There is nothing more comforting than a homemade chicken noodle soup, especially when it’s high-protein, filling, and made with better-for-you ingredients like chickpea pasta.

This version uses poached chicken cooked directly in broth, which keeps it tender, juicy, and flavorful. Plus, we’re using Banza chickpea noodles for extra protein and fiber so this soup actually keeps you full.

 

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

 

For the Poached Chicken:

 

• 1–1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups chicken broth (enough to cover chicken)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 garlic clove (optional)
• 1 bay leaf (optional)

 

For the Soup:

 

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 additional cups chicken broth
• 1–1½ cups Banza pasta (elbows or rotini)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp turmeric (optional, for color + immunity boost)
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Fresh parsley or dill for garnish

 

Step 1: Poach the Chicken (The Secret to Tender Soup Chicken)

 

Place chicken breasts in a pot in a single layer.

Pour in 4 cups of broth — just enough to fully cover the chicken.

Add salt, pepper, garlic, and bay leaf.

Bring to a gentle simmer (not a rolling boil).

Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Remove chicken and let rest 5 minutes.

Shred with two forks.

 

Bonus: Reserve the broth from poaching. It’s full of flavor and can be added into your soup base.

 

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

 

In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté 4–5 minutes until softened.

Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds.

Pour in remaining broth (and reserved poaching broth if using).

Add thyme, oregano, and turmeric. Bring to a gentle boil.

 

Step 3: Add Noodles + Chicken

 

Stir in Banza pasta.

Reduce heat and simmer 7–9 minutes, stirring occasionally (Banza softens quickly).

Add shredded chicken back into the pot.

Simmer 2–3 more minutes.

 

Step 4: Finish Like a Chef

 

Turn off heat.

Stir in fresh lemon juice.

Top with chopped parsley or dill.

Taste and adjust salt and pepper.

That lemon at the end? Game changer.

 

Nutrition (Approximate per serving: based on 5 servings)

 

Calories: ~350–400

Protein: 35–40g

Carbs: 30–35g

Fiber: 6–8g

 

Relatable Tips

 

• If meal prepping: cook Banza separately and add when reheating (it absorbs broth quickly).
• Want creamy vibes? Add 1–2 tbsp heavy cream at the end.
• Feeling under the weather? Add fresh grated ginger.
• Trying to lose weight? Stick to broth-heavy portions with extra chicken + veggies.
• This is the kind of recipe that feels like you’re taking care of yourself, but it still tastes like childhood comfort.

 

Tag @therelatable._ so we can see your high protein creations. We want to know how you made it yours!

 

 

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