As we still have a few more cold months before spring and summer, there is nothing more comforting than a cozy bowl of homemade soup. While I love making soup and broth from scratch, you can do wonders and save a boatload of time by using store bought chicken broth or stock.
This Lebanese Chicken Noodle Soup has been a lifesaver for me as a working mom. The ingredients are always in my pantry and fridge, and I can throw everything together in under 20 minutes. The best part of all is all of the ingredients in this soup have been curated to fight inflammation. When you start seeing people with colds and sniffles in your work space, make this soup at home to give you a boost of immunity!
Lebanese chicken noodle soup is a comforting, aromatic dish that combines bold flavors with nourishing ingredients. The addition of turmeric and cumin gives the broth a warm, golden hue and imparts earthy, slightly peppery notes with a hint of citrusy brightness. Fried garlic adds a rich, nutty depth, while fresh parsley provides a burst of herbaceous freshness.
The star of the soup is the vermicelli noodles, browned to a crisp before simmering, which add a nice toothy texture and a toasty, caramelized flavor to every bite. This vibrant, spice-forward soup is super satisfying, offering both comfort and complexity in every spoonful.
The ingredients in Lebanese chicken noodle soup not only provide delicious flavors but let’s go over the various health benefits:
- Turmeric: Known for its active compound curcumin, turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may help boost immune function and support joint health.
- Cumin: Rich in antioxidants and iron, cumin can aid digestion, improve gut health, and support the immune system. It also has antimicrobial properties.
- Parsley: A great source of vitamins A, C, and K, parsley promotes healthy skin, immune support, and bone health. It also contains antioxidants and has diuretic properties to help reduce water retention.
- Garlic: Fried garlic not only adds flavor but also provides allicin, a compound with antimicrobial and immune-boosting effects. Garlic can help reduce inflammation, support heart health, and combat infections.
- Vermicelli (crispy noodles): While not particularly nutrient-dense, the browned noodles offer a source of energy through carbohydrates. When paired with the soup’s nutrient-rich ingredients, they contribute to a balanced meal.
- Chicken: Packed with protein and essential amino acids, chicken helps with muscle repair and immune system function. The broth from chicken can also provide minerals and hydration.
Altogether, this soup is not only comforting but also supports digestion, immunity, and overall well-being. Check out how easy it is to make in my new video below:
Lebanese Chicken Noodle Soup
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 scallions chopped
- 1 bunch parsley, stems removed finely chopped
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ½ to 1 tsp cumin depending on preference
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 cloves garlic finely sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil – divided
- 1 cup vermicelli noodles, broken into small pieces and divided in half
- 2 32 ounce containers chicken broth
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded or cubed
- Slice the carrots and scallions. Chop the parsley and slice the garlic into thin slivers. In a large pot, take ½ cup of the vermicelli noodles, and saute in 1 tbsp olive oil until browned. Add the chicken broth, carrots, scallions, chicken, cumin, turmeric, the other half of the vermicelli noodles, salt, and pepper. Boil then simmer for 20 minutes. In a separate skillet, saute the garlic in 1 tbsp olive oil until browned. To serve, top the soup with fresh parsley and crispy garlic.
