This Lemon Pepper Chicken Noodle Soup is bright and comforting! It’s packed with tender chicken, cheerful veggies, and comforting noodles all in a zesty broth.
I love how the lemon adds a fresh twist to the classic soup. It makes you feel warm and cozy, like a hug in a bowl. Perfect for any day, don’t you think? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps with sautéing but can be substituted with vegetable oil or butter. I usually stick with olive oil for its great flavor and health benefits.
Chicken Broth: Homemade is amazing, but store-bought works just fine! You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter version, or make it gluten-free by checking the labels.
Cooked Chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken for its flavor and convenience. If you don’t have that, any leftover chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian twist can work!
Lemon Pepper Seasoning: If you can’t find it, use a mix of black pepper and lemon zest instead. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is a must for that bright flavor!
Egg Noodles: Substituting with fettuccine or even whole grain pasta is perfectly fine. Gluten-free noodles can also be used if needed.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from the Vegetables?
Sautéing the veggies properly is crucial to building flavor in your soup. Start by heating the oil and adding onions, carrots, and celery—this trio is called mirepoix and forms the base of many soups.
- Cook on medium heat until they’re soft, around 5-7 minutes—don’t rush this!
- Add garlic last since it cooks quickly and can burn easily. Cooking it just until fragrant (about a minute) intensifies the flavor.
This step makes a big difference, so don’t skip it! It enhances the whole dish and makes it much more enjoyable.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or boiled)
- 8 ounces egg noodles or fettuccine, broken into pieces
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced (plus juice of 1 lemon)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s super quick, especially if you have cooked chicken on hand, making it a perfect choice for a busy weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables until they soften, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step builds the flavor foundation of your soup!
2. Add Garlic:
Next, toss in the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter, and trust me, you don’t want that taste in your soup!
3. Add Chicken Broth:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. You can use homemade broth or any kind you prefer—store-bought works great too!
4. Cook the Noodles:
Once the broth is boiling, add the shredded chicken, lemon pepper seasoning, and broken noodles to the pot. Lower the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
5. Flavor It Up:
Stir in the juice of one lemon and add the lemon slices for that delightful zesty flavor. Taste your soup and season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking!
6. Add Fresh Parsley:
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. This adds a lovely color and freshness to the soup.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Now, ladle the soup into bowls. Feel free to garnish with extra lemon slices or parsley if you like. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, bright flavors of your Lemon Pepper Chicken Noodle Soup!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen chicken, make sure it’s fully thawed before adding it to the soup. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Once thawed, shred it before incorporating it into the dish.
How Do I Adjust the Seasoning?
You can always adjust the lemon pepper seasoning to your taste! If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, consider adding more lemon juice. Just start with a teaspoon and increase gradually. Don’t forget to taste as you go to find that perfect balance!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can add extra veggies or beans for protein and texture. Tofu or chickpeas would also be great additions!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the soup. This helps retain its flavor and texture!