Paleo Chicken Zoodle Soup

🥣 Paleo Chicken Zoodle Soup
🌍 Cultural Introduction
This soup draws inspiration from classic American chicken noodle soup, reimagined through a Paleo lens. By replacing traditional pasta with zucchini noodles (“zoodles”), it honors ancestral eating patterns that emphasize whole foods, lean proteins, and seasonal vegetables. It’s a comforting bowl that bridges tradition and wellness—perfect for healing, teaching, and sharing.
🍽️ Yield and Cooking Time
Yield: 6 servings (approx. 16 oz each)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
 
Paleo Chicken Zoodle Soup
 
🧂 Ingredients (Standard Measurements)
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
6 cups chicken bone broth (unsalted)
2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 medium carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
1 tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried parsley
1 bay leaf
Juice of ½ lemon (optional for brightness)
🔪 Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
Build the base: Add carrots and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add broth and herbs: Pour in bone broth, add thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Simmer chicken: Add whole chicken pieces. Simmer for 20 minutes until cooked through.
Shred chicken: Remove chicken, shred with forks, and return to pot.
Add zoodles: Stir in zucchini noodles and simmer for 3–5 minutes until tender.
Finish: Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and add lemon juice if desired.
🥕 Nutritional Benefits
Protein-rich: Chicken and bone broth support muscle repair and immune health.
Gut-friendly: Bone broth contains collagen and amino acids for digestive support.
Low-carb & anti-inflammatory: Zoodles offer fiber and antioxidants without grains.
Hydrating: High water content from broth and vegetables supports hydration.
🌿 Key Flavor Building Highlights
Aromatics: Onion and garlic create a savory foundation.
Herbs: Thyme and parsley add depth and freshness.
Bone broth: Rich umami and nourishing warmth.
Lemon juice: Optional acidity brightens the finish.
🤓 Fun Facts About Ingredients
Zucchini: Technically a fruit! Its mild flavor makes it a versatile noodle substitute.
Bone broth: Used in ancient cultures for healing and ceremonial cooking.
Bay leaf: Adds subtle bitterness that balances sweetness from carrots.
👐 Hands-On Techniques for Flavor
Sautéing aromatics first unlocks their natural sugars.
Simmering whole chicken infuses broth with richness.
Shredding chicken by hand ensures tender, bite-sized pieces.
Adding zoodles last preserves texture and prevents sogginess.
📊 American Nutritional Facts (Per 16 oz Serving)
Calories: ~220 kcal
Protein: ~25g
Fat: ~10g
Carbohydrates: ~8g
Fiber: ~2g
Sodium: ~600mg
Sugar: ~4g
💡 Pro Tips
Use a spiralizer for consistent zoodle texture.
Make broth from scratch for deeper flavor and control over sodium.
Add a splash of coconut aminos for umami if desired.
Freeze leftovers in mason jars for quick healing meals.
🔄 Ingredient Substitutions
Chicken: Use turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken.
Zoodles: Try spiralized sweet potato or daikon radish.
Bone broth: Substitute with vegetable broth + collagen powder.
Herbs: Fresh herbs can replace dried—use 3x the amount.
🌸 Garnishes to Enhance the Soup
Fresh parsley or dill
Lemon zest curls
Cracked black pepper
Toasted pumpkin seeds
Microgreens or baby spinach
🍷 Beverage Pairing Suggestions
Hot pairing: Ginger turmeric tea or bone broth sipper
Cold pairing: Cucumber mint infused water or kombucha
Festive pairing: Sparkling water with lemon and rosemary sprig
🧘 Digestive Rituals
Sip slowly and breathe between bites.
Pause halfway to stretch or reflect.
End with warm herbal tea to soothe digestion.
🥄 Rituals for Mindful Eating
Begin with gratitude—acknowledge the hands and hearts behind the meal.
Eat without screens, savoring each spoonful.
Invite conversation or quiet reflection.
Use a hydration tracker to log your soup as part of your daily intake.
💧 Hydration Reminder
Each 16 oz serving counts toward your daily hydration goals! Mark your Soup Angel Daily Hydration Tracker with a joyful spoon icon 🥄 and celebrate every nourishing sip.