This Lemon Pepper Chicken Noodle Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a zesty lemon flavor, it’s perfect for chilly days or when you need a mood boost.
Who doesn’t love a cozy soup that warms you from the inside? I always enjoy slurping up the noodles, and trust me, the lemon adds a delightful twist that makes it really special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds healthy fats and great flavor. You could use avocado oil or vegetable oil if you need a substitute, but I find that olive oil really enhances the overall dish.
Chicken Broth: A good quality broth is essential for flavor. If you’re looking for a lower-sodium option, use low-sodium chicken broth. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian soup.
Shredded Chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken for its convenience and flavor. If you have leftover chicken from another meal, that works too! For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add some chickpeas.
Egg Noodles: I usually go for wide egg noodles, but you can substitute with any pasta you have on hand, like fettuccine or even gluten-free pasta if you need it.
Lemon: The lemon gives a fresh twist. If you’re out, you can use lemon juice from a bottle, keeping in mind it doesn’t give the same brightness. Lime juice also works as an alternative.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Vegetables?
Sautéing the vegetables is a crucial step that brings out their natural sweetness and flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with medium heat and let the olive oil heat up before adding your onions.
- Cook the onions until they’re translucent, then add garlic and carrots.
- If using celery, add it at the same time as the carrots, as they cook similarly.
- Keep stirring to avoid burning, and don’t rush this step! It should take about 5-7 minutes.
This process builds a strong foundation for your soup, making it all the more delicious!
Lemon Pepper Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 stalks celery, sliced (optional for extra flavor)
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 6 oz wide egg noodles or fettuccine-style noodles
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced (reserve a few slices for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (approximately 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional for added lemon flavor)
- 1 ½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook, totaling around 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy evening!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery (if using). Sauté these for about 5-7 minutes until everything is tender and fragrant. This step builds a lovely base of flavor for your soup!
2. Add the Broth:
Next, pour in the chicken broth, stirring well, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. You’ll hear a lovely bubbling sound!
3. Combine the Flavors:
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to simmer. Add the shredded chicken, lemon slices, lemon juice, lemon zest (if you’re using it), black pepper, and dried parsley. Stir everything together well to combine the flavors.
4. Let it Simmer:
Allow the soup to simmer for about 15 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together and the carrots soften slightly.
5. Cook the Noodles:
Now, add the noodles to the pot. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually around 6-8 minutes or until tender.
6. Final Touches:
Before serving, taste the soup! Add salt or more black pepper if you wish, making sure it’s just right for your taste buds.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Remove any remaining lemon slices if you prefer, or leave a few for garnish. Ladle the warm soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley and additional lemon slices, if you’d like. Now, enjoy the bright and comforting flavors of your homemade lemon pepper chicken noodle soup!
This soup is like a warm embrace with its comforting noodles, tender chicken, and that zesty kick from the lemon—perfect for a chilly day!
Can I Use Leftover Roast Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roast chicken is a perfect choice for this soup. Just shred it and add it to the broth during the simmering stage. It saves time and adds even more flavor!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You might want to add extra veggies or some chickpeas for protein.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
You can freeze this soup, but it’s best to do so before adding the noodles. Cooked noodles may become mushy after freezing and reheating. Freeze the soup base, then add freshly cooked noodles when you’re ready to enjoy it!
