There’s nothing quite like a warm, nourishing bowl of soup to lift your spirits and bring comfort on a chilly day, and this Creamy Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe truly delivers. Every spoonful is a celebration of flavor — velvety broth, juicy shreds of chicken, a kiss of lemony brightness, and tender noodles, all boosted gently by fresh herbs and veggies. Whether you’re chasing away the sniffles, craving a cozy meal, or simply seeking something a little special for a weeknight dinner, this soup will earn a treasured spot in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each element in this soul-soothing dish is chosen with intention — they’re familiar, easy to find, and together, they build a soup that’s bright, creamy, and layered with flavor. Let’s talk about what makes every ingredient count!
- Olive oil: Start with a splash for sautéing — it’s the flavor foundation and adds a rounded depth to the veggies.
- Butter: Adds a subtle richness and a touch of indulgence that supports the creamy texture.
- Yellow onion: Dice it small; its gentle sweetness is the perfect aromatic base.
- Carrots: Colorful and slightly sweet, they bring classic soup vibes and pretty flecks of orange.
- Celery: Sliced celery delivers a delicate savoriness and crunch that you can taste in every bite.
- Garlic: Just a bit, finely minced, for fragrant, savory undertones.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Allows you to control the salt, while keeping the flavor light and clean.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver, and its tender texture really shines here.
- Dried thyme: This classic herb brings a homey, earthy warmth that grounds the soup.
- Dried basil: A gentle floral note that plays beautifully with the lemon and cream.
- Bay leaf: Adds subtle depth — just remember to pull it out before serving.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing every other flavor; adjust to your liking at the end.
- Black pepper: A pinch wakes up the whole pot and balances the creamy richness.
- Egg noodles: They absorb just enough broth and make each spoonful hearty and satisfying.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that dreamy, silky consistency — don’t be shy!
- Lemon (juice and zest): This is where the magic happens; bright, citrusy, and refreshing.
- Fresh parsley: A shower of chopped parsley at the end adds color and a fresh finish.
How to Make Creamy Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating the olive oil and butter together in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies begin to soften and smell amazing. This is the flavor base that will infuse your entire Creamy Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe.
Step 2: Add Garlic for Fragrance
Next, add the minced garlic and cook for one additional minute. You want the garlic to become fragrant but not brown — this short and sweet step helps weave its savory notes into the rest of the ingredients.
Step 3: Simmer with Broth and Herbs
Pour in the chicken broth and turn up the heat until it starts to simmer. Add your shredded chicken, dried thyme, dried basil, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Allow everything to mingle over a gentle simmer for about 10 minutes. This is where the magic of the Creamy Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe truly begins, as the flavors meld together.
Step 4: Add the Noodles
Stir in the egg noodles and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the noodles are just tender. Be careful not to overcook — you want them soft but with a tiny bit of bite, because they’ll continue to soak up broth as the soup sits.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Lemon
Lower the heat, then pour in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Gently stir, allowing the soup to simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes. The cream will make your broth irresistibly velvety, while the lemon lifts every ingredient for that signature brightness.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove the bay leaf, check the seasoning, and adjust with a little extra salt or pepper if you wish. Just before serving, sprinkle in the freshly chopped parsley for color and a touch of herby freshness. Your Creamy Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is now ready to be ladled into bowls.
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A simple flourish of fresh parsley is classic, but don’t be afraid to get creative! A few extra curls of lemon zest, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, or even a dusting of grated Parmesan can take your bowl from homestyle to restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
Serve this Creamy Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe with crusty bread or a warm baguette — the better for soaking up every last drop. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon complements the soup’s brightness without stealing the show.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the soup in wide, shallow bowls for a gorgeous display of noodles and colorful vegetables. For a special occasion, ladle the soup into mugs and offer lemon wedges on the side for an interactive, hands-on moment your guests will remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Creamy Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get even richer as the soup rests overnight.
Freezing
For best results, freeze the soup before you add the noodles and cream. Let the base cool, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and freeze up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw and add freshly cooked noodles and cream for the best texture.
Reheating
Gently rewarm your soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens in the fridge, a splash of chicken broth will bring it back to the perfect consistency without diluting the flavor.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver on busy nights — it’s flavorful, tender, and cuts down on prep time in this Creamy Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Just swap the egg noodles for your favorite gluten-free noodle or pasta. Double-check your broth ingredients to be certain they’re gluten-free as well.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
For a lighter version, use half-and-half or even whole milk, though you’ll lose some richness. Dairy alternatives like coconut cream can work, but they may alter the flavor and texture a bit.
What else can I add for extra nutrition?
A handful of fresh baby spinach or kale stirred in right at the end is a delicious way to add color and nutrients, and it wilts down perfectly without overpowering the soup.
Can I make Creamy Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the soup base, refrigerate or freeze, and then just add cooked noodles and cream when reheating to keep everything fresh and perfectly textured.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll make this Creamy Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe next time you need a comforting, flavor-packed meal that still feels light and bright. It’s one of those rare dishes that’s as easy to prepare as it is impressive to serve — a true taste of warmth and sunshine any time of year!
Print
Creamy Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting goodness of this Creamy Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup – a warm and flavorful dish perfect for any day. The creamy texture blended with the zesty lemon and tender chicken will surely delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
Main Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 cup heavy cream
- juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in chicken broth, add shredded chicken, thyme, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook Noodles: Add egg noodles and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add spinach for extra greens.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
