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Flu-Fighting Chicken Noodle Soup

Flu-fighting chicken noodle soup with a richly spiced broth and tender egg noodles. Simmer bone-in chicken with carrots, celery, onion, ginger, garlic, turmeric, and thyme, then shred the chicken and finish with lemon, honey, and apple cider vinegar.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

Chicken soup base
  • 2 lb chicken (bone-in) Bone-in chicken makes the broth richer; remove bones after simmering and shred the meat.
  • 4 carrots Slice for even simmering.
  • 4 celery Slice for even simmering.
  • 1 onion Dice so it dissolves into the broth.
  • 8 cloves garlic Minced.
  • 3 tbsp fresh ginger Grated.
  • 8 cup chicken broth Low-sodium if you want more control over salt.
  • 1 tsp turmeric Adds warm color and flavor.
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper Adjust to taste for mild or spicy warmth.
  • 1 tsp dried thyme Crush slightly between fingers if you want more aroma.
Finish & noodles
  • 1 tbsp honey Balances heat with a gentle sweetness.
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice Squeeze fresh lemon for best flavor.
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar Brightens the soup; add at the end.
  • 8 oz egg noodles Cook until just tender.
  • 1 fresh parsley Chop and use as a garnish.
  • 1 extra lemon Serve as wedges for squeezing.
  • 1 salt and pepper To taste; season after adding honey and acids.

Equipment

  • 1 Dutch oven

Method
 

Build the broth
  1. In a large pot, combine the chicken, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, ginger, chicken broth, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and dried thyme.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a steady simmer for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
Shred and cook the noodles
  1. Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it, and return the shredded chicken to the broth.
  2. Add the egg noodles and simmer for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
Season and serve
  1. Stir in the honey, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Serve hot with fresh parsley and extra lemon wedges for squeezing.

Notes

For clearer broth, skim any foam that rises during the first simmer. Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid overcooking noodles. Freezing is not recommended because egg noodles can soften and turn mushy after thawing. For a lighter option, use skinless chicken and swap egg noodles for whole-wheat or zucchini noodles if you’re okay with a different texture.