This Lemon Dill Chicken Noodle Soup is a bright and comforting dish! It’s packed with tender chicken, fun noodles, and zesty lemon that make every spoonful refreshing.
I love how the dill adds a special twist to this classic soup. It’s my secret ingredient! Perfect for chilly days or when you need a little pick-me-up. Just cozy up and enjoy! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This oil adds a nice flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use canola or vegetable oil. Butter also works well if you want a richer taste.
Chicken Broth: Low sodium broth is ideal to control saltiness. If you prefer a vegetarian version, opt for vegetable broth instead!
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is super convenient and flavorful, but poached chicken breast is just as good. Leftover turkey? Perfect for this soup!
Dill: Fresh dill lifts this dish up! If you can’t find fresh, use dried dill (1:3 ratio) or try parsley or thyme as a different flavor note.
Noodles: Wide egg noodles are traditional, but feel free to swap in any noodle you love—whole wheat or gluten-free varieties work too!
How Do I Sauté Vegetables Perfectly?
Sautéing vegetables is key to building flavor in this soup! Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
- Add the onion, celery, and carrots. Stir often to avoid burning.
- Cook until veggies soften—around 5–7 minutes. This step unlocks their natural sweetness.
- Finish with garlic for extra flavor; just a minute is all it needs to get fragrant!
Remember to not rush this process. A little patience lets the flavors shine!
Lemon Dill Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 3 large carrots, sliced into rounds
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or poached chicken breast)
- 4 ounces wide egg noodles or twisted pasta
- 1 large lemon (juice and zest)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and chopping the vegetables, 20 minutes cooking the soup, to create a warm, comforting dish perfect for any occasion.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Vegetables:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, diced celery, and sliced carrots. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent. This step is important to build flavor, so take your time here!
2. Adding Garlic:
Once the vegetables are softened, add the minced garlic. Cook for another minute, stirring frequently, until you can smell the lovely aroma of garlic. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Bringing in the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. This will create a nice, flavorful base for your soup.
4. Cooking the Noodles:
Once the broth is boiling, add the noodles. Cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente, which usually takes around 6-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Adding Chicken and Lemon:
Next, stir in the shredded cooked chicken, along with the lemon juice and lemon zest. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes just to warm everything through and let the flavors blend.
6. Seasoning:
Finally, add the chopped fresh dill and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir and adjust the seasonings if needed. The dill adds a wonderful aroma!
7. Serving It Up:
Remove the soup from heat and ladle it into bowls. If you like, garnish with extra fresh dill and lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation.
8. Enjoy!
Serve warm and savor the bright, comforting flavors of your homemade Lemon Dill Chicken Noodle Soup. It’s guaranteed to warm your heart!
This soup beautifully balances the citrus brightness of lemon with the herbal aroma of dill, combined with tender chicken and hearty noodles to create a nourishing and refreshing meal.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can thaw it in the fridge overnight or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Once thawed, simply shred it to add to the soup.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the soup a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just remember to add the noodles when you reheat, as they tend to get mushy if left in the soup for too long.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months; just be sure to leave out the noodles to prevent them from becoming mushy when reheated.
What Can I Substitute for Dill?
If you don’t have dill, fresh parsley or thyme can make great substitutes. While they will provide different flavor notes, they’ll still add a nice herbal element to the soup! Just adjust the quantities to your taste.
