Feeling under the weather? This lighter version of a comfort food classic will pep you right back up. This delicious chicken zoodle soup recipe is a great low-carb alternative for anyone trying to stay a little healthier this season.
What Exactly Are Zoodles?
Zoodles are a healthier, low-carb alternative to pasta noodles. This method has been gaining popularity since the rise of low-carb diets like keto, for example. Zoodles aren’t diet exclusive, though. They’re a great option for anyone looking to introduce healthier ingredients into their daily recipes or get more veggies in.
You can use zoodles in place of almost any normal pasta so they’re a versatile tool for tons of meals.
Preparing Zoodles and Their Benefits
This method of preparation has been rising in popularity due to both its health benefits and how easy zoodles are to make! You can either spiralize your zucchini if you have the equipment or you can just julienne your zucchini. Then, prepare them exactly like your favorite pasta. Zoodles are a versatile low-carb tool that can be used in a variety of meals!
Zucchinis are densely packed with vitamins and nutrients while remaining low-carb and calorie so this is a fantastic option for anyone trying to shed a few pounds. Zucchinis aid in healthy digestion so using them in place of carbs will help you feel less bloated after a large meal! They’re also high in antioxidants which promotes both eye and heart health.
What do I need to make Chicken Zoodle Soup?
To make this tasty soup you don’t need much, and you likely have most of these things on hand. You’ll need chicken, onions, celery, chicken broth, and zucchini!
How To Make Chicken Zoodle Soup
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp. of butter to medium heat. Add 1 pound of skinless, boneless chicken breast diced into 1 inch pieces into the stockpot. Season with salt and pepper then cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Once thoroughly cooked, remove and put to the side.
Heat another tbsp. of butter back into your now-empty stockpot to medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 diced onion, and 2 stalks of diced celery then heat. Stir in a 2 teaspoon of fresh thyme, and a 2 teaspoon fresh rosemary then heat until fragrant.
Once that’s has perked up your senses, whisk in 4 cups of your favorite chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Add your zoodles and chicken then reduce heat. Add a squeeze of lemon juice, serve warm and garnish with fresh rosemary and parsley; if desired.
Recipe
Chicken Zoodle Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter divided
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 onion diced
- 3 carrots peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 2 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 2 teaspoon fresh rosemary
- 2 cups water
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 pound 3 medium-sized zucchini, spiralized
- 1 Lemon for juicing
- fresh rosemary for garnish
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large stockpot over medium heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Add chicken to the stockpot and cook until golden, about 2-3 minutes; set aside.
- Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the stockpot.
- Add garlic, onion, carrots and celery.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in thyme and rosemary until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Whisk in chicken stock, bay leaf and 2 cups water; bring to a boil.
- Stir in zucchini noodles and chicken; reduce heat and simmer until zucchini is tender, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in lemon juice; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with rosemary
Nutrition
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A Low-Carb Tool That Tastes Great in Any Meal
This chicken zoodle soup recipe is just one amazing meal you can make incorporating zoodles! Like we said earlier, this versatile preparation method can be added to any card-heavy meal like spaghetti, soup, pad thai, etc. Having extra meal options when on a diet, obviously makes it a little easier to actually stick to your diet and shed those pounds.
However, zoodles are not diet-exclusive. They’re a great option for anyone looking to introduce extra vitamins and minerals to any meal.