This Lemon Dill Chicken Noodle Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender chicken, soft noodles, and a zesty splash of lemon, it’s super comforting and delicious.
There’s something special about the bright taste of lemon mixed with the goodness of dill. It makes the soup feel like a sunny day! I love serving it with some crusty bread for a complete meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds healthy fats and a nice flavor. You can also use avocado oil for a different taste or butter for a richer flavor.
Onion: A medium onion provides sweetness. If you’re short on onions, shallots or green onions can work in a pinch.
Garlic: Fresh garlic boosts flavor remarkably! If unavailable, garlic powder can substitute, though it won’t have the same intensity.
Carrots and Celery: Carrots add sweetness while celery adds crunch. If celery’s not your thing, you could replace it with bell peppers for a different texture.
Chicken Broth: For a lighter option, use vegetable broth. Homemade broth is great too, and you can control the sodium levels!
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken saves time and effort. You can swap it out with canned chicken or even leave it out for a vegetarian option, adding more beans or chickpeas instead.
Egg Noodles: While egg noodles are traditional, any pasta works. Consider using whole grain or gluten-free options if needed.
Dill: Fresh dill is fantastic, but if you can’t find it, use dried dill. Just half the amount since dried herbs are more potent.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Ingredients?
Getting the best flavors starts with how you treat your ingredients. First, don’t rush when sautéing the onions and garlic; let them soften and develop sweetness. Cook them on medium heat until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Cook the onions and garlic for several minutes, stirring often.
- Make sure your broth is flavorful. If using low-sodium broth, taste it before adding extra salt.
- When you add lemon juice at the end, it brightens the whole soup, enhancing all the flavors.
Lastly, let your soup simmer to allow all the ingredients to meld beautifully—give it a taste before serving to adjust any seasoning as necessary!
Lemon Dill Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced (optional)
- 8 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast (rotisserie or homemade)
- 2 cups wide egg noodles or homemade noodles, cooked until al dente
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried dill)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh dill sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook, so you’re looking at about 40 minutes in total. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until it’s nice and translucent. This will create a beautiful base for your soup.
2. Add the Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to ensure it doesn’t burn. You’ll love the aroma filling your kitchen!
3. Cook the Vegetables:
Now, toss in the sliced carrots (and the celery, if you’re using it). Cook these for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften up.
4. Add the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and crank up the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let everything cook for about 10-15 minutes until all the vegetables are tender.
5. Mix in Chicken:
After the veggies are tender, add the shredded cooked chicken to the pot, stirring gently to combine it well with the broth.
6. Incorporate the Noodles:
Stir in the cooked egg noodles and let the whole pot simmer for 2-3 minutes more until the noodles are heated through and blend with the flavors.
7. Final Touches:
Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and the chopped dill. Taste your delicious soup and season it with salt and pepper as desired.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the warm soup into bowls. If you like, garnish with extra fresh dill sprigs on top. Serve your soup warm, preferably with some crusty bread on the side for a truly comforting meal!
This soup strikes a perfect balance between comforting classic chicken noodle flavors and a bright, fresh twist from lemon and dill. The hearty carrots and tender chicken make for a nourishing bowl, while the lemon adds brightness and the dill delivers delightful herbal notes throughout. Enjoy your cozy, homemade goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Soup?
Yes, you can! If using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the soup. A quick way to do this is by placing the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for a couple of hours.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the soup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving. Keep in mind that the noodles may absorb some broth as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of broth or water during reheating.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Dill?
No worries! If fresh dill isn’t available, you can substitute it with dried dill. Use about half the amount, as dried herbs are typically more concentrated in flavor. Adjust according to your taste!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To preserve freshness, keep the noodles separate if possible. Reheat gently before serving, adding a bit of broth if necessary to loosen the texture.
