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Quick 30-Minute Low-Sodium Chicken Noodle Soup – Healthy, Healing & Flavor-Packed


  • Author: WAFA LI

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 carrots, thinly sliced
• 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups no-salt-added chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover grilled)
• 1½ cups uncooked wide egg noodles (or brown rice noodles for GF)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: 2 cups baby spinach or chopped kale

Boost flavor without salt:
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (brightens and deepens)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• Pinch of smoked paprika

Garnish:
• Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
• Lemon zest
• Red pepper flakes (optional)


Instructions

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery 6–8 mins until softened. Add garlic; cook 1 min.
  2. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika; cook 30 sec.
  3. Pour in no-salt-added broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer; cook 10 mins.
  4. Add uncooked noodles; simmer 6–8 mins until al dente.
    Using pre-cooked noodles? Add in last 2 mins.
  5. Stir in chicken, spinach/kale (if using), lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer 2–3 mins until greens wilt and soup is heated through. Discard bay leaf.
  6. Season with black pepper. Ladle into bowls; top with fresh herbs and lemon zest.

PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time: 10 mins, Cook Time: 20 mins, Total Time: 30 mins, Servings: 6
Calories: 160, Net Carbs: 18g, Fats: 5g, Protein: 16g
Sodium: ~90mg per serving (vs. 800+ in canned soup!)
Naturally gluten-free (with GF noodles), dairy-free, and heart-healthy.