The Best Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Discover the ultimate homemade chicken noodle soup recipe packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and flavorful herbs. This classic comfort food is perfect for cold days, quick dinners, or boosting your immune system. Learn how to make the best chicken soup with a zesty twist of lemon and dill, customizable with your favorite noodles. Whether you’re looking for a hearty family meal or a soothing bowl for when you’re feeling under the weather, this recipe has it all. Easy-to-follow steps and tips included!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast tenders
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Soup:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 large carrots, peeled and diced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 1 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 (elbows or egg noodles recommended)
• Juice of 1 lemon, plus more for serving
• ¼ cup to ½ cup fresh dill, chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

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

Make the Soup:

1. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium heat. Add diced carrots, celery, and onion, and sauté for 8-9 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Add minced garlic and a big pinch of salt, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the bay leaf, chicken stock, and water. Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the noodles and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the noodles are al dente. Tip: If you’re not planning to eat all the soup immediately, cook the noodles separately and add them as needed to avoid sogginess.
5. Stir in the shredded chicken, fresh dill, and lemon juice. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if necessary.
6. Serve immediately with extra lemon juice on the side, if desired.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Classic: This chicken noodle soup is warm, hearty, and perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather.
• Fresh and Flavorful: The addition of dill and lemon juice gives the soup a refreshing, zesty finish.
• Customizable: Use your favorite noodles or adjust the spices to suit your taste.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Easy to prepare in advance for quick and satisfying meals.

Tips

• For deeper flavor, use homemade chicken stock or bone broth.
• Cook noodles separately if you plan to store leftovers to keep them from becoming mushy.
• Fresh herbs make a big difference; try adding parsley or thyme along with the dill.
• For extra richness, stir in a pat of butter or a splash of heavy cream before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Options: Swap chicken tenders for thighs, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even turkey.
• Low-Carb Version: Replace noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Omit the chicken and use vegetable stock. Add chickpeas or tofu for protein.
• Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat, or leave it out for a milder soup.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the soup without the noodles and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat and add freshly cooked noodles before serving.

Can I freeze this soup? Absolutely. Freeze the soup (without noodles) in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add cooked noodles when reheating.

What are the best noodles to use? Egg noodles, elbows, or small shells work best, but feel free to use any pasta you have on hand.

Can I add more vegetables? Definitely! Add mushrooms, spinach, or green beans for extra nutrition.

Serving and Suggestions

• Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or crackers.
• Garnish with extra dill or freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
• Pair with a light salad for a complete meal.
• Perfect with a warm cup of tea or a glass of lemonade.