Soup:

1. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium heat.
2. Add the carrots, celery, and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-9 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the garlic and a big pinch of salt, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the bay leaf, chicken stock, and water. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the noodles and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the pasta is al dente. Tip: If you don’t plan to eat all the soup at once, cook the noodles separately and add them to individual servings to avoid overcooking.
6. Stir in the shredded chicken, fresh dill, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
7. Serve hot, with extra lemon wedges on the side if desired.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Hearty: This classic chicken noodle soup is packed with bold flavors, tender chicken, and nourishing ingredients.
• Customizable: Use your favorite noodles, adjust the spice levels, or add extra vegetables to make it your own.
• Nutritious: Made with fresh ingredients, dill, and lemon juice, this soup is as healthy as it is delicious.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: The soup stores well, making it ideal for preparing ahead of time.

Tips

• Noodle Cooking Tip: For best results, cook the noodles separately if you’re planning to store leftovers. This prevents the noodles from becoming mushy.
• Chicken Shortcuts: Rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken breast can be used if you’re short on time.
• Fresh Herbs: Dill adds a bright flavor, but parsley or thyme can be used as alternatives.
• Storage: Store the soup (without noodles) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Add fresh-cooked noodles when reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Alternatives: Swap the chicken for turkey or tofu for a different twist.
• Vegetable Additions: Add zucchini, spinach, or peas for extra nutrition.
• Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne and chili powder to your preference, or omit them for a milder soup.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles to make this soup celiac-friendly.

FAQs

Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes! Freeze the soup without the noodles in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.

Q: How do I make this soup richer?
A: Use chicken bone broth instead of stock for extra depth and nutrients.

Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh dill?
A: Yes, but reduce the quantity to 1 tablespoon, as dried herbs are more concentrated.

Serving

Serve this chicken noodle soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh dill or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Suggestions

• Pair this soup with a refreshing side, like cucumber salad or a light vinaigrette-tossed green salad.
• For a cozy dinner, serve it alongside grilled cheese sandwiches.
• Make it a crowd-pleaser by offering toppings like crushed crackers, extra lemon wedges, or chopped herbs.