The Story & Intro
There’s something magical about a bowl of lemon herb chicken noodle soup it warms your hands, softens your mood, and somehow makes even the busiest day feel calmer. Whenever I make this soup, I’m instantly transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen in Crete. I can still see her standing by the stove, stirring a fragrant pot of broth infused with fresh herbs from our garden. She always said that lemon brings “life” to a dish, and that’s probably why our home forever smelled like citrus and love.
Cooking this lemon herb chicken noodle soup still makes me feel connected to her. The bright lemon, soothing broth, tender noodles, and simple herbs remind me of those childhood afternoons when everything felt warm and safe. I’ve carried that tradition into my own kitchen even when it gets messy, even when I improvise a little too much because food is more than food. It’s a memory you can taste.
This recipe is perfect for women who want something wholesome, homemade, and full of flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s bright, refreshing, and comforting all at once, everything you’d ever want from a bowl of lemon herb chicken noodle soup. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, craving something cozy, or just love citrusy flavors, this soup will feel like a warm hug.
And because I believe cooking should be fun and not stressful, I’ve kept the steps simple and approachable. So let’s cook together welcome to my Crete-inspired bowl of comfort!
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 4–6)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works!)
- 1 ½ cups egg noodles
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1–2 lemons (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until they soften slightly. Stir in the garlic and let it release its aroma. This builds the foundation of flavor for your lemon herb chicken noodle soup.
Build the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf, thyme, and oregano. Bring everything to a gentle boil. These herbs bloom beautifully in warm broth, adding both comfort and freshness.
Add the Chicken
Stir in your shredded chicken. If you’re using leftover rotisserie chicken, this step becomes extra easy. Let the soup simmer so all the flavors marry.
Cook the Noodles
Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions. You want them soft but not mushy. The noodles soak up some of the broth, making the soup heartier.
Add Lemon & Fresh Herbs
Now comes my favorite part: stir in the lemon zest and juice. Start with one lemon and add more if you love that bright tangy flavor like I do. Finish with fresh parsley and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer & Serve
Let everything simmer a couple more minutes. Remove the bay leaf and serve warm with extra lemon wedges on the side.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is comforting on its own, but these simple add-ons make it even more delightful:
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Extra lemon juice
- Crusty bread for dipping
- A sprinkle of grated Parmesan
- Fresh dill or rosemary for extra herbal notes
It’s also perfect to pack for lunch or enjoy as a light dinner when you want something nourishing but not heavy.
Recipe Card 📇🍋
⏱️ Time
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Total: 35 mins
🥕 Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Carrots
- Celery
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Shredded chicken
- Egg noodles
- Lemon zest & juice
- Thyme, oregano, bay leaf
- Salt, pepper, parsley
👩🍳 Instructions
- Sauté onion, carrot, celery, and garlic.
- Add broth, herbs, and bring to a boil.
- Add shredded chicken.
- Stir in noodles and cook until tender.
- Add lemon zest, juice, and parsley.
- Adjust seasoning and serve warm.
📝 Notes
- Add more lemon for a brighter flavor.
- Substitute noodles with rice if preferred.
- Let noodles cook separately if storing leftovers.
🍽️ Nutrition (per serving)
Approximate values:
Calories: 280
Protein: 22g
Carbs: 26g
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 3g
Conclusion
This lemon herb chicken noodle soup is one of those recipes that brings comfort, brightness, and freshness all in one bowl. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and deeply nourishing just like the Greek home cooking I grew up with in Crete. Whether you’re making it for your family, sharing it with friends, or enjoying a quiet moment to yourself, let this soup bring warmth and joy to your kitchen. Cooking is about creating memories, and I’m so happy we get to share this one together.
100-Word Version of the Story
Hi, I’m INAYA from the beautiful island of Crete, where cooking has always been part of my life. My grandmother taught me how simple ingredients can create warmth and connection, especially in comforting dishes like lemon herb chicken noodle soup. Every time I cook it, I’m reminded of her kitchen filled with citrus, herbs, and love. This bright, refreshing soup blends classic flavors with a touch of Greek sunshine. Even when my kitchen gets a little messy, this recipe always brings me joy. I hope it brings delicious memories and cozy moments to your home too.
