Immune Boosting Lebanese Style Chicken Noodle Soup

posted on: Feb 17, 2025

By: Blanche Shaheen/Arab America Contributing Writer

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 making the broth from scratch is always optimal, many people don’t have time to simmer a broth for hours during their busy schedules. This is where you can transform store bought chicken broth or stock into a bowl of immune boosting goodness.

This Lebanese Chicken Noodle Soup is a lifesaver for those with a full time job. You can stock your pantry and refrigerator with most of these ingredients, so they are ready when you are for a quick yet satisfying meal. The best part is all of the following  ingredients in this soup have been curated to fight inflammation. 

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:

1. 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.
2. Cumin: Rich in antioxidants and iron, cumin can aid digestion, improve gut health, and support the immune system. It also has antimicrobial properties.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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 the 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. 

YouTube cooking show called Feast in the Middle East, and cookbook author. For more authentic and classical Middle Eastern recipes, you can purchase her cookbook, “Feast In the Middle East here: https://secure.mybookorders.com/mbo_index.php?isbn=9781545675113   For her cooking video tutorials, visit https://www.youtube.com/user/blanchetv   Her recipes can also be found at https://feastinthemiddleeast.wordpress.com/

Check out our blog here!