If you’re searching for a bowl of pure comfort with a bright zesty twist, look no further than Creamy Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup. This deeply satisfying soup takes the classic chicken noodle your grandma used to make and gives it a modern, tangy upgrade thanks to lemon zest, lemon juice, and a lush swirl of cream. Each spoonful is velvety, loaded with tender chicken, soft egg noodles, and vibrant veggies that soak up all that rich, citrus-spiked broth. It’s just the kind of cozy yet refreshing meal perfect for dreary days or anytime you need a little pick-me-up.

Creamy Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this soup are wonderfully straightforward, yet each one plays an important role in creating the final lively, creamy broth, irresistible aroma, and cheerful color. Gather these staples, and you’ll be rewarded with a bowl that is so much more than the sum of its parts!

Butter: Adds a rich, silky base for sautéing the vegetables and building flavor.
Olive Oil: Works together with butter for sautéing, creating a balanced foundation and keeping things from sticking.
Onion: A must for sweet, aromatic depth that infuses the broth.
Carrots: They bring gentle sweetness and gorgeous color with every bite.
Celery: Adds a subtle, earthy crunch that rounds out the classic mirepoix trio.
Garlic: Just a touch wakes up all the flavors with savory warmth.
Chicken Broth: The soul of the soup—choose a good-quality broth for flavor you can taste in every spoonful.
Cooked Shredded Chicken Breast: Makes this soup satisfyingly hearty; rotisserie chicken is a handy shortcut!
Egg Noodles: Their soft texture soaks up the creamy broth, making each bite comforting and filling.
Heavy Cream: This is what sets creamy soups apart—creates that luscious, velvety texture we crave.
Lemon Zest and Juice: The magical duo for a tangy, fresh finish that brightens every bite.
Dried Thyme: Brings earthy, herby notes that complement the chicken beautifully.
Dried Parsley: Offers another layer of herbal freshness without overpowering the main flavors.
Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the tastes together.
Fresh Parsley & Lemon Slices for Garnish: Completely optional, but add a pop of freshness and a little wow-factor when serving.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by melting butter and a splash of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for five to six minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies begin to soften and release their sweet, savory aromas. The mixture should look glossy and smell incredible already—this is your flavor base!

Step 2: Add the Garlic

Once your vegetables are softened, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about one minute, just until the garlic becomes wonderfully fragrant. This brief step wakes up the entire pot with that unmistakable savory punch, but don’t let it brown—garlic can turn bitter if overcooked.

Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in your chicken broth, and bring everything up to a gentle boil. As the liquid heats, give the pot a good stir to ensure any bits stuck to the bottom are incorporated. This bubbling stage coaxes flavor out of the vegetables and starts marrying them together into one soothing soup.

Step 4: Add Chicken, Noodles, and Herbs

To the bubbling broth, add your shredded cooked chicken, egg noodles, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Stir well. Let this simmer for eight to ten minutes until the noodles are perfectly cooked (tender but not mushy). The chicken will soak up all that herby essence and get even more tender.

Step 5: Stir in the Cream and Lemon

Reduce the heat to low so the soup isn’t boiling. Pour in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir thoroughly until everything comes together into a creamy, pale yellow broth flecked with herbs. Season with salt and fresh black pepper to taste. Allow the soup to gently heat through for two or three more minutes so all those flavors meld in harmony.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle your Creamy Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup into big, cozy bowls. If you want to impress, scatter fresh parsley and a delicate lemon slice on top—these bright garnishes really make each portion look as special as it tastes. Serve your soup hot and enjoy every comforting, citrusy spoonful!

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup

Garnishes

The final flourish makes all the difference. Top your bowls of Creamy Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and a thin wheel of lemon for an inviting, colorful presentation. A hint of fresh-cracked black pepper also looks and tastes fantastic. The vibrant green and golden yellow will have everyone’s eyes (and tastebuds) lighting up even before the first bite.

Side Dishes

This soup shines as a meal in its own right, but it’s always lovely to serve alongside fresh, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls—perfect for dunking and sopping up every drop of that luscious broth. A simple leafy green salad with a sharp vinaigrette is a bright, refreshing contrast. For heartier fare, try pairing with a classic grilled cheese for the ultimate comfort combo!

Creative Ways to Present

Creamy Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup brings plenty of style to the table. For a fun dinner party twist, serve the soup in small mugs as an appetizer. Or, use hollowed-out sourdough rolls as edible bowls for a rustic touch. If you’re packing the soup for lunch, wide-mouth thermoses keep it piping hot. For family gatherings, a big pot on the stove with a garnish bar lets everyone top their own bowls just the way they like.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have some extra Creamy Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup? Lucky you! Let the soup cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen and meld, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, there’s a handy tip: For best results, don’t add the noodles or cream before freezing, as both can change texture when thawed. Instead, freeze the broth and veggie-chicken mixture alone. When ready to enjoy, heat up your base, then stir in fresh noodles and cream for that just-made taste.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to keep the cream from separating. If you notice the soup is thicker after storing, add a splash more broth or cream to loosen it before serving. The microwave also works—just heat in short intervals and stir well.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this soup?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut, making the soup even quicker to prepare. Just shred the meat, discard the skin and bones, and add it as directed—it works perfectly.

Is there a dairy-free way to make Creamy Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup?

If you need a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream for a rich, unsweetened coconut milk or your favorite plant-based cream. The result will still be creamy and delicious, minus the dairy.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Simply use your favorite gluten-free egg noodles or pasta. There are several excellent options on the market, so everyone can enjoy a hearty bowl, no matter the dietary need.

What vegetables can I add or substitute?

Feel free to add in peas, spinach, or even diced zucchini for a little extra color and nutrition. Just stir in leafy greens at the end so they wilt gently in the creamy broth.

Can I make Creamy Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup in advance?

Yes, you can make the soup (minus noodles and cream) a day or two ahead. Store in the fridge, then reheat and finish with noodles and cream just before serving for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to embrace comfort food with a twist, Creamy Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup promises to win your heart with its cozy, sunny flavors and melt-in-your-mouth goodness. I can’t wait for you to savor this bowl of happiness, whether you’re serving friends, family, or just treating yourself. Give it a try soon—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Creamy Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamy Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting and flavorful twist on classic chicken noodle soup. The creamy broth infused with lemon adds a bright and refreshing flavor to this cozy dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Soup:

2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
2 cups egg noodles
1 cup heavy cream
zest and juice of 1 large lemon
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Garnish:

fresh parsley
lemon slices

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Instructions

In a large pot, sauté vegetables: Melt butter and olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
Add aromatics and broth: Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
Cook soup: Add chicken, noodles, thyme, and parsley. Simmer until noodles are tender.
Finish the soup: Reduce heat, add cream, lemon zest, and juice. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer until heated through.
Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley and lemon slices. Enjoy!