Ultimate Comforting Chicken Soup Recipe

Welcome to the ultimate comforting chicken soup recipe, perfect for cozying up any time of year. This timeless dish brings warmth to your soul, especially on chilly evenings or when you need a little pick-me-up. Beyond its comforting appeal, homemade chicken soup is packed with wholesome ingredients that offer fantastic health benefits. Get ready to discover how simple it is to create this nourishing and delicious chicken soup from scratch, with our easy-to-follow guide for beginners.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Soup

• Perfect for Cold Weather or Illness: This heartwarming chicken soup is your ideal companion when feeling under the weather or simply craving comfort on a brisk day. It’s soothing and restorative.
• Packed with Fresh, Wholesome Ingredients: Every spoonful delivers nutrient-rich vegetables and lean protein, ensuring a truly nourishing meal for your family and friends.
• Simple, Straightforward Cooking Process: Even if you are new to the kitchen, our clear, step-by-step instructions make preparing this classic chicken soup incredibly easy and stress-free.
• Deep, Rich, and Satisfying Flavors: Layers of aromatics and herbs create a robust broth that is incredibly flavorful and deeply satisfying to taste with every bite.
• Highly Customizable to Your Taste: Easily adjust ingredients or add your favorite mix-ins, making this versatile homemade chicken soup truly your own signature dish every time.

Olivia

Ultimate Comforting Chicken Soup

A classic homemade chicken soup recipe that’s hearty, nourishing, and perfect for chilly days or when you need a comforting meal. Packed with fresh vegetables, lean chicken, and flavorful herbs in a rich broth, this soup is both simple to make and deeply satisfying. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 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, sliced, rinsed
• 4 cloves garlic 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 fresh parsley roughly chopped

Equipment

• Large Soup Pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp Knife

Method

 

1. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the carrots, parsnips, celery, leek, and onion and cook for about 4–5 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in the garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper and cook for an additional minute. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
2. Add the fresh thyme sprigs, tarragon sprigs, bay leaf, chicken breasts, and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
4. Remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
5. Simmer for another 1–2 minutes to warm through. Remove and discard the thyme, tarragon, and bay leaf. Stir in the fresh parsley before serving. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Notes

Feel free to swap in other vegetables like zucchini or potatoes, and add cooked pasta or rice during the last few minutes of cooking if desired. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create a truly delicious and wholesome chicken soup:

• 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 thoroughly 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

You can easily adapt this nourishing chicken soup recipe to suit your pantry or preferences. Feel free to swap vegetables like zucchini, potatoes, or sweet potatoes for the parsnips. For herbs, dried herbs work well if fresh are unavailable; use about one-third of the amount. If you prefer, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts can be used for even richer flavor, just adjust cooking time until they reach 165°F. You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter base. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking before serving.

Equipment

You don’t need many specialized tools to make this easy chicken soup. A large soup pot or a sturdy Dutch oven is essential for simmering. You’ll also need a cutting board and a sharp knife for preparing your vegetables and chicken. Measuring cups and spoons ensure accuracy. Tongs or a slotted spoon will help you remove the chicken, and two forks are perfect for shredding.

Instructions

Making this comforting chicken soup is a breeze with our clear, step-by-step guide. Follow these simple directions to create a warm and satisfying meal from scratch.

Prep Ahead

Start by getting everything ready before you begin cooking your delicious chicken soup. Gather all your ingredients on the counter. Peel and slice your carrots, parsnips, and celery. Dice the onion, and carefully slice and rinse the leek to remove any grit. Finally, mince the garlic cloves. This preparation makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the sliced carrots, parsnips, celery, leek, and diced onion to the pot. Cook these aromatics for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they start to soften slightly and become fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, and cook for another minute until the garlic is aromatic. This step builds the flavor foundation for your homemade chicken soup.

Step 2: Poach the Chicken

Next, add the fresh thyme sprigs, tarragon sprigs, and the bay leaf to the pot. Carefully place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the pot, then pour in the 5 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the entire mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes.

According to the USDA, chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is fully cooked through.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Using tongs, carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and transfer them to a clean cutting board. Allow them to cool for a minute or two, making them easier to handle. Using two forks, gently shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This technique creates tender, flavorful chicken strands. Return the shredded chicken immediately to the simmering soup in the pot and stir gently. Let it simmer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to warm through.

Step 4: Serve

Before serving, carefully remove and discard the spent sprigs of thyme, tarragon, and the bay leaf from the pot. These have imparted all their flavor. Stir in the fresh, roughly chopped parsley, which adds a vibrant color and fresh herbaceous note to your easy chicken soup. Ladle the hot chicken soup into bowls, garnish with a little extra fresh parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper, and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade comforting meal!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Boost Flavor: For the richest taste in your chicken soup, consider using homemade chicken broth or a high-quality, organic store-bought option. It makes a significant difference.
• Richer Broth: If time allows, cook with bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces. The bones release collagen and extra flavor into the broth, creating a more robust foundation for your nourishing chicken soup.
• Don’t Overcook: Pay attention to cooking times. Overcooked vegetables become mushy, and overcooked chicken can be dry and stringy. Aim for tender-crisp vegetables and moist chicken.
• Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving. Broths and ingredients vary in sodium, so adjust the salt and pepper as needed to achieve perfect balance in your comforting chicken soup.
• Add Acidity: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of white wine vinegar at the very end can brighten the entire flavor profile of your soup, cutting through any richness.
• Common Mistakes: Overcrowding your pot can prevent vegetables from sautéing properly. Additionally, a bland broth often stems from insufficient seasoning or low-quality broth.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Your warm chicken soup is wonderful served simply, but you can enhance it in many ways.

• Serving Suggestions: This hearty chicken soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread for dipping, or a side of light, unsalted crackers. A simple green salad also makes a refreshing accompaniment.
• Storage: Allow any leftover chicken soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, maintaining its freshness and flavor for quick meals.
• Freezing: This easy chicken soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headspace, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheating: Gently warm individual portions on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it until heated through, ensuring even heating throughout the bowl.
• Variations: Feel free to add cooked pasta (like ditalini or egg noodles) or rice directly to the pot during the last few minutes of simmering. Explore different vegetables such as spinach, corn, or peas for added texture.
• Spice it Up: For a gentle kick, include a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sautéing stage. A dash of hot sauce at the table also adds a nice warmth to each serving of chicken soup.

Nutrition

This wholesome chicken soup is a fantastic source of lean protein from the chicken, essential vitamins, and fiber from the abundant vegetables. It’s a naturally lower-calorie and nutrient-dense meal, perfect for a balanced diet. The homemade broth base also provides beneficial hydration. Please note that nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and ingredient substitutions. For precise dietary needs, consult a nutrition expert.

Reputable health sources indicate that chicken soup can provide hydration and ease cold and flu symptoms, making it a popular choice for wellness.

Values are estimates and can vary.

FAQ

Conclusion

There’s truly nothing quite as comforting and restorative as a warm bowl of homemade chicken soup. This recipe delivers on both flavor and simplicity, proving that nourishing meals don’t have to be complicated. With fresh ingredients and straightforward steps, you can easily create this classic dish from scratch. We hope this comforting chicken soup brings joy and warmth to your table. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your experience with us!

Olivia