Healthy Chicken Noodle Soup

Name: Healthy Chicken Noodle Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast; 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 ounces whole-grain egg noodles; 2 cups fresh spinach or kale

Highlighted under: Healthy Kitchen Essentials

I often find myself craving the warmth and comfort of a good bowl of soup, especially when the weather turns chilly. This Healthy Chicken Noodle Soup is my go-to recipe because it’s not only delicious but packed with nutrients. Using fresh vegetables, lean chicken, and whole-grain noodles, I love how each ingredient contributes to a hearty yet light meal. It's the perfect remedy for a busy weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch. Plus, making it from scratch allows me to control the ingredients and flavors.

Created by

Chloe Bennett

Last updated on 2026-02-23T22:21:36.586Z

When I first attempted to make a healthy version of chicken noodle soup, I realized how simple and rewarding it could be. I experimented with various vegetables and spices, ensuring I chose options that enhanced the flavors without adding unnecessary calories. This process taught me the importance of using fresh ingredients; they truly make a difference in the overall taste and nutrition.

After several tries, I discovered that simmering the chicken with herbs and vegetables not only infuses the broth with flavor but also keeps the chicken tender and juicy. The whole-grain noodles add a nutty flavor and a satisfying texture that perfectly complements the dish. It's now a staple in my home!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Nutritious and packed with vegetables
Comforting and satisfying flavors
Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy nights

The Role of Fresh Vegetables

In this Healthy Chicken Noodle Soup, the fresh vegetables play a crucial role in both flavor and nutrition. The combination of onions, carrots, and celery—known collectively as mirepoix—forms a flavorful base. Cooking these vegetables until they are softened allows their natural sweetness to emerge, enhancing the overall taste of the soup. The vibrant colors also contribute to a visually appealing dish, making the soup not just nutritious but also beautiful on the table.

Using fresh spinach or kale is another smart move, as these greens add a wonderful depth of flavor. Spinach wilts quickly and integrates beautifully, while kale holds its shape better, providing a pleasant texture. Both greens are packed with vitamins and minerals, ensuring that each spoonful of soup is a healthful choice. If you're looking to add more nutrients, consider incorporating other greens like Swiss chard or even frozen peas for extra color and health benefits.

Perfecting the Chicken Cooking Method

Cooking the chicken properly is essential for a tender texture in your soup. After sautéing the vegetables and adding the chicken to the simmering broth, it's best to let it cook at a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil. This approach prevents the chicken from becoming tough and dry. Simmering for about 20 minutes allows the chicken to absorb the broth's flavors while remaining juicy and flavorful. Always check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.

Once the chicken is cooked, removing it from the pot to shred it by hand is a key step. Use two forks or your hands, but let it cool slightly first to avoid burns. Shredded chicken adds more surface area to absorb the broth's flavors when returned to the pot. If you prefer an even more tender bite, you can use a slow cooker on a low setting for a few hours, which allows the chicken to slowly transform into a mouthwatering addition to your soup.

Storage and Meal Prep Ideas

This soup is an excellent candidate for meal prep or make-ahead cooking. After preparing it, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to three months. When freezing, consider leaving the noodles out, as they can become mushy when thawed. Instead, cook fresh noodles separately when you're ready to enjoy your soup.

When reheating, do so slowly over medium heat to avoid boiling the soup, which can compromise the texture of the vegetables and chicken. If you find it too thick after storage, simply add a little more low-sodium chicken broth or water to achieve your desired consistency. This way, you can enjoy a bowl of comforting soup made from scratch, even on your busiest days!

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create a wholesome soup:

Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
4 ounces whole-grain egg noodles
2 cups fresh spinach or kale

These ingredients will ensure a delicious and healthy chicken noodle soup!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your soup:

Sauté Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Cook Chicken

Add the boneless chicken breasts to the pot along with the chicken broth, thyme, oregano, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes.

Add Noodles and Greens

Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot. Stir in the whole-grain egg noodles and fresh spinach or kale. Cook for another 10 minutes until the noodles are tender.

Your delicious and healthy chicken noodle soup is ready to be served!

Pro Tips

For a deeper flavor, let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.

Substitutions and Variations

While this recipe calls for whole-grain egg noodles, you can easily swap them for gluten-free alternatives like rice noodles or quinoa to accommodate dietary restrictions. Both options will provide a slightly different texture, so choose based on your preference. Alternatively, riced cauliflower can be used for a lower-carb version, an option that maintains the soup's heartiness without sacrificing taste.

For those who want to elevate the soup further, consider adding herbs like fresh parsley or dill just before serving. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the flavors, while a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can add richness. Feeling adventurous? You might even experiment with a touch of red pepper flakes for some heat—just a pinch will do!

Serving Suggestions

Presentation can elevate the enjoyment of this soup. Serve it in colorful bowls topped with freshly chopped herbs and a slice of crusty whole-grain bread on the side for dipping. You can also add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for creaminess right before serving, enhancing flavor and giving it a delightful contrast to the broth.

If you're looking to turn this into a heartier meal, serve it alongside a simple salad made with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette. This combo adds a fresh element to the meal and complements the flavors of the soup beautifully. Don't forget that this healthy chicken noodle soup is flexible; feel free to adjust the ingredients or sides based on what you have on hand!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Using rotisserie chicken can save time. Simply shred it and add it to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.

→ Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can freeze the soup in individual portions for up to three months. Just reheat on the stove when you're ready to enjoy.

→ Can I use a different type of noodles?

Yes! Feel free to substitute whole-grain noodles with any pasta of your choice. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

→ How can I make it vegetarian?

Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. Add more veggies and perhaps some beans or lentils for protein.