Warm up with a bowl of comforting Lemon Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup. This healthy chicken noodle soup recipe is perfect for boosting your spirits and nourishing your body. You can easily make this delicious and satisfying meal for your family.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs. Rotisserie chicken works too.
- Noodles: Egg noodles are classic, but you can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
- Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is best. Vegetable broth is a good alternative.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger is key for flavor. Use ginger paste if fresh isn’t available.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens the soup.
Ingredients:
Main:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 4 ounces egg noodles
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Spices:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Tools Needed: Large pot or Dutch oven, knife, cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until they soften.
2. Add Ginger and Garlic
Stir in the grated ginger and minced garlic. Cook for another minute until fragrant. This builds a strong flavor base for your healthy chicken noodle soup.
3. Simmer the Broth and Spices
Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
4. Cook the Noodles and Chicken
Add the egg noodles to the simmering broth and cook according to package directions, usually 5-7 minutes. Stir in the cooked chicken during the last few minutes of cooking.
5. Finish with Lemon and Parsley
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed for your perfect bowl of healthy chicken noodle soup.
Variation Ideas:
- Extra Veggies: Add spinach, kale, or sliced mushrooms during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Spicy Kick: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes with the ginger and garlic.
- Herbal Boost: Try a sprig of fresh rosemary or bay leaf during the simmering step, then remove before serving.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Lemon Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. The noodles may absorb some broth, so you can add a splash more if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can you freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze this healthy chicken noodle soup without the noodles for best results. Add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.
- What kind of chicken should you use?
Cooked chicken breast or thighs work great. You can also use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Simply use gluten-free noodles or pasta in place of traditional egg noodles.
- Can you make this soup vegetarian?
Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken for a flavorful vegetarian ginger noodle soup.
- How do you prevent noodles from getting mushy?
Cook the noodles separately and add them to individual bowls just before serving, or add them to the soup only when you are ready to eat.
- What if you don’t have fresh ginger?
You can use about 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, but fresh ginger provides a more vibrant flavor.