Sometimes, nothing hits the spot quite like a bowl of homemade comfort food. This Lemon Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is one of those soul-soothing dishes that blends bright citrus, warming ginger, and tender chicken with soft noodles—a perfect cozy meal that’s also surprisingly refreshing.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’m genuinely excited to share this Lemon Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe because it’s become one of my personal go-to’s on chilly evenings or when I’m feeling under the weather. There’s something about the zing from fresh lemon and ginger paired with hearty chicken stock and noodles that just warms you inside out.
- Bright and Balanced Flavor: The lemon adds a fresh pop that lifts the soup beyond your usual chicken noodle fare.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these in your kitchen already, making it easy to whip up anytime.
- Hearty but Light: It’s filling without being heavy, perfect for when you want comfort food that doesn’t weigh you down.
- Customizable: Whether you want it extra garlicky, more herbaceous, or with different noodles, this recipe is flexible and forgiving.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This soup shines because each ingredient plays a vital role—from the fresh ginger’s warmth to the lemon juice’s brightness. Choosing quality broth and fresh veggies really makes a difference here. Let’s dive into what each one brings to the party.
- No Yolks broad noodles: These thick noodles have a great texture and hold up well without turning mushy, but you can swap with any noodle—just adjust cooking time.
- Yellow onion: Provides a subtle sweetness that balances the ginger’s zing.
- Fresh ginger: Adds a warm, aromatic bite that’s both comforting and invigorating.
- Garlic: Builds depth and savory richness.
- Carrots: Add natural sweetness and a nice bite with their half-moon shape.
- Celery stalks: Brings earthiness and freshness that enhance the broth.
- Chicken breasts: You want tender, juicy chicken to shred—season them well for maximum flavor.
- Chicken broth: The heart of the soup; homemade if you can, but a good quality store-bought broth works just fine.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds a bright, tangy note that lifts the whole soup.
- Olive oil: Used to brown the chicken and sauté veggies, adding smoothness.
- Fresh parsley and dill: Herbs that bring freshness and a lovely green pop at the end.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite parts about this Lemon Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is how easy it is to make it truly your own. I often tweak the herbs or noodle type based on what’s in my pantry or how I’m feeling that day. Have fun experimenting!
- Herb Swap: I once tried basil and thyme instead of parsley and dill, and it gave the soup a Mediterranean twist that was surprisingly delightful.
- Noodle Variations: I’ve tossed in rice noodles for a gluten-free option, just watch the cooking time closely so they don’t get mushy.
- Spicy Kick: When I’m craving something with a little heat, I add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the veggies.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Aromatics
Start by dicing the yellow onion, slicing the carrots and celery into half moons, and mincing that fresh ginger and garlic. I find peeling ginger with a spoon works best—less waste and easier than a knife. Having everything ready upfront keeps your cooking flow smooth.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and add the chicken breasts, seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning once halfway, until they hit 165°F internal temperature. This step locks in juicy flavor and creates tasty browned bits on the bottom you’ll use later.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Remove the chicken and add the other tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the onions, carrots, and celery with a pinch of salt to draw out moisture and sweetness. Cook for 6-8 minutes stirring often until they soften but still have some bite. Then add in the garlic and ginger and sauté just 1 more minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Build the Soup Base
Pour in the chicken broth, and don’t forget to scrape the bottom of the pot to lift those delicious browned bits right into the soup—this step adds so much flavor. Bring everything up to a boil.
Step 5: Simmer and Add Noodles
Once boiling, reduce heat to medium, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes to develop those flavors. Add your noodles next, cover again, and simmer for 10-12 more minutes until they’re tender but not mushy.
Step 6: Shred and Finish the Soup
While the noodles cook, shred the chicken with two forks—if you’ve seasoned it well, this will be pure magic. Stir the shredded chicken into the soup, squeeze in the fresh lemon juice, taste, and season with salt and pepper. Finish with fresh parsley and dill for color and a burst of herbaceous brightness.
Top Tip
From my experience making this Lemon Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe, a few tricks helped me nail the perfect balance every time. These tips save you from common pitfalls and boost flavor effortlessly.
- Don’t Overcook Your Noodles: Adding noodles too early turns them mushy; I always wait until the broth is simmered and ready.
- Use Fresh Ginger and Lemon: Bottled juices just don’t compare; fresh is worth the tiny extra effort.
- Save Those Pan Bits: Scraping the browned chicken bits off the pot adds a savory depth you won’t get otherwise.
- Season Throughout: Seasoning at layering steps builds flavor complexity instead of trying to fix it all at the end.
How to Serve Lemon Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling fresh parsley and dill over the top — it adds a bright color and fresh flavor that makes the soup feel special but still homey. Sometimes I add a little extra lemon zest or a dash of cracked black pepper for an added kick.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a soft baguette to soak up all that delicious broth. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a more substantial meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, I’ve served this soup in cute ceramic mugs — it feels inviting and perfect for conversation. You could also ladle it into mini cast iron pots for a rustic, charming look that impresses guests without the fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover soup in airtight glass containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The noodles soak up broth over time, so I usually keep some extra broth on hand to thin it back out when reheating.
Freezing
This soup freezes well if you leave out the noodles initially — I add them fresh on reheating. You can freeze broth, chicken, and veggies in portions for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and cook noodles fresh.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup feels too thick, splash in some warm broth or water and add fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors right before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While No Yolks broad noodles hold up beautifully, feel free to swap in egg noodles, rice noodles, or even spiralized veggies. Just remember to adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid mushiness.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Because the noodles soak up broth over time, you might want to add extra broth or water when reheating to loosen it up.
Yes! To freeze, leave out the noodles and add them fresh when reheating. Freeze the broth, chicken, and veggies for up to three months in a sealed container.
Searing the chicken breasts over medium heat and cooking them just until they reach 165°F ensures juicy, tender meat perfect for shredding. Avoid overcooking to maintain that tenderness.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe has become such a comfort staple in my kitchen. It’s nourishing, uplifting, and easy enough that you can lean on it on busy nights or toss it together when you want to feel a little cared for. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep it in your recipe rotation too.
Print
Lemon Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Lemon Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup is a cozy and flavorful weeknight dinner perfect for cold winter months. Featuring tender chicken breasts, aromatic ginger and garlic, fresh vegetables, and bright lemon juice, this soup is both comforting and nutrient-packed. Served with fresh parsley and dill, it's a delicious way to warm up and nourish your body.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups dry No Yolks broad noodles
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 inch fresh piece of ginger, peeled and minced
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 4 medium carrots, diced into half moons
- 2 celery stalks, diced into half moons
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 8 cups (64 oz) chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh herbs (parsley and dill) to garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables and Aromatics: Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into half moons. Peel and mince the fresh ginger and garlic. Set all aside for later use.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken to a plate.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Add the onions, carrots, and celery with a pinch of salt. Cook for 8 minutes or until vegetables begin to soften, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release all the flavorful browned bits. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Vegetables: Reduce heat to medium, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors and soften vegetables.
- Cook Noodles: Add the noodles to the simmering soup. Cover again and cook for 12 minutes or until noodles are tender and cooked through.
- Shred Chicken: While noodles cook, shred the cooked chicken breasts using two forks.
- Combine and Finish: Return the shredded chicken to the soup. Add the juice of one lemon and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Stir well.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish generously with fresh parsley and dill. Serve immediately and enjoy your cozy meal!
Notes
- This soup is perfect for chilly winter nights and makes a wholesome weeknight dinner.
- You can substitute No Yolks noodles with any preferred noodle; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley and dill to add brightness and fresh flavor to the soup.
- Make sure the chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently over the stove.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Leave a Reply