21 Day Fix Chicken Zoodle Soup: The Ultimate Healthy Comfort Food Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of chicken soup to soothe the soul, especially when you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving some nostalgic comfort. But what if you’re also committed to a healthy eating plan, like the 21 Day Fix, or looking for Weight Watchers friendly options? The good news is you don’t have to compromise! Our 21 Day Fix Chicken Zoodle Soup is the perfect solution, offering all the classic flavors you love with a smart, healthy twist.
Lately, my household has been a revolving door of sniffles and sneezes. It seems like someone is always battling a cold, and recently, it was my turn. During these times, my mind immediately turns to chicken soup – a timeless remedy and a deeply comforting meal. My grandmother and mother both swore by homemade chicken soup, and it’s a tradition I’ve happily carried on. It’s truly one of the simplest and most economical meals you can prepare from scratch.
There’s a unique magic in a hot bowl of soup on a chilly day, or when a runny nose just won’t quit. It feels like a warm hug from the inside out. While I cherish my family’s traditional recipe, I’ve made a few adjustments over the years to ensure it aligns perfectly with the 21 Day Fix principles. My most recent and, dare I say, most brilliant addition? Zoodles!
The Zoodle Revolution: A Game Changer for Healthy Soup
Adding spiralized zucchini, or “zoodles,” to my chicken soup was an absolute game-changer. The texture is incredibly satisfying, reminiscent of ramen noodles, but without all the heavy carbs, MSG, and excessive sodium often found in traditional ramen or pasta. Zoodles blend seamlessly into the broth, absorbing the rich flavors while adding a fresh, slightly firm bite. They’re a fantastic way to boost your vegetable intake and keep your soup light and nutrient-dense.
This simple swap transforms a classic comfort food into a truly guilt-free indulgence, making it ideal for anyone following a clean eating lifestyle or counting containers. If you’re looking for a tried-and-true chicken soup recipe, this one is a must-try. And if you’re feeling a little adventurous (which I highly recommend!), do yourself a favor and add those zoodles. You’ll be amazed at how delicious and satisfying this healthy chicken zoodle soup truly is!
Why This Chicken Soup is Perfect for the 21 Day Fix (and Beyond!)
The 21 Day Fix program emphasizes portion control and clean eating, utilizing a container system to ensure balanced nutrition. Our 21 Day Fix Chicken Zoodle Soup aligns perfectly with these guidelines. By replacing traditional pasta with nutrient-rich zucchini noodles, we significantly reduce the carbohydrate count and increase the vegetable content, making each serving packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
This recipe provides a balanced meal with lean protein from the chicken (RED container), plenty of vegetables like celery, carrots, and onions (GREEN container), and the optional zoodles further enhance the green container count. It’s an excellent example of how comforting, family-favorite meals can be adapted to fit a structured healthy eating plan without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. Plus, making your soup from scratch means you control all the ingredients, avoiding unwanted additives, excessive sodium, and hidden sugars often found in store-bought options.
The Enduring Power of Homemade Chicken Soup
For centuries, chicken soup has been hailed as a universal healer and a staple in comfort food traditions across cultures. There’s something inherently therapeutic about its warm broth and tender ingredients. Beyond its anecdotal reputation for warding off colds and flu, homemade chicken soup provides hydration, electrolytes, and easily digestible nutrients crucial for recovery. The act of preparing it also offers a sense of calm and care, which is often as beneficial as the food itself.
My own weekly rotation wouldn’t be complete without a pot of homemade chicken soup simmering on the stove. It’s a taste of home, a connection to my roots, and a testament to the simple power of good food. And with our 21 Day Fix adaptation, it’s not just comforting; it’s smart eating.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Zoodle Soup
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Start with fresh, vibrant vegetables and good quality chicken broth. While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are convenient, bone-in chicken with skin removed can add extra flavor to your broth as it cooks.
- Don’t Overcook the Zoodles: Zucchini noodles cook very quickly. Adding them directly to individual bowls and letting them steam in the hot broth for a few minutes before eating prevents them from becoming soggy. This ensures they retain their slight al dente texture.
- Season to Taste: Chicken soup benefits from proper seasoning. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can also brighten the flavors at the end.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This soup is excellent for meal prep! Cook the base and chicken ahead of time, then shred the chicken. When ready to serve, simply heat the broth, add the chicken, and then add fresh zoodles to your serving bowl.
Customization & Variations
While this recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to customize it to your liking:
- Add More Veggies: Bell peppers, spinach, kale, or mushrooms can be great additions. Just be mindful of your 21 Day Fix container counts.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a nice warmth.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves added during the simmering process can deepen the aromatic profile of the soup.
- Lemon Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can add a refreshing zing.
This recipe is not only delicious and healthy but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re a seasoned 21 Day Fixer or just looking for a wholesome, comforting meal, this Chicken Zoodle Soup will hit all the right notes. It’s truly a family favorite that you can feel good about eating.
21 Day Fix Chicken Soup with Zoodles
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- Olive oil spray I used my EVO
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 1/2 -2 cups chopped carrots
- 1-2 lbs boneless or bone-in chicken breasts skin removed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup canned tomato sauce mainly for color
- Zucchini cut into zoodles if desired
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Saute onion and veggies together for a few minutes until they begin to get tender.
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Add chicken and cover completely with water and/or broth. Add in tomato sauce for color.
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Bring soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer until chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender.
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Remove chicken and carefully de-bone (if necessary) and shred.
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Measure chicken using your RED container and then top with broth.
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If you want zoodles in your soup, add them directly into your bowl and let them steam in the broth for a few minutes before eating.
Notes
WW Freestyle: ZERO points!
Nutrition