Healthy Ginger Lime Chicken Noodle Soup
This soup blends the soothing comfort of chicken noodle soup with a refreshing Asian-inspired twist — fresh ginger, lime juice, herbs, and light broth. It’s healing, flavorful, and perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: ~40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Soup
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 tbsp olive oil (or sesame oil)
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1 red chili (optional, for mild heat), thinly sliced
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
1 zucchini, spiralized or thinly sliced
4 oz rice noodles (or egg noodles)
2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari)
Juice of 2 limes (plus wedges for serving)
Salt & pepper, to taste
Garnishes (Optional but Recommended)
Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
Green onions, sliced
Extra lime wedges
Chili flakes or sesame seeds
Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add chicken and sear lightly on both sides (about 3–4 minutes each). Remove and set aside (it will finish cooking in broth).
2. Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Build the Broth
Add broth, soy sauce, chili (if using), and carrots. Bring to a simmer.
Return chicken to the pot, cover, and cook 15 minutes until fully cooked (165°F/74°C).
4. Shred Chicken
Remove chicken, shred with two forks, then return to pot.
5. Add Veggies & Noodles
Add zucchini and noodles. Simmer 5–7 minutes until noodles are tender.
6. Finish with Lime
Stir in lime juice, adjust salt & pepper.
7. Serve
Ladle into bowls, top with cilantro, green onion, and extra lime juice.
Notes & Tips
More protein: Add a soft-boiled egg for a ramen-style boost.
Vegetarian version: Swap chicken for tofu and use veggie broth.
Make ahead: Store broth, chicken, and noodles separately to avoid soggy noodles.
Immune boost: Add turmeric and spinach for extra nutrients.
❓ frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes! Shred and add it at the end to save time.
Q: What noodles work best?
A: Rice noodles for a light, gluten-free option, or egg noodles for classic comfort.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes — freeze the broth and chicken without noodles. Add fresh noodles when reheating.
️ Nutrition information
Calories: ~320
Protein: 29g
Carbs: 32g
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 4g