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Citrus-Enhanced Chicken Noodle Soup

This chicken noodle soup combines tender chicken, vegetables, and noodles simmered in a flavorful broth infused with fresh citrus zest and juice. The soup has a comforting, hearty texture with a bright, tangy brightness from the citrus that elevates the classic dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 carrots carrots peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks celery sliced
  • 1 small onion onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 6 oz egg noodles
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 zest lemon grated
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
  2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering, then add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the vegetables and cook for another minute until fragrant, ensuring the garlic doesn't burn.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Drop the chicken pieces into the broth and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  5. Add the egg noodles to the simmering soup and cook according to package instructions, usually 6-8 minutes, until tender but still slightly firm.
  6. Stir in the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, and simmer for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
  7. Check the soup for seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired, and remove from heat once the noodles are cooked and the broth is bright and flavorful.
  8. Ladle the hot soup into bowls, ensuring each portion has chicken, vegetables, noodles, and a good squeeze of citrusy broth. Serve immediately while warm and inviting.

Notes

You can add fresh herbs like parsley for additional flavor. Adjust citrus to taste—more lemon for brightness or less for subtlety.