This Healing Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food—warm, nourishing, and packed with wholesome ingredients designed to soothe both body and soul. Made with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, flavorful broth, and comforting noodles, it’s perfect for when you’re feeling under the weather, dealing with a cold, or simply craving a cozy, nutritious meal. The addition of garlic, ginger, and fresh herbs gives this soup immune-boosting properties while enhancing its flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chicken noodle soup isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with health benefits. Garlic, ginger, and turmeric provide anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, while the tender chicken and vegetables offer protein and essential vitamins. The warmth of the broth soothes sore throats and eases congestion, making this the perfect meal for recovery days or when you just need something comforting and nourishing. Plus, it’s easy to make and ready in under an hour!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 8 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade or low-sodium)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 oz egg noodles (or your preferred pasta)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Fresh dill or rosemary (optional, for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add diced onion, garlic, and ginger to the same pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add the vegetables and broth: Stir in the carrots, celery, turmeric, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Add the cooked chicken back to the pot. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it using two forks, and return it to the soup.
- Cook the noodles: Stir in the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually 6-8 minutes, until tender.
- Finish and serve: Stir in lemon juice for added brightness. Garnish with fresh parsley, dill, or rosemary. Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy immune-boosting version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or sliced jalapeños to help clear sinuses and boost circulation.
- Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Low-carb version: Use zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shirataki noodles in place of egg noodles.
- Extra greens: Add spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for a nutrient boost.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the soup (without noodles) for up to 3 months. Add fresh noodles when reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works great. Add it after the vegetables are cooked and heat until warmed through.
2. Can I use gluten-free noodles?
Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta or noodles without changing the cooking time.
3. What makes this soup “healing”?
The garlic, ginger, turmeric, and nutrient-dense broth provide immune-boosting properties and help reduce inflammation, making this soup great for recovery.
4. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add all ingredients (except noodles and lemon juice) to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add noodles in the last 30 minutes.
5. How do I make the broth richer?
Use homemade broth or add a bouillon cube for extra depth of flavor. Simmering the soup for longer also deepens the broth’s richness.
6. Can I skip the turmeric?
Yes, but turmeric adds both health benefits and a warm, earthy flavor. If you don’t have it on hand, the soup will still be delicious without it.
7. Can I add potatoes?
Yes, diced potatoes can be added along with the carrots and celery for extra heartiness.
8. How can I make the soup creamier?
Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a creamy twist on the classic recipe.
9. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen carrots, peas, or mixed vegetables can be added directly to the pot and cooked until tender.
10. What herbs work best in this soup?
Fresh parsley, dill, thyme, and rosemary all complement the flavors of this chicken noodle soup beautifully.
Conclusion
This Healing Chicken Noodle Soup is the perfect dish for when you need something warm, nourishing, and comforting. Packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, immune-boosting spices, and flavorful broth, it’s an easy, wholesome meal that will leave you feeling better with every spoonful. Whether you’re fighting off a cold or just need a cozy meal, this soup is sure to become a comforting favorite!
PrintHealing Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Healing Chicken Noodle Soup is a nourishing, immune-boosting dish packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients, tender chicken, soothing broth, and plenty of veggies. It’s the perfect comfort food when you’re feeling under the weather—or just in need of a warm, healthy meal!
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder (or 1 tablespoon fresh turmeric, grated)
- 8 cups chicken broth (preferably bone broth for extra nutrients)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 2 cups egg noodles (or gluten-free noodles)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for extra immune-boosting power)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Sauté the aromatics:
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, carrots, celery, ginger, and turmeric, and cook for another 5 minutes until fragrant. -
Add broth and seasonings:
Pour in the chicken broth and add thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. -
Cook the noodles:
Add egg noodles and cook according to package instructions (usually 6-8 minutes). If using gluten-free noodles, cook them separately to avoid over-softening. -
Add the chicken:
Stir in the shredded chicken and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Notes
- Add a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra immune boost and a bit of heat.
- Swap noodles for quinoa or brown rice for a gluten-free, protein-packed version.
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for richer flavor and more collagen content.
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