Healthy Chicken Zoodle Soup Recipe

If you’re craving something light, nourishing, and packed with flavor, you’re going to adore this Healthy Chicken Zoodle Soup Recipe. It’s the perfect bowl of comfort that won’t leave you feeling weighed down—and I absolutely love how fresh and satisfying it tastes. Whether you’re battling a cold, need a quick weeknight dinner, or just want to eat a little healthier without sacrificing taste, this soup hits all the right notes. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep it in your regular meal rotation!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Healthy Chicken Zoodle Soup Recipe is in the simple, fresh ingredients that blend so well together. When you shop, look for firm zucchinis for the best spiralized noodles and fresh aromatics to build your broth’s flavor.

• Chicken breast: Choose boneless and skinless for lean protein that cooks quickly and stays tender.
• Ghee or butter: I love ghee here for the rich flavor and slight nuttiness, but butter works just as great.
• Water and chicken broth: A mix of both creates a flavorful base without being too salty—go for low-sodium broth if you want more control.
• Celery stalks: Adds a subtle crunch and classic soup flavor; diced small so they cook evenly.
• Carrots: They bring a touch of sweetness and vibrant color; diced for quicker cooking.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic elevates the soup, giving it a lovely aroma.
• Yellow onion: Finely chopped for that soft savory foundation in your broth.
• Lemon juice: It brightens the entire soup and adds freshness you can’t beat.
• Zucchinis: Spiralized into noodles (zoodles), they’re the healthy, fun pasta substitute.
• Salt & pepper: Essential seasoning to bring harmony to all the flavors.
• Poultry seasoning: I’ve found it adds a cozy, herby note that makes this soup taste like a hug.
• Celery salt: It enhances the celery flavor while adding a gentle salty layer.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Healthy Chicken Zoodle Soup Recipe is how flexible it is. Feel free to tweak the veggies or seasonings to make it your own—you’ll find it easy to customize without losing any of that comforting goodness.

• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broth if you love a little heat—I tried it once and it really turned up the flavor.
• Different veggies: I sometimes swap in chopped kale or spinach towards the end for extra greens.
• Low-sodium broth: If you’re watching salt intake, start with low-sodium broth and adjust seasoning at the end of cooking.
• Turkey substitute: Swap chicken breast for ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken if you’re in a rush.

How to Make Healthy Chicken Zoodle Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté your garlic and onions in ghee

Start by heating your ghee or butter over medium-high heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. I like to toss in minced garlic and finely chopped onions right away. Stir them gently for about a minute until they become fragrant and soft—but don’t let ’em brown too much. This base sets the tone for your soup’s flavor.

Step 2: Add the chicken and liquids, then simmer

Place your chicken breasts in the pot and pour in the chicken broth and water, making sure the chicken is just covered. Bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 20 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through. This is where the magic happens as the broth turns rich and comforting.

Step 3: Prep your veggies and zoodles

While your chicken is simmering, chop your celery and carrots into bite-sized pieces and spiralize the zucchinis into lovely noodles. I find spiralizers super handy for this, but if you don’t have one, thinly sliced zucchini will work too.

Step 4: Add lemon, seasonings, and veggies; cook briefly

Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the lemon juice, poultry seasoning, celery salt, salt, and pepper. Then add your diced celery, carrots, and zucchini noodles. Give everything a gentle stir, and let the soup simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes. This keeps the zucchini noodles tender but not mushy—the trick I discovered is to avoid overcooking those delicate zoodles.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy with fresh garnishes

Serve your bowl of Healthy Chicken Zoodle Soup piping hot, garnished with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley if you like. Adding that extra lemon on the side lets you adjust the brightness right at the table, and I promise it makes a noticeable difference!

How to Serve Healthy Chicken Zoodle Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I like to top this soup with fresh parsley for a pop of color and subtle herbal notes. A wedge of lemon on the side is non-negotiable for me—it adds an extra zing that brightens each spoonful beautifully.

Side Dishes

This soup stands beautifully on its own, but if you want something alongside, I recommend crusty whole-grain bread or a light mixed green salad. For a cozy meal, a side of steamed green beans or roasted asparagus pairs really well, too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I’ve served this Healthy Chicken Zoodle Soup Recipe in mini white bowls lined up on a rustic wooden board paired with tiny lemon wedges and fresh herbs on the side. It’s simple yet inviting—guests love the personal touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep the zoodles tucked right into the soup so they soak up the flavor but don’t get mushy too quickly. Reheat gently on the stove to keep the broth fresh.

Freezing

Freezing this soup works best if you hold off on adding the zucchini noodles. Freeze the broth, chicken, and veggies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw and then add fresh spiralized zucchini before warming through.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stove over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water helps loosen the soup if it’s thickened. Avoid microwaving if possible—it’s easier to keep the texture nice on the stovetop.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I’ve made this Healthy Chicken Zoodle Soup Recipe countless times, and honestly, it never gets old. It’s one of those cozy soups that feels homemade and wholesome without a ton of work or fuss. I’m so glad to have discovered this recipe because it helps me get through busy weeks with something nourishing and delicious. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do—it really is like a warm hug in a bowl!

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