If you love the warmth of classic chicken noodle soup but crave deeper, more exotic flavor, Middle Eastern–Spiced Chicken Noodle Soup with Mint is the perfect upgrade. This nourishing soup blends tender chicken, comforting noodles, fragrant spices, and refreshing mint into a bowl of pure comfort with a beautifully aromatic twist.
Inspired by the bold flavors of the Middle East, this soup is light yet deeply flavorful, making it perfect for cold evenings, recovery meals, Ramadan iftar tables, or anytime you want something soothing but exciting.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Middle Eastern Chicken Noodle Soup
- Infused with warm Middle Eastern spices
- Refreshing burst of fresh mint
- Light, healing, and comforting
- Ready in about 35 minutes
- High in protein and nutrients
- Customizable for low-sodium and gluten-free diets
- Perfect for meal prep and freezing
This soup brings together tradition, wellness, and flavor in every spoonful.
🌍 What Makes This Soup “Middle Eastern–Spiced”?
Unlike standard chicken noodle soup, this version features a blend of warm, fragrant spices commonly used in Middle Eastern cooking, such as:
- Cumin – earthy and warming
- Coriander – citrusy and bright
- Turmeric – golden color with anti-inflammatory benefits
- Cinnamon (optional) – subtle warmth and depth
- Black pepper & garlic – for balance and heat
Finished with fresh mint, the soup becomes both cooling and aromatic, a beautiful contrast to the warm spices.
🛒 Ingredients for Middle Eastern–Spiced Chicken Noodle Soup with Mint
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional but recommended)
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (or seared raw chicken breast)
- 1½ cups egg noodles, vermicelli, or small pasta
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh Finish
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley
- Chili flakes
- Drizzle of olive oil
👩🍳 How to Make Middle Eastern–Spiced Chicken Noodle Soup with Mint
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Toast the Spices
Stir in cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon. Toast for 30–45 seconds to release their aroma.
Step 3: Add Broth and Chicken
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add shredded chicken (or raw chicken if using—simmer longer until fully cooked). Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Add the Noodles
Stir in noodles and cook according to package instructions (usually 7–10 minutes) until tender.
Step 5: Finish with Mint & Lemon
Turn off the heat. Stir in fresh mint and lemon juice for a bright, refreshing finish.
Step 6: Taste & Serve
Adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish as desired.
🍜 Flavor & Texture Profile
- Broth: Warm, aromatic, and lightly spiced
- Chicken: Tender and savory
- Noodles: Soft and comforting
- Mint: Cool, fresh, and fragrant
- Finish: Bright citrus with subtle spice
This soup is both soothing and invigorating, a rare and beautiful balance.
✅ Health Benefits of Middle Eastern–Spiced Chicken Noodle Soup
- High-protein from chicken
- Anti-inflammatory turmeric and garlic
- Mint supports digestion and reduces heaviness
- Hydrating and easy on the stomach
- Naturally low in fat
- Supports immune health
- Great for illness recovery
This soup is often described as healing food with flavor.
🔄 Delicious Variations to Try
1. Creamy Middle Eastern Chicken Soup
Add ½ cup coconut milk for creamy richness.
2. Gluten-Free Version
Use rice noodles or broken rice instead of wheat noodles.
3. Spicy Version
Add cayenne pepper or harissa for heat.
4. Extra Veggie Version
Add zucchini, spinach, or chickpeas.
5. Lemon-Ginger Chicken Soup
Add fresh grated ginger for extra warmth and digestion support.
✅ Pro Tips for the Best Flavor
- Toast spices briefly before adding liquid
- Use fresh mint, not dried
- Add lemon at the very end to preserve brightness
- Don’t overcook the noodles
- Let the soup rest 5 minutes before serving for better flavor fusion
❄️ Storage & Freezing Instructions
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for 4–5 days.
Freezer
Freeze without noodles for best texture. Keeps for 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop. Add fresh noodles and mint when serving.
🍞 What to Serve with Middle Eastern Chicken Noodle Soup
- Warm pita bread
- Flatbread or naan
- Simple cucumber & yogurt salad
- Stuffed grape leaves
- Light lentil side dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with Bright, fresh Middle Eastern sides.
❤️ Why This Soup Is So Popular
- Unique spice profile without being overpowering
- Comforting but not boring
- Balanced between warm and refreshing
- Perfect year-round
- Excellent for entertaining & wellness meals
- Meal-prep friendly
It offers global flavor with home-style comfort.
🧾 Quick Overview – Middle Eastern–Spiced Chicken Noodle Soup with Mint
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4–5
Key Ingredients: Chicken, noodles, cumin, coriander, turmeric, mint, lemon
Best For: Cozy dinners, wellness meals, Ramadan, meal prep
✅ Final Thoughts
Middle Eastern–Spiced Chicken Noodle Soup with Mint is the perfect harmony of comfort and bold flavor. With warm spices, tender chicken, soothing noodles, and refreshing mint, this soup delivers a unique take on a classic favorite. It’s light, nourishing, deeply aromatic, and absolutely unforgettable.
Whether you’re feeding your family, recovering from a cold, or creating a special dinner with global flair, this soup is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Print
Middle Eastern–Spiced Chicken Noodle Soup with Mint – Aromatic, Healing & Comforting
Ingredients
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 carrots, thinly sliced
• 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground allspice (optional, for depth)
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1½ cups uncooked thin egg noodles or vermicelli (or rice noodles for GF)
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tbsp)
• ¼ cup fresh mint, finely chopped
• Salt & black pepper to taste
Garnish:
• Extra mint leaves
• Lemon slices
• Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds
• Drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery 6–8 mins until softened. Add garlic; cook 1 min.
- Stir in cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and allspice; toast 1 min until fragrant.
- Pour in broth; bring to a gentle simmer. Add uncooked noodles; cook 5–7 mins until al dente.
→ Using pre-cooked noodles? Add in last 2 mins. - Stir in chicken and heat through 2–3 mins. Remove from heat.
- Stir in lemon juice and fresh mint. Season with salt and pepper.
- Ladle into bowls. Top with extra mint, lemon slices, toasted nuts, and a drizzle of olive oil.
PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time: 10 mins, Cook Time: 20 mins, Total Time: 30 mins, Servings: 6
Calories: 180, Net Carbs: 20g, Fats: 6g, Protein: 16g
✅ Lower-carb option: Skip noodles, add 1 cup zucchini ribbons or spinach in last 3 mins — net carbs drop to ~9g/serving.
✅ Naturally dairy-free, gluten-free (with GF noodles), and rich in warming, digestion-friendly spices.