Are you tired of boring, bland chicken noodle soup that leaves you wanting more? Prepare to be amazed by this game-changing Lemony Chicken Noodle Soup that transforms the classic comfort food into a bright, flavor-packed meal that will have your taste buds dancing! With a perfect balance of tender chicken, al dente noodles, and a citrusy twist that'll make your family beg for seconds, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort dish that proves healthy can be absolutely delicious.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 cups egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing chicken breast into small, uniform cubes, thinly slicing carrots and celery, and juicing the lemon.
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken and season with salt and pepper, cooking until golden brown and no longer pink in the center, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Remove cooked chicken from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add sliced carrots and celery, sautéing until vegetables begin to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the cooked chicken back into the pot.
- Allow the soup to simmer for 20-25 minutes, which will help develop rich flavors and ensure vegetables are tender.
- Add egg noodles to the simmering soup and cook for 6-8 minutes until noodles are al dente and tender.
- Remove pot from heat and stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice, which will brighten the soup's flavor profile.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Ladle hot soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has a good mix of chicken, noodles, and vegetables.
Tips
- Dice your chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and a professional look.
- Don't rush the sautéing process - letting the chicken and vegetables develop a golden color builds deeper flavor.
- For extra lemony brightness, consider adding some lemon zest along with the juice for a more intense citrus note.
- Use fresh egg noodles if possible for the best texture and taste.
- Let the soup rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld together perfectly.
- If you want to make this soup ahead of time, it keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and often tastes even better the next day!
- For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the egg noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta alternative.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 70mg
