Name: Lemon Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups dry No Yolks broad noodles; 1 yellow onion, diced; 2 inch fresh piece of ginger, peeled and minced; 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced; 4 medium carrots, diced into half moons; 2 celery stalks, diced into half moons; 2 large chicken breasts; 8 cups (64 oz) chicken broth; Juice of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; Fresh herbs (parsley and dill) to garnish

There's something so soothing about a bowl of soup that warms you from the inside out. This Lemon Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is exactly that—it’s fresh, comforting, and loaded with flavors that just hit the spot on chilly or busy days.

A close-up view of a bowl of chicken noodle soup shows several layers in the light broth. Large pieces of bright orange carrot slices float near wide, flat, cream-colored noodles. Small chunks of white chicken are scattered throughout the soup, mixed with fresh green parsley leaves adding color and texture. Tiny black pepper specks and small bits of herbs are sprinkled on top, floating in the clear broth. The soup appears warm and comforting, with visible steam and a shiny surface. The photo has a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Lemon Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Lemon Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t tell you how many times this Lemon Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe has been my go-to comfort food. It’s got that zing of lemon balanced with the gentle warmth of ginger, making it surprisingly refreshing for a soup but still perfectly cozy.

Bright and flavorful: The lemon juice and fresh ginger brighten the broth in a way that feels both soothing and invigorating.
Simple and wholesome: Made with easy pantry staples and fresh ingredients, it’s a nutritious meal you can feel good about.
Customizable: You can easily swap noodles, add veggies, or tweak the herbs for your own delicious twist.
Perfect for any season: While cozy enough for winter, its brightness also makes it a lovely choice year-round.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this soup is all about those simple but thoughtfully combined ingredients that create layers of fresh, comforting flavor. Fresh ginger adds warmth without heaviness, lemon juice cuts through richness for balance, and chicken broth forms a light but hearty base. When shopping, choose fresh produce and good-quality broth for best results.

Flat lay of a small nest of dry broad No Yolks noodles, a whole yellow onion with smooth skin, a fresh 2-inch piece of peeled ginger root, three whole cloves of garlic with papery skins intact, four bright orange carrots sliced into half moons, two green celery stalks diced into half moons, two raw large chicken breasts with pale pink flesh, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl holding fresh lemon juice, a few sprigs of fresh green parsley and dill, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

No Yolks broad noodles: These cook perfectly in the broth and hold up nicely without getting mushy.
Yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when softened.
Fresh ginger: The star spice in this recipe—adds a warming zing that’s both comforting and refreshing.
Garlic cloves: For that familiar aromatic base that complements the ginger.
Carrots and celery: Classic soup veggies that bring crunch, sweetness, and freshness.
Chicken breasts: Lean protein that cooks quickly and shreds beautifully for the soup.
Chicken broth: Use homemade or a good quality store-bought version to really elevate the flavor.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is essential to brighten and balance the soup's flavors.
Olive oil: Helps build flavor in the sautéed veggies and chicken.
Fresh herbs (parsley and dill): Adds a final pop of color and herbaceous flavor.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to keep this soup classic, but I’ve also had fun adding a few twists depending on the season or what I have on hand. And you should totally do the same—it’s a forgiving recipe that welcomes creativity!

Variation: One time, I swapped the broad noodles for rice noodles, and it gave the soup an Asian-inspired vibe that was delicious and gluten-free-friendly.
Vegetarian option: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth, then add tofu or beans for protein.
Extra veggies: Toss in mushrooms, spinach, or kale for added nutrients and color.
Spice it up: A small pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle heat that wakes up the flavors.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with clear chicken noodle soup placed on a beige cloth over a white marbled surface. The soup has three main layers: the base is a light golden broth, the middle layer contains twisted flat noodles that are pale yellow, and the top layer holds bright orange carrot slices, pale green celery pieces, and shredded white chicken. Fresh green parsley is sprinkled throughout the soup, and there is a lemon wedge partly resting on the edge of the bowl. A gold spoon is placed in the soup on the right side. In the background on the white marbled surface, there are two wooden bowls - one with coarse salt and the other with chopped parsley - and a yellow whole lemon with one lemon wedge. A woman's hand is not visible in this image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep all your veggies and aromatics

Dice the onion and slice the carrots and celery into half moons—this shape softens nicely while holding some texture. Peel and mince the fresh ginger and garlic using a microplane or sharp knife. Setting these aside before you start cooking helps things flow smoothly.

Step 2: Sear the chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, then cook about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temp hits 165°F. This step locks in flavor and keeps the chicken tender. Once done, remove the chicken to a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the veggies and build flavor

Add the second tablespoon of olive oil to the pot, then toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery with a pinch of salt. Cook for around 6–8 minutes until veggies soften beautifully. Stir in the garlic and ginger and let them cook briefly until fragrant—about 1 minute. You’ll immediately notice the kitchen filling with that warm, wonderful aroma.

Step 4: Add broth and simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to release those flavorful browned bits from cooking the chicken—that’s where the magic happens! Bring it to a boil, then reduce to medium heat. Cover the pot and let it gently simmer for 8–10 minutes to marry all those flavors.

Step 5: Cook the noodles and shred chicken

Add your noodles to the simmering soup, cover again, and cook for another 10–12 minutes until the noodles are tender but not mushy. While you wait, shred the cooked chicken breasts with two forks—it’s therapeutic and makes the soup feel even more homemade.

Step 6: Finish with lemon and herbs

Stir the shredded chicken back into the soup and squeeze in the juice of a whole lemon—this bright burst lifts the whole dish. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Finally, sprinkle fresh parsley and dill for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that really take this Lemon Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe from good to unforgettable. These tips should help keep your soup flavorful, balanced, and perfectly textured every time.

Don’t overcook the noodles: Keep an eye on them so they stay tender without turning mushy, especially if you reheat leftovers later.
Fresh lemon juice matters: Bottled lemon juice lacks brightness; squeeze fresh for that essential zing.
Use a good broth: The broth’s quality makes or breaks the soup, so avoid overly salty boxed versions.
Season gradually: Salt at different stages—once when cooking veggies, then after adding broth and lemon—to build layers of flavor.

How to Serve Lemon Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Lemon Ginger Chicken Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to finish the soup with generous sprigs of fresh parsley and dill—they add fresh herbal notes and a lovely pop of green that makes the soup feel vibrant and inviting. Sometimes, I throw in a few thin lemon slices for a pretty garnish and extra zing at the table.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs so well with crusty bread or homemade garlic toast to mop up every last bit of broth. I’ve also served it alongside simple green salads or roasted vegetables for a more complete dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, try serving the soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls or rustic ramekins. Lining the bowls with fresh herbs and tiny lemon wedges on the side makes it feel extra special and welcoming.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. I find that keeping the noodles and broth together works fine, but sometimes I store noodles separately if I plan on keeping leftovers longer to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully—just skip adding fresh herbs before freezing. Freeze in portioned freezer-safe containers, and when ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens too much. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and fresh herbs to brighten it back up.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of noodles in the Lemon Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! While No Yolks broad noodles hold up well, you can swap in egg noodles, rice noodles, or even spiralized vegetables, just adjust the cooking time so they don’t overcook.

How do I make the soup more flavorful without adding extra salt?

Try using homemade chicken broth or low-sodium broth, and make sure to caramelize the chicken and vegetables well. Fresh lemon juice and herbs like dill and parsley also add a burst of flavor so you can cut down on salt without sacrificing taste.

Can I make this soup ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes! The soup tastes great reheated and actually develops deeper flavor after a day. Just be mindful that noodles tend to soak up broth as it sits, so you might want to slightly undercook them initially or store them separately.

Is fresh ginger necessary, or can I use ground ginger?

Fresh ginger is best here because it provides a bright, zesty warmth that ground ginger can’t fully replicate. If you must use ground ginger, add it sparingly at the end of cooking to avoid overpowering the soup.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe holds a cozy place in my kitchen and heart. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights but special enough to savor slowly. I hope you find it as comforting and delicious as I do—and maybe it becomes your go-to soup for sharing with family and friends.