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There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade chicken soup to bring comfort and warmth. This easy chicken soup recipe is a heartwarming classic, perfect for chilly days or when you need a nourishing boost. Simple to prepare and bursting with fresh flavors, mastering a comforting chicken soup recipe has never been easier. You’ll love how quickly this wholesome meal comes together.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Soup
You’ll quickly understand why this chicken soup will become a staple in your kitchen.
- Quick & Straightforward: This recipe uses simple steps and common ingredients, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Hearty & Flavorful: Each spoonful offers a rich, comforting taste that satisfies and warms you from the inside out.
- Customizable: Easily swap in your favorite vegetables to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or freeze for future meals.
- Wholesome & Nourishing: Packed with fresh produce and lean protein, it’s a dish you can feel good about. It’s the perfect chicken soup recipe for beginners!
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients for your delicious homemade chicken soup recipe:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 parsnips, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery ribs, sliced
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 1 leek, halved lengthwise, sliced, and rinsed
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs fresh tarragon
- 1 bay leaf
- 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup roughly chopped fresh parsley
Notes & Substitutions
For your chicken soup, feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for richer flavor, or even a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for extra speed. You can easily swap vegetables like potatoes, spinach, or peas for what’s listed. If fresh herbs aren’t available, use ½ teaspoon of dried thyme and tarragon. Always opt for low-sodium chicken broth so you can control the saltiness yourself. Taste and adjust salt and pepper throughout the cooking process.
Equipment
You won’t need much specialized gear for this delicious chicken soup recipe.
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Two forks for shredding
Instructions
Creating this comforting chicken soup recipe is simple. Follow these steps for a delicious, hearty meal.
- Prepare Vegetables: Start by peeling and slicing your carrots, parsnips, and celery. Dice the onion and thinly slice the leek, making sure to rinse it well to remove any grit. Mince your garlic cloves and roughly chop the fresh parsley.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced carrots, parsnips, celery, leek, and diced onion. Cook these vegetables for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently until they begin to soften and become fragrant. This step builds the flavor base for your chicken soup.
- Season & Infuse: Stir in the minced garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for just one more minute, allowing the garlic to become aromatic without burning.
- Add Chicken & Broth: Gently place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the pot. Tuck in the sprigs of fresh thyme and tarragon, along with the bay leaf. Pour in the 5 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged.
- Simmer & Cook: Bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld beautifully into your chicken soup.
- Shred Chicken: Using tongs, carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and transfer them to a cutting board. With two forks, gently shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easy to enjoy in every spoonful.
- Finish Soup: Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the roughly chopped fresh parsley. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, just long enough for the parsley to wilt and its fresh flavor to integrate.
- Serve: Before serving, remember to remove and discard the sprigs of thyme, tarragon, and the bay leaf. Ladle your delicious homemade chicken soup into bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of additional fresh parsley and a dash of black pepper for extra flair. Enjoy it piping hot!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
For the best chicken soup, remember these key tips. Don’t overcook your chicken for this chicken soup recipe; 15 minutes of simmering is usually enough to keep it tender and juicy. For a deeper flavor, you can slightly brown the vegetables before adding the broth. Always taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process – a pinch more salt or pepper can make a big difference. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens any chicken soup. When reheating leftovers, gently warm on the stove to prevent the vegetables from becoming mushy.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile chicken soup is a comforting meal on its own, but you can easily elevate it further.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve your warm soup with a side of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping.
- Top with a handful of your favorite crackers for added texture.
- Pair it with a light green salad for a complete and balanced meal.
Storage Instructions:
- Store leftover chicken soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Guidelines:
- This soup freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recipe Variations:
- Noodle Soup: For a classic take, add 1 cup of egg noodles or small pasta shapes during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
- Rice Soup: Stir in 1 cup of cooked white or brown rice at the very end of cooking.
- Creamy Version: For a richer soup, stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream or a splash of coconut milk just before serving.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the pot with the garlic for a touch of heat. You can easily transform this basic chicken soup recipe into many family favorites.
Nutrition Information
This wholesome chicken soup recipe offers a nutritious and satisfying meal. Loaded with lean protein from the chicken and a generous helping of fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the fresh vegetables, it supports a healthy diet. This information is an estimate based on ingredients and preparation, and actual values may vary. It’s suitable for various dietary needs, emphasizing whole, unprocessed ingredients.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Servings | 4 |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
FAQ
Can I use bone-in chicken for this chicken soup recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken will add more flavor to the broth. Just increase the simmering time to 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily falls off the bone.
How long does homemade chicken soup last?
Properly stored in an airtight container, your homemade chicken soup will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Always ensure it’s cooled completely before storing.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to get creative! Great additions include diced potatoes, green beans, peas, corn, or spinach. Add heartier vegetables like potatoes with the initial sauté, and softer ones like spinach in the last few minutes.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, it is! This chicken soup freezes very well. Let it cool, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.
How do I make the broth richer?
For a richer broth, you can use homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought. You can also add a bouillon cube or a teaspoon of chicken base to the broth when you add the chicken.
Conclusion
This simple chicken soup recipe proves that ultimate comfort doesn’t need to be complicated. With minimal effort and straightforward steps, you can create a truly satisfying and nourishing meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re battling a cold or simply craving something warm and wholesome, this homemade classic is always the perfect choice. Dive into the warmth of your own perfectly crafted chicken soup today!
Studies show that a bowl of chicken soup can help alleviate cold symptoms due to its rich blend of vitamins and antioxidants. The health benefits of chicken soup extend beyond comfort.
Easy Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- measuring cups and spoons
- Two forks for shredding
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 parsnips, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery ribs, sliced
- 0.5 medium onion, diced
- 1 leek, halved lengthwise, sliced and rinsed
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs fresh tarragon
- 1 bay leaf
- 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 0.25 cup roughly chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Start by peeling and slicing your carrots, parsnips, and celery. Dice the onion and thinly slice the leek, making sure to rinse it well to remove any grit. Mince the garlic and chop the parsley.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the carrots, parsnips, celery, leek, and onion. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 more minute to release the aroma of the garlic.
- Add the chicken breasts, thyme, tarragon, and bay leaf to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and ensure chicken is mostly submerged.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
- Stir in chopped parsley and let the soup simmer for 1–2 more minutes until parsley wilts.
- Remove and discard thyme, tarragon, and bay leaf. Serve soup hot, garnished with extra parsley or pepper if desired.
