This gluten-free chicken noodle soup is a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with tender chicken, colorful veggies, and cozy noodles, it’s perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather.
I love how quickly this soup comes together, especially when you need a fast meal. Plus, it warms my heart and stomach every time. A little squeeze of lemon on top makes it even better!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Broth: Choose a gluten-free chicken broth to keep this soup safe for gluten sensitivities. Homemade broth is great if you have the time. If you prefer vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead!
Gluten-Free Noodles: Rice noodles are my go-to for this recipe, but feel free to experiment with chickpea pasta or gluten-free egg noodles. Always check labels to ensure they are truly gluten-free.
Chicken: I use rotisserie chicken for its convenience and flavor. If that’s not an option, any cooked chicken works. Leftover roasted or grilled chicken is perfect.
Herbs: Dried thyme and parsley are must-haves here for flavor. Fresh herbs can be used for an even brighter taste, but I find dried works just fine for this cozy soup.
What’s the Best Way to Sauté Vegetables for Soup?
Sautéing the veggies properly brings out their flavors. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic first; they need a bit longer to soften.
- Add carrots and celery after a few minutes. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until everything is tender.
- This step builds a flavorful base for your soup!
Don’t rush this step; the key lies in letting the veggies soften and release their natural sweetness!
Gluten-Free Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth (gluten-free)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 6 ounces gluten-free noodles (such as rice noodles, chickpea pasta, or gluten-free egg noodles)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness
How Much Time Will You Need?
This gluten-free chicken noodle soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes of cooking time. Overall, you’ll be enjoying this delicious soup in just about 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes, just until fragrant. Then, toss in the sliced carrots and celery. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften a bit, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add Chicken Broth:
Once the vegetables are softened, pour in the chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
3. Simmer with Chicken and Herbs:
Once boiling, reduce the heat so the soup simmers gently. Add the cooked chicken to the pot along with the dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine, letting all the flavors mingle together.
4. Cook the Noodles:
Next, add the gluten-free noodles to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 6-8 minutes, until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
5. Taste and Adjust:
Once everything is cooked through, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preference.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and squeeze a bit of lemon juice on top if you like a touch of brightness. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting, gluten-free chicken noodle soup!
Perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather—this soup is sure to become a family favorite!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great way to save time. Just shred the meat and add it to the soup as directed for a quick and flavorful option!
What Gluten-Free Noodles Can I Use?
You can use several types of gluten-free noodles! Options include rice noodles, chickpea pasta, or gluten-free egg noodles. Always check the labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free!
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes! This soup can be made ahead and stored. To keep the noodles from getting mushy, add them fresh when reheating. Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months; just remember to leave space for expansion!
