This Lemon Dill Chicken Noodle Soup is bright and comforting! With tender chicken, fresh lemon, and a sprinkle of dill, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
I love how the zesty lemon makes everything pop. It’s perfect for those chilly days when you’re in need of something cozy and delicious. 🍲
Whipping this up is super easy! Just toss everything in a pot and let it simmer. You’ll have a tasty soup ready in no time. Enjoy it with some crusty bread for a real treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A great base for sautéing veggies, but you can swap it with butter or even coconut oil if desired. I personally love the flavor butter adds to the soup, especially when sautéing the garlic and onions.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium is the way to go, as it lets you control the saltiness. If you’re in a pinch, feel free to use vegetable broth for a lighter option. Homemade broth gives excellent flavor!
Egg Noodles: Traditional for chicken noodle soup, but feel free to use whole grain or gluten-free noodles. I sometimes use rice noodles for a fun twist, just adjust cooking times.
Fresh Dill: Fresh is best for flavor! However, dried dill works too. Just use less since it’s stronger. I recommend starting with half and adjusting to taste.
Lemon: The star for brightness! If you’re out of fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice will do. You could also experiment with lime for a different zing.
What’s the Best Way to Sauté Vegetables for Soup?
Sautéing your vegetables correctly builds a solid flavor base for the soup. After chopping your veggies, follow these steps:
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add onions first, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Next, stir in carrots and celery, cooking for another 5-7 minutes until all are tender.
- End with garlic for about 1 minute. Garlic cooks quickly, and you want it fragrant, not burnt!
Cooking the veggies this way enhances their natural sweetness and flavor, making your soup even more delicious!
How to Make Lemon Dill Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 6 ounces egg noodles or wide egg pasta
- 1 lemon, juiced and zest grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried dill)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful soup requires about 15 minutes for preparation and an additional 20 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll be spending around 35 minutes to enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the diced onion, celery, and sliced carrots. Sauté this wonderful mixture for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are nice and tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Add Garlic for Flavor:
Now it’s time to stir in the minced garlic. Cook for another minute, just until it becomes fragrant. You’ll love how your kitchen smells right about now!
3. Bring in the Broth:
Carefully pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle in the dried thyme. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This step allows all those wonderful flavors to mingle.
4. Noodle Time:
Next, add the egg noodles to the pot. Cook them according to the package directions, usually around 6-8 minutes, until they’re perfectly tender.
5. Mix in Chicken and Seasonings:
Time to make this soup hearty! Stir in the cooked chicken, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped dill. Give it a gentle simmer for another 2-3 minutes, just to warm everything through and let those flavors come together.
6. Final Touches:
Before serving, season your soup with salt and pepper to your liking. Taste and adjust if necessary—it’s all about your personal preference!
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Dish out the soup while it’s hot. If you like, garnish with extra fresh dill or a sprinkle of parsley for that beautiful, fresh touch. Serve with some crusty bread on the side for a complete meal!
This Lemon Dill Chicken Noodle Soup is a perfect blend of bright and fresh flavors, comforting chicken, and hearty noodles. Enjoy every warm spoonful on a chilly day or whenever you need a little comfort in a bowl!
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred the meat off the bones and add it to the soup. You’ll save time without sacrificing flavor!
How Can I Make This Soup Gluten-Free?
To make this soup gluten-free, simply substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta. You may also use rice noodles, which work wonderfully and take less time to cook!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Dill?
No worries! Dried dill can be used instead. Start with 2 teaspoons of dried dill—since it’s more concentrated, you’ll want to adjust to taste. If you don’t have dill at all, a sprinkle of Italian seasoning can also work in a pinch!
Can I Store Leftover Chicken Noodle Soup?
Yes, you can! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. If it thickens, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
