If you are craving a cozy bowl of something both comforting and invigorating, this Lemon Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is just what you need. It’s a vibrant twist on the classic chicken noodle soup, bursting with fresh ginger and bright lemon juice that lift the flavors to a whole new level. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and a rich, savory broth, this soup warms you from the inside out while giving you a delightful zing of freshness with every spoonful. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just want a bowl of wholesome goodness, this recipe promises to become one of your all-time favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this soup shine is how simple and accessible the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial part in creating the harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and colors you’ll love. From the aromatic ginger to the crisp fresh herbs, these ingredients come together so beautifully it feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
- No Yolks broad noodles: These noodles hold up wonderfully in soup and add a hearty, comforting bite—feel free to swap with your favorite pasta, just adjust cooking time.
- Yellow onion: Provides a sweet, savory base flavor that caramelizes just a bit as it cooks down.
- Fresh ginger: Adds a subtle spicy warmth and bright aroma that makes this soup uniquely refreshing.
- Garlic: Brings depth and a gentle pungency that pairs perfectly with the ginger.
- Carrots: Their natural sweetness balances the savory broth and adds lovely color.
- Celery: Offers a mild herbal earthiness and crunchy texture that softens up well in the soup.
- Chicken breasts: The star protein, providing tender, juicy chunks that soak up all the delicious broth.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful backbone of the soup, making it rich and satisfying.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the entire soup with a fresh, zesty kick that awakens your taste buds.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté ingredients and seal in flavors with a subtle fruity note.
- Fresh parsley and dill: Finish the soup with a burst of herbaceous, bright green beauty and flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring everything together with balanced seasoning and a little peppery warmth.
How to Make Lemon Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Aromatics
Start by dicing your onion and slicing the carrots and celery into half moons for that perfect bite-sized texture. Peel and mince the fresh ginger and garlic to release their aromatic goodness. Setting these aside now makes the cooking process much smoother later on.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large pot, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, then cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has a lovely golden exterior. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate to rest while you build the soup base.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables and Aromatics
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same pot and toss in the diced onions, carrots, and celery with a pinch of salt. Cook them gently for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring often, until they start softening and the onions turn translucent. Then stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for just about a minute more until their fragrances bloom beautifully in the air. This step locks in layers of flavor that make your soup truly standout.
Step 4: Build the Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any caramelized bits stuck to the bottom of the pot—they’re packed with flavor! Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for around 8 to 10 minutes so the flavors meld together and the vegetables become tender yet vibrant.
Step 5: Cook Your Noodles
Add your noodles right into the simmering soup, cover the pot again, and cook for another 10 to 12 minutes until the noodles are perfectly tender but not mushy. This method infuses the pasta with all that comforting broth goodness, making every bite satisfying.
Step 6: Shred Chicken and Finish the Soup
While your noodles cook, shred the rested chicken breasts with two forks. When the noodles are done, stir the shredded chicken back into the pot, then pour in the fresh lemon juice to brighten the entire soup. Give it a final taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve piping hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and dill for that extra herby lift.
How to Serve Lemon Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley and dill not only add a vibrant splash of color but also a fragrant freshness that complements the zesty lemon and spicy ginger beautifully. A little extra cracked black pepper or a small drizzle of olive oil on top can elevate the soup even more. Feel free to sprinkle on some thin lemon slices for visual appeal and sharper citrus notes.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up every last drop of broth. For a light meal, a crisp simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette echoes the citrus notes in the soup perfectly. If you want to keep things healthy and hearty, steamed green beans or roasted asparagus make delightful veggie companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Lemon Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe in charming individual bowls topped with edible flowers or microgreens for a beautiful, restaurant-worthy touch. You can also try layering it in clear glass mugs for a fun twist at brunch or gather a few soup shooters for a flavorful appetizer at your next gathering. Let your creativity shine—this soup is as versatile as it is delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, making it an excellent option for easy weekday lunches or cozy dinners. Just give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute the flavors.
Freezing
This soup freezes very well, but to keep the noodles from overcooking and becoming mushy, it’s best to freeze the broth, chicken, and vegetables separately from the cooked noodles. When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup components overnight, cook fresh noodles, and combine everything just before serving.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems too thick after refrigeration. If you froze the components separately, cook fresh noodles and mix them in at this stage to keep them tender and springy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of noodles in this recipe?
Absolutely! While No Yolks broad noodles work wonderfully, you can swap in your favorite pasta like egg noodles, fettuccine, or even rice noodles. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly so they don’t get mushy.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Yes, but to maintain the best texture, freeze the broth and chicken separately from the noodles. Reheat and add freshly cooked noodles when ready to serve for the best experience.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To adapt this Lemon Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for a vegetarian diet, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and replace chicken breasts with tofu or hearty mushrooms. The ginger and lemon will still provide that bright, flavorful punch.
How long does this soup keep in the fridge?
This soup stays fresh and delicious for up to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it quickly and refrigerate promptly to maintain quality.
What can I do if my soup tastes too bland?
If your soup needs a flavor boost, try adding a pinch more salt, a squeeze of extra lemon juice, or a bit of freshly ground black pepper. Sometimes just a touch more acidity or seasoning can wonderfully elevate the whole dish.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a soup that feels both soothing and energizing, and this Lemon Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe hits that spot perfectly. Easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to share with friends and family, it’s bound to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So go ahead and give this flavorful, comforting soup a try—you deserve a bowl of happiness with every spoonful!
Print
Lemon Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Lemon Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup combines tender chicken breasts, flavorful ginger and garlic, fresh vegetables, and broad noodles in a savory chicken broth, brightened with a splash of fresh lemon juice. Perfect for any season, this hearty soup is easy to prepare and serves as a nutritious meal to warm you up.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 medium carrots, diced into half moons
- 2 celery stalks, diced into half moons
- 2 inch fresh piece of ginger, peeled and minced
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 8 cups (64 oz) chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Protein & Noodles
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 2 cups dry No Yolks broad noodles (or any noodles; adjust cooking time accordingly)
Finishing Touches
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 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 these ingredients aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper and cook them for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fully cooked and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery along with a pinch of salt. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables start to soften. Then add the minced garlic and ginger and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to add flavor. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Vegetables: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot, and allow it to simmer for 8-10 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Cook Noodles: Add the dry noodles to the pot, cover again, and simmer for another 10-12 minutes until the noodles are tender and cooked through.
- Shred Chicken: While the noodles are cooking, shred the cooked chicken breasts using two forks.
- Combine and Finish: Once the noodles are done, return the shredded chicken to the pot. Add the juice of one lemon and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and dill. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful, nourishing soup!
Notes
- You can substitute the No Yolks broad noodles with any pasta or egg noodles, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor impact.
- If you prefer, you can use cooked rotisserie chicken as a shortcut to save time.