Ground chicken noodle soup is all the comfort of the classic, without the hassle. This version swaps shredded chicken for ground chicken, making it quicker, easier, and heartier. You still get the cozy vibes of tender carrots, celery, and onions swimming in a lemony, herb-packed broth, but with way less prep. This recipe can be made in a slow cooker or on your stovetop.

Savor a bowl of delicious noodle soup featuring rotini pasta, carrots, and herbs on a spoon, with fresh lemons and carrots casually scattered in the background.

Why Ground Chicken?

Ground chicken is a perfect swap if you don’t like cooking and shredding chicken breasts like in a traditional chicken noodle soup. And ground chicken is easy to work with since it browns quickly, and stays tender and juicy.

This recipe is the kind of soup that is perfect for those nights when you want something homemade and hearty for dinner.

A bowl of chicken noodle soup with pasta, carrots, and herbs, garnished with a lemon wedge. A spoon rests inside the bowl. Ground chicken adds heartiness to the soup. Carrots and lemons are in the background.

Ingredient Notes

Ground Chicken: Cooks quickly and adds hearty texture without the extra prep of shredding raw chicken breast.
Rotini Pasta: Holds onto the broth perfectly, adding a bit of bite and chew.
Carrots, Celery, Onion: Classic base veggies for sweetness, and crunch.
Olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables and building flavor.
Garlic: Adds a punch of flavor and aroma.
Chicken broth: Forms the base of the soup—use low-sodium for better control over seasoning.
Lemon: Adds zest for a bright, tangy kick.
Ground coriander: Adds a warm, citrusy undertone.
Fresh dill: Herbal, aromatic, and adds a burst of freshness.
Salt and black pepper: Key for balancing and enhancing flavors.

Ingredients for a Chicken Noodle Soup recipe displayed in bowls on a white surface: ground meat, broth, pasta, celery, carrots, onion, garlic, olive oil, pepper, and dill with a lemon on the side.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these step by step visual instructions to make this in a slow cooker.

Step 1: Brown the ground chicken

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and cook the ground chicken until browned.

Step 2: Add onion

Stir in the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent.

Ground chicken and chopped onions sizzle in a frying pan with oil on the stovetop, creating a savory base that's perfect for pairing with your favorite noodle soup.

Step 3: Add garlic

Toss in the chopped garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.

Ground chicken with diced onions and minced garlic sizzles in a black skillet, filling the air with savory aromas.

Step 4: Transfer to slow cooker

Pour the chicken and onions into the slow cooker along with carrots, celery, broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, coriander, dill, salt, and pepper.

Chopped carrots, celery, orange zest, ground chicken, spices, and herbs arranged in a slow cooker create a delightful base for a comforting chicken noodle soup.

Step 5: Cook the soup

Set the slow cooker on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours, until the vegetables are tender. If cooking on your stove stop simmer for 30-40 minutes.

A slow cooker filled with a warm noodle soup combines diced celery, carrots, and herbs in a clear broth.

Step 6: Cook the pasta

Boil the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente.

A bowl of uncooked rotini pasta is held above a slow cooker brimming with savory chicken noodle soup, offering a delicious twist on the classic.

Step 7: Combine and serve

Stir the cooked pasta into the soup and sprinkle with extra dill if desired.

A ladle scoops savory chicken noodle soup with ground chicken, carrots, and herbs from a slow cooker.

Find the measurements and full recipe below in the recipe card!

Serving Suggestions

This ground chicken noodle soup is a meal on its own, but a good side can make it even better. Here are a few easy options:

Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty sourdough or a simple baguette is perfect for dunking.
Buttery Crackers: Keep it simple with your favorite salty crackers—great for extra crunch and a bit of salty goodness with each spoonful.
Side Salad: A light mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the soup’s bright flavors.

A bowl of chicken noodle soup with pasta, carrots, and herbs is surrounded by fresh ingredients like raw carrots, lemons, dill, and uncooked pasta on a white surface.

Leftovers and Storage

Got leftovers? This soup stores well, but here’s a tip to keep it tasting fresh: store the pasta separately from the soup. This way, the noodles won’t soak up all the broth and get mushy.

For single servings of this soup, try using Souper Cubes to freeze your leftovers—they’re perfect for freezing perfect portions without taking up too much space.

Just pour the cooled soup (without the pasta) into the molds and freeze. When you’re ready for another bowl, pop out a cube, reheat on the stove, and stir in some freshly cooked pasta. Instant cozy comfort, one bowl at a time!

A comforting bowl of soup with pasta, ground chicken, carrots, and herbs. Another bowl and lemons are visible in the background, adding a refreshing touch to this hearty dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Chicken noodle soup is hydrating, warm, and easy to digest. The broth helps soothe a sore throat and keeps you hydrated, while the steam can help clear up congestion. Plus, the chicken provides protein, and the veggies bring vitamins—just what your body needs when you’re feeling under the weather.

A splash of vinegar (or lemon juice, like in this recipe) adds acidity, which brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the broth. It also helps extract more nutrients from the chicken if you’re making your own bone broth.

Yes! Lemon juice adds a fresh, zesty kick that cuts through the savory flavors of the broth, making the soup taste lighter and more vibrant. Just be sure to add it at the end of cooking to keep the flavor bright.

Yes, this soup is great for meal prep! Just store the pasta separately to avoid it soaking up the broth. Reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave, then add freshly cooked pasta when serving.

Definitely! Swap the rotini for any small pasta you like, such as ditalini, orzo, or even egg noodles. Just be sure to cook the pasta separately to keep it from getting soggy.

If you’re out of dill, try parsley, cilantro, or even a sprinkle of dried thyme. Each herb will give the soup a different but tasty twist.