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Flu Fighting Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, wholesome meal that’s both soothing and nourishing, this Flu Fighting Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love this soup because it’s loaded with ingredients that not only taste amazing together but also come packed with immune-boosting benefits. Whenever I feel those early signs of a cold creeping in, whipping up a pot of this soup always helps me feel better in no time.

This recipe works beautifully when you want something comforting yet fresh – the lemon juice and fresh dill brighten it up perfectly, making it so much more than your basic chicken noodle soup. You’ll find that this Flu Fighting Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is satisfying, easy to make, and a total crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it for a chilly family dinner or just need a little extra TLC in a bowl.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Immune Boosting Ingredients: Loaded with garlic, fresh herbs, and lemon juice, this soup helps fight off those pesky cold symptoms.
  • Tender, Flavorful Chicken: Baking the chicken with herbs and spices adds a depth of flavor you won’t get from boiled chicken.
  • Comfort Food Made Fresh: This isn’t your typical canned soup – it’s fresh, hearty, and made with love.
  • Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this recipe whenever cold season hits, and I bet yours will too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a broth that’s rich in flavor and nutrients. When shopping, look for fresh herbs and quality chicken stock to really enhance the soup’s wholesome vibe.

  • Boneless chicken breast: I like thinly sliced for faster baking and shredding ease.
  • Olive oil: For cooking chicken and sautéing veggies – adds a lovely smoothness.
  • Garlic powder & onion powder: Simple spices that bring out savory notes in the chicken.
  • Chili powder & cayenne: Just a touch for a gentle kick to warm you up.
  • Dried oregano & basil: Adds that herby warmth that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
  • Kosher salt & black pepper: Important for seasoning every layer of the soup.
  • Low-sodium chicken stock: The soul of the soup – go for low-sodium to control saltiness yourself.
  • Noodles: Any egg noodles or pasta shape works – I prefer classic egg noodles for nostalgia.
  • Fresh dill: Adds brightness and freshness at the end.
  • Minced garlic cloves: Extra garlic for that immune punch and flavor boost.
  • Celery & carrots: Essential soup veggies that add sweetness and texture.
  • Rosemary sprigs & bay leaf: Infuse the broth with aromatic depth.
  • Large onion: Finely chopped for subtle sweetness and body.
  • Lemon juice: Just before serving, it adds zing and freshness.
  • Red pepper flakes: Tiny heat that perks up the broth.
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.

Variations

I love making this Flu Fighting Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe my own by tweaking a few things based on what’s in the fridge or who’s going to eat it. Feel free to switch it up—you’ll be surprised how adaptable it is!

  • Vegetarian Twist: Replace chicken with hearty mushrooms and vegetable stock—my friend swears by this on veggie-only days.
  • Gluten-Free Noodles: I’ve swapped in rice noodles or gluten-free pasta for my cousin with gluten sensitivity—works beautifully without losing texture.
  • Spicy Kick: For those who like it hot, I add extra cayenne and red pepper flakes; just be gentle if cooking for little ones.
  • Slow Cooker Version: This soup adapts wonderfully to slow cooking—just add ingredients in the morning and come home to wellness in a pot.

How to Make Flu Fighting Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Step 1: Season and Bake the Chicken to Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 375º F. Take the chicken breasts, sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper liberally, then drizzle olive oil over them. Now, here’s the secret: rub the chicken on both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne, oregano, and basil. I discovered this trick early on—it gives the chicken a wonderful crust and flavorful depth you don’t get when it’s boiled in the soup. Pop it into a baking dish and bake for about 25 minutes until fully cooked but still juicy. When done, shred or slice the chicken so it’s ready to dive into the soup later.

Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base with Sautéed Veggies

While the chicken is baking, heat 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery, then let these cook down until they’re soft and fragrant—about 10 to 12 minutes. Make sure to season with a bit of salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes here to develop layers of flavor. This slow sautéing step is crucial to a rich broth, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Garlic, Herbs, and Simmering Noodles

Add the minced garlic, bay leaf, and rosemary sprigs to your pot and sauté for just about a minute until fragrant. Then pour in the chicken stock and add your noodles. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, or until your noodles are perfectly al dente. This is where the magic happens – the noodles soak up the rich, herby broth while the garlic and veggies infuse their goodness.

Step 4: Stir in Chicken, Lemon Juice, and Fresh Dill

Finally, toss in the shredded baked chicken you prepared earlier, squeeze in fresh lemon juice, and sprinkle a generous handful of fresh dill. Give it a good stir and let it simmer for a few extra minutes so everything melds together. This final step brightens the soup and adds a fresh twist you’ll love. Taste and tweak salt and pepper, then ladle your soup into bowls and enjoy that warm, comforting hug in a bowl.

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Pro Tips for Making Flu Fighting Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

  • Use Fresh Herbs: I always add fresh dill at the end—dried herbs just don’t give that same fresh burst of flavor.
  • Bake, Don’t Boil Your Chicken: Baking seals in juices and enhances flavor, so try not to skip this step for a tastier soup.
  • Don’t Overcook Noodles: Simmer noodles until just tender—they’ll soak up broth and can get mushy if left too long.
  • Adjust Spice Levels Carefully: Add cayenne and red pepper flakes gradually to avoid overpowering the gentle broth.

How to Serve Flu Fighting Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with chicken noodle soup sits on a white marbled surface with a white and yellow-striped cloth beneath it. The soup has three main layers: the top layer has small pieces of orange carrot cubes scattered throughout, the middle layer consists of coiled light yellow fusilli pasta, and the bottom layer shows shredded light brown chicken mixed with small green celery chunks. The broth is clear and golden, with tiny green herb flakes sprinkled throughout. In the background, a metal pot filled with the same soup is slightly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

When serving, I love adding an extra sprinkle of fresh dill or chopped parsley right on top—it adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness. A squeeze of lemon on each bowl brightens up the flavors beautifully, and if you like a little crunch, some crispy croutons or a pinch of Parmesan cheese makes it extra special.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this soup are crusty bread or warm garlic rolls to sop up the broth. Sometimes I pair it with a simple green salad for a light contrast, especially if I want something fresh alongside the warmth of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party or when friends drop by feeling under the weather, I like serving this soup in rustic ceramic bowls with a sprinkle of fresh herb on top and a lemon wedge on the side. A warm napkin or wooden tray adds a homey vibe that says, “Take care, you’re in good hands.” These little touches make the soup feel extra comforting and special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps well for up to 3 days. I always separate the noodles if I plan to keep it longer since they can get mushy soaking in broth for too long.

Freezing

Before freezing, I remove the noodles because they don’t freeze well, then reheat noodles fresh when serving. The broth and chicken freeze beautifully, and I’ve found that freezing really helps the flavors develop even more!

Reheating

I gently reheat leftover soup on the stove over medium heat, adding fresh noodles if needed. A splash of stock or water helps loosen the broth if it’s too thick after sitting. Reheating slowly preserves the soup’s delicate flavors and texture.

FAQs

  1. Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this Flu Fighting Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe?

    Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works great—just shred or chop it and add it towards the end of cooking. This is a perfect way to save time and still enjoy all the flavors of the soup.

  2. What noodles are best for chicken noodle soup?

    Egg noodles are classic and tender, but you can also use other pasta like fusilli or even rice noodles for a gluten-free option. Just cook until al dente and avoid overcooking to keep them from getting mushy.

  3. Is it possible to make this soup vegan or vegetarian?

    Yes! Swap the chicken for mushrooms, use vegetable stock, and skip the baked chicken. Adding hearty veggies like mushrooms or lentils can make it just as satisfying and nutritious.

  4. How can I make this soup less spicy?

    If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce or omit the cayenne and red pepper flakes. The soup will still be rich and flavorful without the spice.

Final Thoughts

This Flu Fighting Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s more than just food—it’s comfort, care, and a little boost of health all in one bowl. I really hope you give it a try next time you or someone you love is feeling under the weather. Trust me, there’s something so soothing about making and sharing a homemade soup that reminds you everything’s going to be okay.

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Flu Fighting Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 150 reviews
  • Author: Villerius
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

A comforting Flu Fighting Chicken Noodle Soup featuring tender oven-baked seasoned chicken, fresh vegetables, and hearty noodles simmered in flavorful low-sodium chicken stock, infused with herbs and a bright splash of lemon juice. Perfect to soothe and nourish during cold and flu season.


Ingredients

Chicken:

  • 1 pound boneless, thinly sliced skinless chicken breast
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Soup:

  • 2 (32 oz.) boxes low-sodium chicken stock
  • 2 cups noodles
  • 1/2 cup fresh dill
  • 8 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 sprigs rosemary
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Olive oil, as needed
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste


Instructions

  1. Prepare and Season Chicken: Preheat oven to 375º F. Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, then drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne, dried oregano, and dried basil over both sides, rubbing all seasonings evenly into the chicken.
  2. Bake Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a large baking dish and bake for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove from oven and cut or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Heat 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrot, and diced celery, seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
  4. Add Aromatics and Broth: Stir in the minced garlic and bay leaf and cook for 1 minute until aromatic. Pour in the two boxes of low-sodium chicken stock along with the noodles. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Simmer Soup: Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente and vegetables are tender.
  6. Add Chicken and Finish: Stir the shredded chicken into the soup along with fresh lemon juice and chopped fresh dill. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
  7. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately to enjoy a soothing and nourishing meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute any type of noodle you prefer, such as egg noodles, or gluten-free pasta if desired.
  • For extra flavor, the rosemary sprigs can be added with the bay leaf during simmering for an aromatic broth.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, and soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Adjust the amount of cayenne and red pepper flakes to control the soup’s heat level according to your preference.
  • Use low-sodium chicken stock to better control the salt content of the soup.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

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