Chicken zoodle soup is a healthy and low-carb version of the classic chicken noodle soup. Instead of traditional pasta noodles, this recipe uses spiralized zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a lighter, gluten-free option. Here’s how to make chicken zoodle soup:
Ingredients:
For the Soup:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
For the Zoodles:
- 3-4 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
Instructions:
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil.
- Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Add them to the pot and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Herbs and Broth:
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot and add the dried thyme and dried rosemary. Pour in the chicken broth.
- Simmer:
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded.
- Shred the Chicken:
- Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
- Add Zoodles:
- Just before serving, add the spiralized zucchini noodles (zoodles) to the hot soup. Let them cook for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly softened but still crisp.
- Serve:
- Ladle the chicken zoodle soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the chicken zoodle soup hot as a comforting and healthy meal.
This chicken zoodle soup is a great way to enjoy a classic comfort food while reducing the carb content. The zucchini noodles add a nice crunch and freshness to the soup. Feel free to adjust the seasonings and vegetables to suit your taste. Enjoy your homemade chicken zoodle soup!