This bright and tasty Lemon Dill Chicken Noodle Soup is the perfect comfort food! With tender chicken, fresh dill, and zesty lemon, it warms you right up.
Every spoonful is like a hug in a bowl. I love how easy it is to make, and the lemon gives it a cheerful twist. Perfect for cozy nights in or when you’re feeling under the weather!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds healthy fats and flavor. If you don’t have olive oil, you can use vegetable oil or butter. Both work well in sautéing the veggies and enhance the taste.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this soup because they cook quickly. If you prefer, you can swap them for chicken thighs which add more flavor, or use rotisserie chicken for even faster prep.
Lemon: The zest and juice of lemon brighten up the soup. If fresh lemons aren’t available, a splash of bottled lemon juice can do in a pinch. Just use less to avoid overpowering the dish.
Dill: Fresh dill is best for its vibrant flavor. If you can only find dried dill, use about one tablespoon instead, but the flavor won’t be quite as bright. You might also try parsley or thyme for a different taste.
Egg Noodles: These give the soup a comforting texture. If you’re gluten-free, consider using rice noodles or gluten-free pasta. Both can be substituted without losing much in the way of flavor or texture.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked and Shredded?
Cooking and shredding chicken for this soup can be tricky. Follow these steps to get it just right:
- Start by simmering the chicken in the broth to keep it moist.
- Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
- Remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly—this makes shredding easier.
- Use two forks to pull the meat apart into shreds easily. Aim for bite-sized pieces!
This method will help ensure your chicken is tender, juicy, and ready to enhance your soup’s flavor!
Lemon Dill Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Noodles and Seasonings:
- 2 cups egg noodles or wide egg pasta noodles
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme for extra flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Lemon Dill Chicken Noodle Soup will take about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, totaling around 40 minutes. It’s a quick and comforting dish that will have everyone excited for dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables become soft and fragrant. This helps to build the flavors of the soup!
2. Adding the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Make sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to enhance the flavor.
3. Cooking the Chicken:
Once the broth is boiling, add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. You want it to be juicy and tender!
4. Shredding the Chicken:
Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot and set them aside to cool for a moment. Once they are cool enough to handle, shred them using two forks. This is where the magic happens—shredded chicken adds great texture!
5. Cooking the Noodles:
Add the egg noodles to the simmering broth and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 7-8 minutes, until they are al dente. Stir occasionally so they don’t stick together.
6. Combining Ingredients:
Return the shredded chicken to the pot, then stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped fresh dill. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re using dried oregano or thyme for extra flavor, add that now too.
7. Final Simmer:
Let the soup simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow all the lovely flavors to blend together nicely.
8. Serve the Soup:
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with extra fresh dill. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this delicious dish!
9. Optional Extras:
Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for those who like an extra zing!
Enjoy your bright, flavorful Lemon Dill Chicken Noodle Soup that combines tender chicken, hearty noodles, fresh dill, and zesty lemon for a warming and comforting meal!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the soup after the noodles are cooked. This way, you’ll only need to heat it through rather than cook it from scratch.
Can I Make This Soup in Advance?
Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time! Prepare it as directed and let it cool before storing it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of broth or water to maintain the consistency.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in portions. Just make sure to leave some space in the container as the soup will expand when frozen.
What Can I Substitute for Dill?
If you can’t find fresh dill, you can use dried dill (about 1 tablespoon) as a substitute, though the flavor won’t be as fresh. Alternatively, parsley or thyme can work as well if you want a different herbaceous note!
