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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts - 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup carrot, diced - 1 cup celery, diced - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon fresh dill or ½ teaspoon dried dill - 1 cup egg noodles or whole grain noodles - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - Fresh parsley for garnish Gathering the right ingredients is key to making Light Chicken Penicillin Soup. First, you'll need your chicken. I like to use chicken thighs for their rich flavor. You can also use chicken breasts for a leaner option. Next, grab some low-sodium chicken broth. This helps keep the soup healthy and tasty. For veggies, diced carrots, celery, and onion add nice texture and flavor. Now, let’s add some flavor enhancers. I always use fresh garlic, thyme, and dill. They really bring out the taste of the soup. If you want to make it heartier, consider adding egg noodles or whole grain noodles. A splash of lemon juice adds a fresh zing. Don't forget salt and pepper for that essential seasoning. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh parsley makes your soup look great and adds a pop of color. With these ingredients, you’re set to create a warm, nourishing meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. 2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about five minutes. 3. Cook until the vegetables start to soften. 4. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. 1. Add the diced chicken to the pot. 2. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and dill. 3. Brown the chicken on all sides for about seven to eight minutes. 1. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. 2. Reduce heat to a simmer and add the egg noodles. 3. Cook according to package instructions, about eight to ten minutes, until noodles are tender. 4. Stir in the lemon juice and taste. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. - Use low-sodium broth for a healthier option. This helps keep the soup light. - Adjust cooking time based on noodle type. Whole grain noodles may need a bit longer. - Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version. Tofu absorbs flavor well. - Use gluten-free noodles for a gluten-free option. This keeps everyone happy at the table. - Garnish with fresh parsley for an appealing look. The green adds a nice touch. - Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal. Bread soaks up the tasty broth nicely. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and dill will enhance the flavor profile of your soup, making it more aromatic and delicious. Adjust the Noodles: For a healthier version, consider using whole grain noodles or adding more vegetables instead of noodles. Enhance the Broth: For a richer taste, you can simmer the broth with leftover chicken bones or add a splash of white wine. Serve with a Twist: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat or a dollop of yogurt for creaminess when serving. {{image_2}} You can enhance your soup by adding extra veggies. Spinach or kale brings more nutrients. These greens add color and health benefits. They are easy to add; just toss them in at the end. You can also use peas for a sweet touch. They add a pop of flavor and texture. Simply stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking. This small change makes a big difference. If you want a change, try different proteins. Using turkey makes a leaner option. It's just as tasty and still very filling. Cut the turkey into small pieces and cook it like chicken. For a fun twist, consider shrimp. This seafood brings a unique flavor. Just add the shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking. They cook quickly and stay tender. If you like heat, spice things up! Add red pepper flakes for a kick. Start with a small amount, then adjust to your taste. This adds warmth without overwhelming the dish. Incorporate jalapeños for a bolder flavor. You can slice them and add them early in the cooking. They bring a nice bite, perfect for spice lovers. Store your Light Chicken Penicillin Soup in an airtight container. It will last for up to 3 days in the fridge. While this soup is best enjoyed fresh, you can easily reheat it when needed. Just make sure to heat it gently to keep the flavors intact. If you want to save some for later, freeze the soup in individual portions. This makes it easy to grab a quick meal on busy days. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. This helps keep the texture nice when you reheat it. To reheat your soup, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. If you notice it’s a bit thick, add a splash of chicken broth. This helps avoid dryness and keeps it nice and soupy. Enjoy your comforting bowl of soup anytime! Chicken penicillin soup is a warm, comforting dish that many people love. The traditional version is rich and creamy, often made with heavy cream and lots of fat. My light version swaps out some of those rich ingredients for healthier choices. I use low-sodium chicken broth and lean chicken thighs or breasts. This keeps the soup tasty without the heaviness. Fresh herbs like thyme and dill add great flavor, and the lemon juice gives it a bright touch. You still get all the cozy feels, but with fewer calories. Yes, you can make this soup in advance! It actually tastes better after sitting for a bit. To prepare ahead, follow these steps: - Cook the soup as directed but stop before adding the egg noodles. - Let the soup cool before storing it in the fridge. - When ready to eat, reheat the soup and add the noodles. Cook until the noodles are tender. This way, you keep the noodles from getting mushy. It’s a smart way to meal prep! You can easily modify this soup to fit many diets: - Low-carb: Skip the egg noodles or use zucchini noodles instead. This keeps it low in carbs while still being filling. - Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas for protein. Use vegetable broth to keep the flavors. - Dairy-free: This recipe is already dairy-free, but if you want a creamier feel, add a splash of coconut milk. These swaps keep the soup delicious while meeting your needs. This blog post detailed how to make chicken soup from scratch. You learned about key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfecting your dish. Remember, you can customize it with extra veggies or proteins. Storing leftovers properly ensures you enjoy it later. Soup is a wholesome meal that warms the body and soul. Get creative with flavors, and you’ll always have something new to try. With these easy steps, anyone can make delicious chicken soup!

Light Chicken Penicillin Soup

A comforting and healthy chicken soup with vegetables and egg noodles.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), diced
  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup carrot, diced
  • 1 cup celery, diced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh dill (or ½ teaspoon dried dill)
  • 1 cup egg noodles (or whole grain noodles for a healthier option)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Add the diced chicken to the pot and season with salt, pepper, thyme, and dill. Sauté until the chicken is browned on all sides (about 7-8 minutes).
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and add the egg noodles. Cook according to package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes) until noodles are tender.
  • Stir in the lemon juice and taste, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
  • Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley on top.

Notes

Use whole grain noodles for a healthier option.
Keyword chicken, comfort food, healthy, soup