Lemon Chicken Soup with Noodles Recipe

If you’re searching for a comforting yet bright soup to warm your soul, this Lemon Chicken Soup with Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how the tanginess of lemon perfectly lifts the savory broth and tender chicken, while the noodles add just the right touch of heartiness. When I first tried this soup, I was amazed at how simple ingredients come together to make something truly special that my whole family now requests regularly. Stick around—I’m about to share all my tips so you can master this fan-freaking-tastic dish!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bright, Tangy Flavor: The lemon juice adds a fresh zing that balances the savory broth beautifully.
  • Tender Chicken Every Time: Searing the chicken and then simmering it ensures juicy, flavorful bites.
  • Comfort in a Bowl: Warm noodles swimming in rich broth make this perfect for chilly days or anytime you need a hug in soup form.
  • Easy to Customize: You can tweak herbs, veggies, or noodles to match your pantry or cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Lemon Chicken Soup with Noodles Recipe is how well simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together to create complex, comforting flavors. Here’s what I usually pick out at the store, along with little tips to get the best out of each one.

  • Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil to get a nice base flavor when searing chicken and sautéing veggies.
  • Boneless skinless chicken breast: If your chicken breasts are thick, slicing them lengthwise helps them cook evenly—trust me, this step is a game-changer.
  • Lemon pepper seasoning: It adds a subtle spice and citrus note even before the fresh lemon juice comes in.
  • Dry white wine: This adds depth; if you don’t drink wine, a splash of chicken broth works too, but the wine creates a great flavor boost.
  • Butter: For richness in the sautéed veggies—feel free to sub with olive oil if needed.
  • Yellow onion, carrots, celery: The classic mirepoix combo that brings natural sweetness and earthiness to the broth.
  • Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives that essential fragrant kick.
  • Chicken broth: I recommend low sodium so you can control the salt better at the end.
  • Chicken bouillon cube: Just half a cube amps up the chicken flavor without making it too salty.
  • Soy sauce: A tiny umami boost that you might not expect but makes a HUGE difference.
  • Lemon juice: Fresh is best! It brightens and brings that signature lemony punch.
  • Parmesan cheese (grated and rind): The rind is optional but trust me—if you can spare it, it adds gorgeous depth while simmering.
  • Angel hair pasta: Thin noodles work best; they cook quickly and soak up the broth beautifully.
  • Dried parsley, basil, oregano, mustard powder: A mix of herbs and a subtle note of mustard powder round out the flavors perfectly.
  • Turmeric: Just a pinch for color and a hint of earthiness—don’t skip it!
  • Salt and pepper: To taste, always adjust at the end so that all flavors shine.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Lemon Chicken Soup with Noodles Recipe lends itself well to personal touches—once you’ve mastered the base, don’t be afraid to try your own spin. Here are some ways I’ve experimented or heard from friends that worked well.

  • Using rotisserie chicken: I sometimes swap fresh chicken breasts for shredded rotisserie chicken to cut down cooking time with great results.
  • Gluten-free noodles: If you need gluten-free, spiralized zucchini or gluten-free pasta work wonderfully—you’ll still get plenty of texture.
  • Adding greens: Tossing in a handful of fresh spinach or kale in the last few minutes adds a lovely green touch and extra nutrients.
  • Spicy kick: If you’re feeling bold, a pinch of red pepper flakes brightens the flavor beautifully without overpowering the lemon’s brightness.

How to Make Lemon Chicken Soup with Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Broth Base

Start by mixing the chicken broth, half a bouillon cube, soy sauce, fresh lemon juice, and your dried herb blend—parsley, basil, oregano, plus mustard powder and a pinch of turmeric—into a large bowl or pot. Having this ready upfront helps everything flow smoothly once your veggies and chicken start cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Pat your chicken dry and season both sides generously with lemon pepper seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until it’s golden. Don’t worry if the center is still a little undercooked—that’s intentional because it’ll finish simmering in the soup. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before dicing or shredding.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables and Deglaze

With the skillet still warm, add the white wine and use a silicone spatula to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom—that’s pure gold for your soup. Then toss in butter, diced onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the veggies soften and the wine reduces by about half, around 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Build the Soup

Pour your reserved broth mixture into the skillet along with the parmesan rind if you have it handy. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Add the cooked chicken back in and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes—this step helps the flavors meld beautifully and finishes cooking the chicken flawlessly.

Step 5: Cook the Noodles

While the soup simmers, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil and cook the angel hair noodles for 4 minutes or according to package instructions. Be extra careful not to overcook; angel hair becomes mushy fast! Drain and transfer directly to serving bowls.

Step 6: Finish the Soup and Serve

Turn off the heat, then gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Remove and discard the cheese rind. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the hot soup over the noodles, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy!

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Pro Tips for Making Lemon Chicken Soup with Noodles Recipe

  • Searing Chicken Properly: Don’t rush the golden crust on the chicken—it locks in moisture and adds flavor.
  • Wine Deglazing Trick: Using white wine to deglaze lifts all those tasty bits stuck to your pan, giving your broth an incredible depth.
  • Parmesan Rind Magic: Simmering with the rind infuses a rich, umami note into the soup that grated cheese alone can’t match.
  • Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook angel hair noodles just until al dente—they’ll finish soaking up flavors right in your bowl.

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Soup with Noodles Recipe

A white bowl filled with chicken noodle soup, showing three main layers: the top layer has sliced yellow potato pieces and orange round carrot slices; below them are light yellow cooked thin noodles, curling softly through the soup; the bottom layer has shredded light brown chicken meat mixed with green herbs and small bits of spices, all in a clear golden broth with a slightly oily surface. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, partially submerged. The bowl is placed on a light gray surface with a soft white marbled texture in the background, bright and softly lit. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always reach for fresh chopped parsley as a garnish—it adds a lovely burst of color and a hint of freshness that complements the lemony broth so well. Sometimes, a little extra grated Parmesan right on top makes it extra indulgent. A light drizzle of good olive oil at the end can also elevate the texture and flavor if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this soup are crusty bread or a warm baguette—perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop of broth. A light side salad with a citrus vinaigrette complements the lemon hints in the soup beautifully without overpowering it.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this Lemon Chicken Soup with Noodles Recipe in individual rustic bowls topped with edible flowers or microgreens for a touch of elegance. You could also layer the noodles first and ladle soup on top tableside for a bit of theater that guests always appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover soup and noodles separately in airtight containers in the fridge to prevent the noodles from getting soggy. The soup itself keeps well for up to 4 days and tastes even better the next day once flavors have melded.

Freezing

While I don’t recommend freezing the noodles as they can become mushy, the broth with chicken freezes beautifully. Freeze it on its own in portions, then cook fresh noodles whenever you’re ready to enjoy the soup again.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it feels too thick. Then add freshly cooked noodles right before serving for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast in this soup?

    Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and forgiving, especially if you want a slightly richer soup. Just adjust the searing time accordingly since thighs can be thicker and take a bit longer to cook.

  2. What can I substitute if I don’t have dry white wine?

    If you avoid alcohol or don’t have wine on hand, you can substitute an equal amount of additional chicken broth with a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice for acidity. This will still help deglaze the pan and add flavor depth.

  3. Is there a way to make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

    You can swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit chicken altogether. Use firm tofu or chickpeas for protein, and leave out the Parmesan cheese or substitute with a vegan alternative. The lemon and herbs will still deliver delicious brightness.

  4. How can I prevent the noodles from getting mushy in the soup?

    The best approach is to cook the noodles separately just before serving and add them to bowls individually, then ladle the hot soup over them. This keeps the noodles perfectly al dente instead of soaking and becoming mushy.

  5. Can I prepare this Lemon Chicken Soup with Noodles Recipe in advance?

    Yes! You can prepare the soup base and chicken up to two days ahead and refrigerate. Cook the noodles fresh on the day you plan to serve to maintain optimal texture.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Chicken Soup with Noodles Recipe has really become a staple in my home. It’s that perfect balance of lemony brightness and cozy warmth you want from a homemade soup. The best part? It’s simple enough to whip up on busy nights but impressive enough to serve when friends come over. I really hope you give it a try and find it as comforting and delicious as my family and I do—we always end up with second bowls and happy smiles around the table.

Print
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Lemon Chicken Soup with Noodles Recipe

Lemon Chicken Soup with Noodles Recipe

4.7 from 55 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Lemon Chicken Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breast, bright lemon juice, aromatic herbs, and angel hair pasta in a savory broth enriched with Parmesan cheese. Perfect for cozy nights, this recipe combines simple ingredients with an elegant taste, delivering a wholesome and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Seasonings

  • 12 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 ¼ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast
  • Lemon pepper seasoning (to taste)

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • ¾ cup carrots, diced
  • 2 sticks celery, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Broth

  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 7 cups chicken broth
  • ½ chicken bouillon cube
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • Juice of 1 lemon (34 tablespoons)
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Cheese & Pasta

  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 Parmesan cheese rind (optional but recommended)
  • 4 oz. angel hair pasta

Herbs & Spices

  • ¾ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ¾ teaspoon dried basil
  • ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¾ teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1 pinch turmeric
  • Salt and pepper, to taste


Instructions

  1. Prepare the broth base: In a large bowl, combine the chicken broth, bouillon cube, soy sauce, lemon juice, dried parsley, basil, oregano, mustard powder, and turmeric. Stir well and set aside to allow flavors to meld while preparing other ingredients.
  2. Season the chicken: If the chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half lengthwise for quicker cooking. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with lemon pepper seasoning.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the hot oil and sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for about 10 minutes. After resting, dice or shred the chicken. It’s okay if the chicken isn’t fully cooked through at this stage as it will finish cooking in the soup.
  4. Sauté the vegetables and deglaze: Add the white wine to the same skillet over medium heat, scraping the bottom and sides with a silicone spatula to lift any browned bits. Then add the butter, diced onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables soften and the wine reduces by half, about 5 to 6 minutes.
  5. Combine and simmer: Pour the prepared chicken broth mixture into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Add the Parmesan cheese rind, if using, to infuse extra flavor. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer.
  6. Cook the chicken in the soup: Return the diced or shredded chicken to the soup. Let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to concentrate and the chicken to finish cooking through.
  7. Cook the pasta: While the soup simmers, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions, about 4 minutes. Drain the pasta well but do not overcook. Place the pasta directly into serving bowls.
  8. Finish the soup: Remove the soup from the heat. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Discard any remaining Parmesan rind. Taste the soup and add salt or pepper as needed.
  9. Serve: Ladle the hot soup over the prepared angel hair pasta in bowls. Garnish with additional parsley if desired and serve immediately for a comforting, flavorful meal.

Notes

  • This Lemon Chicken Soup features a savory broth with simple seasonings, lemon for brightness, and tender chicken paired with noodles, making it an easy and cozy recipe.
  • Using a Parmesan rind adds depth of flavor to the broth but is optional.
  • White wine can be substituted with additional chicken broth if desired.
  • Make sure not to overcook the angel hair pasta as it will become too soft when combined with the hot soup.
  • Season the soup at the end to ensure the saltiness is just right.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 284 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 1397 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.01 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 73 mg