Discover the ultimate comforting chicken soup. It’s perfect for chilly days, or whenever you need a boost. This simple chicken soup recipe brings warmth and healing, using wholesome ingredients for maximum flavor. You will love this classic, nourishing dish for all seasons.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Soup Recipe
This chicken soup recipe is a true game-changer for your kitchen.
- Quick & Easy: You can have this comforting meal ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Nourishing & Healing: Packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, it’s great for boosting your immune system. Research suggests that the nutrients in chicken soup can offer anti-inflammatory benefits and help alleviate upper respiratory symptoms. Discover more about the nutritional benefits of chicken soup.
- Flavorful Broth: Enjoy a deep, savory, and aromatic broth that satisfies your soul.
- Wholesome Ingredients: We use only fresh, simple ingredients you can trust.
- No Noodles Needed: Parsnips add a surprisingly satisfying sweetness and tender texture.
- Family Favorite: This cozy hug in a bowl, this chicken soup will be adored by everyone at your table.
Easy & Nourishing Homemade Chicken Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Peel and slice the carrots, parsnips, and celery. Dice the onion and slice the leek, then rinse thoroughly. Mince the garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add carrots, parsnips, celery, leek, and onion. Cook for 4–5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Add garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir for another minute until fragrant.
- Add chicken breasts, thyme, tarragon, and bay leaf. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Remove chicken from pot and shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Discard herb sprigs and bay leaf.
- Return shredded chicken to the pot and simmer for another 1–2 minutes to warm through.
- Stir in chopped parsley just before serving. Garnish with more parsley and pepper if desired.
Notes
Ingredients
To make this delicious chicken soup recipe, you’ll need fresh, simple ingredients. This combination creates a deeply flavorful and aromatic broth that is both hearty and light.
- For the Soup Base:
- 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
- For the Chicken & Herbs:
- 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 (for garnish)
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adjust this recipe to fit your pantry and preferences.
- Chicken: For a richer flavor, consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Parsnips: If you don’t have parsnips, swap them for turnips or small potatoes. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Herbs: If fresh herbs are unavailable, use ½ teaspoon each of dried thyme and tarragon. Dried herbs are more potent, so use less.
- Broth: Always choose a high-quality, low-sodium chicken broth for the best taste in your soup.
Equipment
Gathering your equipment beforehand makes the cooking process smoother. You likely have most of these items already.
- Large pot or Dutch oven (a heavy-bottomed pot works best, like a Le Creuset)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Instant-read thermometer (optional, but great for checking chicken doneness)
Instructions
Follow these easy steps for your homemade chicken soup. You will have a comforting and nourishing meal ready in no time. This simple process focuses on building flavor in layers.
- Prep Vegetables: Peel and slice your carrots, parsnips, and celery. Dice the onion into small, even pieces. Halve your leek lengthwise, slice it, and thoroughly rinse away any dirt. Mince your garlic cloves finely.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the prepared carrots, parsnips, celery, leek, and onion to the pot. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables begin to soften slightly. This step starts building the flavor base for your chicken soup.
- Add Garlic & Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for another minute, stirring continuously, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Poach Chicken & Simmer: Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts, fresh thyme sprigs, fresh tarragon sprigs, and the bay leaf to the pot. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. This step in our chicken soup recipe ensures tender chicken.
- Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to bring the soup mixture to a gentle boil. Watch it carefully to prevent boiling over.
- Reduce & Cover: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through. Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm an internal temperature of 165°F. The USDA recommends cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat and free from harmful bacteria. Learn more about safe cooking temperatures for poultry.
- Remove & Shred Chicken: Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot using tongs and place them on a cutting board. Discard the herb sprigs and bay leaf from the soup. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- Return Chicken to Pot: Add the shredded chicken back to the pot with the simmering vegetables and broth. Stir gently and allow it to simmer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to warm the chicken through. Returning the chicken to the chicken soup ensures every bite is flavorful.
- Garnish & Serve: Stir in the roughly chopped fresh parsley just before serving. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper for a beautiful finish. Enjoy your comforting homemade chicken soup.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Soup
Achieving truly delicious chicken soup is easy with a few expert tricks. These tips help you maximize flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Poach the chicken just until it reaches 165°F. This keeps it incredibly tender and moist.
- Layer Flavors: Sautéing your vegetables first creates a much deeper, more complex flavor base for your broth.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Fresh thyme and tarragon provide a bright, aromatic “wow” factor that dried herbs simply cannot replicate.
- Shredding Hack: For super quick shredding, place cooked chicken breasts in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment and mix on low.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt and pepper as needed to perfectly balance the flavors.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
Make the most of your delicious chicken soup with these helpful tips. From serving ideas to keeping it fresh, we have you covered.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve your hot, nourishing soup with crusty bread or your favorite crackers for dipping.
- Add a dollop of fresh pesto to each bowl for a vibrant burst of herbal flavor.
- Top individual servings with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
Storage & Freezing
- Refrigerate: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or silicone trays. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm individual servings on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until thoroughly heated through.
Variations
- Add Grains: Stir in cooked small pasta shapes, like ditalini or egg noodles, or a cup of cooked rice during the last few minutes of simmering.
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to include frozen peas, corn, fresh spinach, or spiralized zucchini noodles for added nutrition and texture.
- Spicy Kick: A small pinch of red pepper flakes adds a pleasant warmth to your broth.
- Aromatic Boost: Incorporate a few slices of fresh ginger or a teaspoon of ground turmeric for a “golden” and extra-healing soup. Enhance your chicken soup with these flavorful additions.
- Protein Swap: You can easily use cooked turkey meat instead of chicken breasts, especially after holidays.
Nutrition Information
This homemade chicken soup is a healthy and satisfying meal. Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 319 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Protein | 21g |
| Fat | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 36mg |
| Sodium | 822mg |
| Fiber | 9g |
| Sugar | 11g |
Per serving (approximately 2 cups). Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying this comforting soup.
Does chicken soup help with a cold?
Yes, it is incredibly nourishing and comforting, providing essential hydration and nutrients when you feel under the weather.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use about ½ teaspoon of each dried herb. Remember that dried herbs are more potent, so use them sparingly.
What other vegetables can I add?
Peas, zucchini, green beans, or even sweet potatoes are all great and healthy additions to your soup.
Can I make this chicken soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free?
Yes, this comforting chicken soup recipe is naturally both gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for many dietary needs.
Conclusion
You have now crafted a deeply flavorful, wholesome homemade chicken soup recipe. This comforting and healing dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a chilly evening or you need a little pick-me-up. It is simple to make, yet incredibly satisfying for the whole family. We encourage you to try this easy chicken soup recipe and share your experience and photos with us!
