When the weather gets chilly or when you’re simply craving something comforting and heartwarming, nothing hits the spot quite like a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. But have you ever thought about giving this classic a fresh twist? Enter the Chicken Noodle Soup Dill Recipe. The addition of dill to the usual blend of herbs and spices takes the familiar flavors and elevates them into something unexpected, yet utterly delicious. Dill adds a bright, herbaceous note that perfectly complements the savory broth, tender chicken, and satisfying noodles. It’s like a cozy bowl of soup that’s got a little personality!
In this guide, we’re going to walk you through a delightful recipe that’s perfect for those who want to refresh their traditional chicken noodle soup while still keeping it comforting and familiar. We’ll break down the ingredients, walk you through the cooking process, and even offer expert tips to make sure your soup turns out perfectly every time. And of course, we’ll explore some variations to help you customize the soup to suit your mood and preferences. So grab your apron, a pot, and let’s dive into this cozy and flavorful recipe!
Chicken Noodle Soup Dill Recipe
This Chicken Noodle Soup Dill Recipe takes the beloved classic and infuses it with a fresh, aromatic twist. The dill will infuse the broth with a fragrant and slightly tangy flavor, adding layers of depth to the soup. Whether you’re preparing it for a family meal, a cozy dinner, or even a sick-day cure, this soup is sure to warm both the body and soul.
Ingredients Needed
To get started, here’s a quick look at what you’ll need to make this comforting and delicious soup:
-
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
A rich and neutral oil that helps sauté the vegetables and adds a base of flavor to the soup.
-
1 Medium Onion, Chopped
Onion serves as the aromatic base of your soup, adding savory depth to the broth.
-
2 Garlic Cloves, Minced
Garlic enhances the savory flavor of the broth, giving it a subtle warmth.
-
3 Medium Carrots, Sliced
Carrots bring a mild sweetness to balance the savory chicken and broth. They also add vibrant color!
-
2 Celery Stalks, Chopped
Celery is a classic addition that provides freshness and a slight crunch in each bite.
-
6 Cups Chicken Broth (or Stock)
The base of any chicken noodle soup! Chicken broth is savory and rich, and it’s what ties all the flavors together.
-
1 Teaspoon Dried Dill Weed
This is the star ingredient. Dill’s aromatic, slightly tangy, and grassy flavor will set this soup apart from the usual.
-
2 Teaspoons Fresh Lemon Juice
A squeeze of lemon brightens up the broth and balances the richness of the chicken and vegetables.
-
2 Cups Rotisserie Chicken, Shredded
Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves you time while adding a deep, roasted chicken flavor to the soup.
-
2 Cups Egg Noodles
The classic noodle for this soup. Egg noodles are tender, quick to cook, and absorb the flavors of the broth wonderfully.
-
Salt And Pepper To Taste
Simple but essential seasonings that bring out the best in every ingredient.
-
Fresh Dill, Chopped (optional)
If you want to take the dill flavor to the next level, sprinkle some fresh dill on top when serving. It adds a fresh burst of flavor.
Cooking Instructions
Now that you have everything ready, it’s time to get cooking! Here’s how to bring this soup to life:
-
Sauté The Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
-
Add The Vegetables
Toss in the sliced carrots and chopped celery. Stir occasionally and let them cook for 5-6 minutes, just until they begin to soften. This step helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
-
Add Broth And Dill
Pour in the chicken broth, and sprinkle in the dried dill. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
-
Add Chicken And Noodles
Add the shredded rotisserie chicken and egg noodles. Stir everything together and continue to simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes, until the noodles are cooked through and tender.
-
Season The Soup
Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten up the flavors and give the soup a tangy finish.
-
Finish With Fresh Dill
If you have fresh dill, sprinkle it on top of the soup just before serving. This will add a fresh, vibrant burst of flavor.
-
Serve And Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm. This soup is perfect with a side of crusty bread or crackers to dip!
Ingredient Insights
Understanding the role of each ingredient in this recipe helps to appreciate the balance of flavors and textures:
- Chicken Broth: The backbone of this soup, chicken broth imparts a savory depth and a richness that serves as the perfect base for the other ingredients. Opt for low-sodium broth if you want to control the salt content.
- Dill: Dill isn’t just a herb; it’s an experience. The dried dill brings a slightly tangy, herby flavor that cuts through the richness of the chicken and broth. Fresh dill, when added just before serving, gives the soup a pop of color and a more intense dill flavor.
- Rotisserie Chicken: Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is not only time-saving but also boosts the flavor of the soup, as the chicken has already been roasted with herbs and spices, lending its richness to the broth.
- Noodles: Egg noodles are soft and absorb the broth wonderfully, which means each bite is infused with that savory goodness. Plus, their texture is perfect in this soup.
Expert Tips
Here are a few tips to make sure your soup turns out as delicious as possible:
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Egg noodles can become mushy if overcooked. It’s best to add them when you’re near the end of cooking the soup, and keep an eye on them as they only take about 8-10 minutes to cook.
- Adjust the Dill to Your Taste: Dill can be a strong flavor, so if you’re new to it, start with the smaller amount suggested in the recipe. You can always add more fresh dill at the end if you want a bolder flavor.
- Go Slow with the Lemon: A little bit of lemon juice goes a long way in brightening the soup. Start with a teaspoon and taste before adding more. You don’t want the lemon to overpower the other flavors.
- Freeze for Later: Chicken noodle soup is a great dish to make in advance. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Just note that the noodles might absorb some of the broth when stored, so you may want to add a bit of water or broth when reheating.
Recipe Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few variations you can try:
- Add Greens: For an extra boost of nutrients, consider adding some spinach, kale, or even Swiss chard to the soup. These greens will wilt nicely in the broth, adding color and vitamins.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broth. It pairs nicely with the dill and gives the soup a more complex flavor.
- Creamy Version: For a creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half toward the end of cooking. This will turn the soup into a luscious, velvety bowl of comfort.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini, potatoes, or sweet potatoes for a more filling vegetarian version.
Final Words
This Chicken Noodle Soup Dill Recipe is a perfect balance of comfort and freshness. Dill adds an unexpected but wonderful twist to the traditional chicken noodle soup, making it an exciting dish without straying too far from the familiar. The flavors meld together beautifully, and the ingredients are simple enough to ensure this is a recipe you can whip up on any given weeknight. Whether you’re feeding your family, treating yourself, or making a batch to share with friends, this soup is a winner.