Lemon-Garlic Chicken Soup
This Ultimate Chicken Soup With Lemon And Garlic is a comforting dish perfect for dreary days. With tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a zesty lemon flavor, it warms both body and soul.
- Author: Bluebella
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced (about 1 cup)
- 2 medium celery stalks, diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup uncooked egg noodles (or your choice of pasta)
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2–3 tablespoons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering (about 1-2 minutes), add the chopped onion. Sauté for 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, but avoid browning it.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
- Stir in the sliced carrots and diced celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add the dried thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices, enhancing their flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth, then add the chicken breasts (or thighs) and the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce to a gentle simmer and cover the pot. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and registers at least 165°F (75°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Stir in the uncooked egg noodles. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times can vary based on the type of noodles you choose.
- While the noodles are cooking, shred the chicken using two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Add the frozen peas (if using), lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir to incorporate and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the peas are heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Always taste your broth before adding additional salt; some brands can be saltier than others. For optimal flavor, use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to prevent scorching.