If you’re craving something warm, nourishing, and delightfully light, this Chicken Zoodle Soup Recipe is exactly the cozy hug your taste buds need. It’s a vibrant spin on the beloved classic, swapping pasta for fresh zucchini noodles to keep things low-carb and fresh. With tender shredded chicken, crisp veggies, and a fragrant broth, this dish is both comforting and healthy, making it perfect for any season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of several white bowls and a white plate arranged on a white marbled surface. In the center, a white plate holds four raw chicken thighs with pale pink and smooth skin. Surrounding it are white bowls filled with sliced orange carrots, diced green celery, chopped white onions, minced garlic cloves, and a small bowl of golden oil. Additional ingredients include a bowl of light brown orzo pasta and a glass container of light orange broth. Two dried bay leaves and small piles of salt and pepper are placed directly on the marbled surface near the plate of chicken. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is like setting up for a simple, wholesome meal that’s brimming with flavor. Each element adds its own special touch, from the savory chicken broth to the bright, crisp zucchini noodles that bring a refreshing texture.

1 tablespoon olive oil: The perfect base to sauté your veggies, adding a subtle richness.
1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup’s flavor profile.
2 carrots, sliced: Bring natural sweetness and a vibrant pop of color.
2 celery stalks, sliced: Introduce a mild aromatic crunch that complements the carrots.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the broth with a warm, fragrant punch.
6 cups chicken broth: The heart of the soup, delivering comforting savory notes.
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully for ease and flavor.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers earthy hints that blend seamlessly with chicken.
½ teaspoon dried oregano: Enhances the herbaceous background of the soup.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
2 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles: The star ingredient that keeps the soup fresh and light.
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional): Adds a bright, zesty finish that lifts the entire bowl.
Optional garnish: fresh parsley or dill: For a final touch of herbal freshness and visual appeal.

How to Make Chicken Zoodle Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery, letting them soften gently for about 5 to 6 minutes. This step builds the foundational flavors that make the soup so comforting and layered.

Step 2: Add Garlic for Fragrance

Stir in the minced garlic and cook it just until it releases its enticing aroma, roughly 30 seconds. Garlic elevates the soup with its warm and inviting scent that hints at the deliciousness ahead.

Step 3: Pour in Chicken Broth and Simmer

Now it’s time to pour the chicken broth into your pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. The broth ties all your veggies and spices together while keeping everything light and soothing.

Step 4: Incorporate Chicken and Herbs

Fold in the shredded chicken along with thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat and let it all simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the chicken to stay tender.

Step 5: Add Zucchini Noodles

Once your soup has simmered, stir in the spiralized zucchini noodles and cook for just 2 to 3 minutes. This quick cook time ensures the zoodles remain tender yet slightly crisp, preserving their fresh texture without becoming mushy.

Step 6: Finish with Lemon Juice and Adjust Seasoning

For a bright finish, stir in lemon juice if you’re using it. Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed. This simple addition can completely lift the flavor, adding that perfect little zing.

How to Serve Chicken Zoodle Soup Recipe

Chicken Zoodle Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or dill bring a burst of color and a fragrant herbal note that makes every spoonful pop. A sprinkle of these garnishes right before serving adds just the right touch of elegance and freshness.

Side Dishes

Pair your soup with a light salad or crusty bread for dipping if you’re not strictly keeping low-carb. A side of avocado toast or a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the soup beautifully, balancing the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic bowls topped with a lemon wedge on the side for an inviting pop of brightness. For a special occasion, add a swirl of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of Parmesan to add creaminess without overwhelming the lightness of the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Zoodle Soup Recipe tastes just as wonderful the next day. To maintain the best texture, store the soup separately from the zucchini noodles. Keep everything in an airtight container in the fridge, and add the zoodles fresh when reheating.

Freezing

Freezing this soup is best done without the zucchini noodles to prevent them from turning soggy. Freeze your broth and chicken mixture in a sealed container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it and add fresh zoodles just before serving.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the soup gently over medium heat until hot. Add the zucchini noodles last, cooking them briefly in the warmed soup to keep their perfect texture. Avoid overheating to prevent any mushiness.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?

Yes, you can use raw chicken breasts or thighs. Simply add them to the broth earlier in the cooking process and simmer until fully cooked before adding the zucchini noodles.

What is the best way to spiralize zucchini?

Using a handheld spiralizer or a countertop spiralizer works well. Choose fresh, firm zucchini, and spiralize just before cooking to keep the noodles crisp and fresh.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. Add extra vegetables or plant-based protein to keep it hearty.

How long can I store leftover soup in the fridge?

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Remember to keep zoodles separate for the best texture when reheating.

Is this soup suitable for a keto diet?

Definitely! This Chicken Zoodle Soup Recipe is low-carb and keto-friendly due to the substitution of traditional noodles with zucchini noodles.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Zoodle Soup Recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a comforting bowl of soup without any heaviness. It’s simple, fresh, and bursting with flavor—a true crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and watch how this light yet hearty soup becomes a fast favorite in your kitchen!