How to make traditional Jewish chicken soup?

To make a traditional Jewish chicken noodle soup recipe , start with a whole chicken, fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, and garlic, plus herbs such as dill and parsley. Simmer everything low and slow for 3+ hours, skim the foam, and strain the broth. Add cooked noodles and shredded chicken before serving. For a richer flavor, include schmaltz or simmer a parsnip with the vegetables.

Is chicken noodle soup Jewish?

Not all chicken noodle soups are Jewish, but the Jewish chicken noodle soup recipe is a culturally specific version. It's rooted in Ashkenazi Jewish traditions and is typically made for holidays, Shabbat, or when someone’s sick. The ingredients and techniques reflect Jewish heritage, such as using dill, whole chicken, and even matzo balls during Passover.

What is the secret ingredient in soup?

Many would argue that schmaltz —rendered chicken fat—is the secret ingredient in a true Jewish chicken noodle soup recipe . Others might point to fresh dill, garlic, or parsnip for their unique ability to elevate the broth. Ultimately, the real secret may be the slow simmering process and the care that goes into making it.

Is chicken stock or broth better for chicken noodle soup?

For a proper Jewish chicken noodle soup recipe , chicken stock is preferred. It’s made by simmering bones for hours, producing a richer, thicker base full of collagen. Broth, typically made from meat alone, is lighter and less nutrient-dense. Traditional recipes usually combine both by simmering a whole chicken to extract flavor from both meat and bones.

Jewish Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe – The Best Traditional Comfort Soup (2025)

Description

A traditional Jewish chicken noodle soup recipe made with a whole chicken, fresh vegetables, and herbs like dill and parsley. This nourishing soup is simmered slowly to bring out deep flavor and healing properties—perfect for holidays, family dinners, or when you’re feeling under the weather.

Ingredients

Scale

1 chicken breast (or three drumsticks, or bones and skin in a soup bag)
1 whole sweet potato, peeled
1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into thirds
4 med. parsnips, peeled and cut into thirds
1 large onion, peeled and left whole
1 large zucchini, washed not peeled and cut into 2–3 inch rounds.
Optional 5–10 cloves of garlic
Optional: 1/2 lb egg noodles, cooked according to package directions

Frozen cubes (optional):

2–3 Garlic if not putting in the soup whole cloves
2 dill
3 parsley
1 ginger

Spices:

2 teaspoons salt
1/2 t pepper (omit if using for cold)
2 T or more onion powder
1 T garlic powder
Feel free to play with spice mixes with onion. I often leave out the onion/garlic powder and use Trader Joe’s onion salt (about 3 T) instead.

5 Quart pot

Instructions

Place your vegetables in the pot. If there’s anything you plan to remove, place that at the top. Vegetables stay somewhat in place so you’ll be able to remove it if you plan well.
Add spices and frozen cubes.
Cover with water till about 1-1.5 inches from the top of the pot. I like to use the sprayer so that I’m mixing it as I fill.
Bring to a boil over medium heat. When it just boils, reduce it to low and keep it as close as possible to just barely simmering for 4-5 hours (or up to eight).
Serve with warm noodles, soup nuts, or croutons – or on its own!

Notes

Use medium heat for starters and not high, so that if you miss it when it boils it doesn’t go too strong for too long.
Use veggie discards for added flavors (leek, for example), add what you like, etc.
Other things that are tasty in the soup (but not necessary for the overall flavor): Leek – the edible parts too, Celery, Turnip
Noodles are prepped separately according to package directions and kept warm until serving so it doesn’t chill your soup.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Main Course, Soup
Method: Simmering, Boiling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 640mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Gluten free matzo, chicken thighs, egg noodles, dill, carrots, Whole sweet potato, chicken breast, egg noodles, pot,