Low Sodium Chicken Noodle Soup: Healthy Homemade Recipe

Low sodium chicken noodle soup contains significantly less sodium than traditional versions, typically under 140mg per serving. This homemade version uses fresh ingredients and smart substitutions to deliver full flavor without excess salt, making it ideal for heart-healthy diets or managing hypertension. You can easily prepare a nutritious batch in under 45 minutes using low-sodium broth, fresh vegetables, and herbs for natural flavor enhancement.

Reducing sodium intake is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health, particularly for the estimated 47% of American adults with hypertension. Traditional canned chicken noodle soup often contains 800-1,000mg of sodium per serving—nearly half the recommended daily limit. Our carefully crafted low sodium chicken noodle soup recipe delivers rich flavor while keeping sodium content to just 125mg per serving, without compromising taste or texture.

Why Sodium Reduction Matters for Soup Lovers

Excess sodium consumption contributes to elevated blood pressure, increasing risks for heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 1,500mg of sodium daily for optimal heart health. Most commercial chicken noodle soups exceed one-third of this limit in a single serving. When preparing homemade low sodium chicken noodle soup, you control every ingredient, eliminating hidden sodium sources while preserving the comforting qualities that make this dish a classic.

Building Flavor Without Excess Salt

The secret to exceptional low sodium chicken noodle soup lies in strategic flavor layering. Professional chefs rely on these sodium-free techniques:

• Aromatic vegetable base: Sauté onions, celery, and carrots in olive oil to develop natural sweetness
• Herb infusion: Fresh thyme, parsley, and bay leaves add complexity without sodium
• Citrus enhancement: A splash of lemon juice brightens flavors at the end
• Mushroom boost: Finely chopped mushrooms provide umami depth
• Garlic power: Roasted garlic adds rich savoriness

Perfect Homemade Low Sodium Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

This heart-healthy recipe yields six 1.5-cup servings with only 125mg sodium per portion. Preparation takes 15 minutes with 30 minutes cooking time.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups no-sodium chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 2 cups egg noodles
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 7-8 minutes until vegetables soften.
2. Add mushrooms and garlic, cooking until mushrooms release their liquid (about 5 minutes).
3. Pour in chicken broth, then add bay leaves and thyme. Bring to a gentle boil.
4. Stir in egg noodles and cook according to package directions (usually 6-8 minutes).
5. Add shredded chicken, parsley, lemon juice, and black pepper. Simmer for 3 additional minutes.
6. Remove bay leaves before serving. Adjust lemon and pepper to taste.

Nutritional Comparison: Homemade vs Store-Bought

Product	Serving Size	Sodium (mg)	Total Fat (g)	Protein (g)
Homemade Low Sodium Recipe	1.5 cups	125	4.2	14.7
Leading "Reduced Sodium" Brand	1 cup	480	3.5	9.0
Regular Canned Chicken Noodle	1 cup	890	3.8	8.5
Homemade Regular Recipe	1.5 cups	620	4.5	15.2

Smart Store-Bought Options When You're Short on Time

When homemade isn't feasible, these low sodium canned chicken noodle soup brands offer better alternatives. Always check labels as formulations change frequently:

• Brand A No-Salt-Added Chicken Noodle: 90mg sodium per cup, contains visible vegetables and quality chicken pieces
• Brand B Organic Low Sodium: 130mg sodium per serving, uses organic ingredients with no artificial flavors
• Brand C Heart-Healthy Recipe: 140mg sodium, fortified with additional vegetables and whole grain noodles

Look for products with less than 140mg sodium per serving to qualify as "low sodium" by FDA standards. Avoid "reduced sodium" versions that still contain 300-500mg per serving—these merely contain 25% less salt than the regular version, not truly low sodium.

Customizing for Special Dietary Needs

This versatile low sodium chicken noodle soup adapts easily to various dietary requirements:

• Gluten-free: Substitute rice noodles or quinoa pasta for egg noodles
• Keto-friendly: Replace noodles with spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles
• Higher protein: Increase chicken to 3 cups and add 1/2 cup white beans
• Vegetarian option: Use mushroom broth and replace chicken with extra vegetables and chickpeas

Proper Storage and Reheating Techniques

Homemade low sodium chicken noodle soup maintains best quality for 4-5 days in airtight containers in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers with 1-inch headspace for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to restore ideal consistency, as noodles continue absorbing liquid during storage. Never add salt during reheating—rely on fresh herbs or lemon juice to refresh flavors.

How can I make low sodium chicken noodle soup taste better without adding salt?

Enhance flavor with aromatic vegetables like onions, celery, and carrots sautéed in olive oil. Add fresh herbs (thyme, parsley, rosemary), garlic, lemon juice, and mushrooms for natural umami. Roasted vegetable purees can also deepen flavor complexity without sodium.

What's the maximum sodium content for a soup to be considered 'low sodium'?

According to FDA labeling standards, a food can be labeled 'low sodium' if it contains 140mg or less of sodium per serving. 'Very low sodium' products contain 35mg or less per serving. Always check the nutrition facts panel as serving sizes vary between products.

Can I use regular broth and reduce sodium another way in chicken noodle soup?

While possible, this approach rarely achieves truly low sodium levels. Regular broth contains about 700-900mg sodium per cup. Even diluting with water compromises flavor. For authentic low sodium chicken noodle soup, always start with no-sodium-added broth and build flavor through herbs, vegetables, and citrus instead of salt.

How does low sodium chicken noodle soup benefit heart health?

Reducing sodium intake helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels, decreasing strain on the cardiovascular system. Our homemade version contains just 125mg sodium per serving compared to 800-1000mg in regular canned versions. This significant reduction supports heart health while providing protein, vegetables, and comforting warmth without compromising flavor.