Chicken Zoodle Soup
Chicken Zoodle Soup is a low-carb, gluten-free, and nourishing twist on the classic chicken noodle soup. With tender chicken, vibrant zucchini noodles, and a flavorful broth, this soup is perfect for those looking for a light yet satisfying meal.It’s packed with vitamins, protein, and fiber, making it both delicious and nutritious. The soup is easily customizable and can be adapted to suit your dietary preferences, whether you want to make it spicier, add extra veggies, or adjust the seasonings.
Equipment
- 1 Large pot or Dutch oven
- 1 Spiralizer or vegetable peeler
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Wooden spoon or ladle
- 1 Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
Amount | Unit | Name
- 2 | medium | Chicken breast boneless, skinless
- 2 | large | Zucchini spiralized into noodles
- 2 | medium | Carrots thinly sliced
- 2 | stalks | Celery chopped
- 1 | medium | Onion diced
- 3 | cloves | Garlic minced
- 4 | cups | Chicken broth low-sodium
- 1 | teaspoon | Thyme fresh or dried
- 2 | leaves | Bay leaves
- 1 | tablespoon | Olive oil
- 1 | tablespoon | Lemon juice optional
- 1 | cup | Spinach or kale optional
- To taste | - | Salt and pepper
Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are softened and onions are translucent.
Add Broth and Seasonings:
- Pour in the chicken broth, followed by thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cook the Chicken:
- Add the chicken breast to the simmering broth. Cook for 10-12 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked through. Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
Add Zoodles and Greens:
- Stir in the zucchini noodles and optional spinach or kale. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the zoodles are tender but not mushy.
Final Touches:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, if desired.
Notes
- Zoodles: If you want your zoodles to have a firmer texture, try to avoid overcooking them. Add them at the end of cooking to maintain their structure.
- Protein Option: You can substitute the chicken with other proteins such as shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked turkey.
- Storage: This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store the zoodles separately if making ahead, as they can become soggy when stored in the broth.
- Freezing Tip: If you want to freeze the soup, omit the zoodles before freezing. Add fresh zucchini noodles when reheating the soup to maintain the right texture.
- Flavor Variations: Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up. You can also swap in other herbs like oregano or rosemary for a different flavor profile.