Classic chicken soup recipe for family sick days

chicken soup recipe

Chicken soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for those chilly days when you need a warm hug in a bowl. This delightful dish combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs simmered to perfection, creating a soothing elixir that warms the soul. With every spoonful, you’ll savor the rich flavors of garlic and thyme, while the hearty broth envelops you like a cozy blanket. Whether you’re nursing a cold or simply craving a taste of home, this chicken soup will bring smiles and warmth to your family table.

Table of Contents
chicken soup recipe

Chicken Soup Recipe

Chef Jasper
Warm your soul with this delicious chicken soup recipe! Perfect for cozy nights, it's easy to make and full of flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pot For cooking the soup.
  • 1 Cutting board For chopping vegetables.
  • 1 Knife For chopping ingredients.
  • 1 Measuring Cups For measuring broth and ingredients.
  • 1 forks For shredding chicken.

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 1 pound boneless chicken Use bone-in pieces for richer flavor.

Vegetables

  • 2 cups carrots Chopped for even cooking.
  • 2 stalks celery Fresh stalks for the best taste.
  • 1 medium onion Sauté until translucent.
  • 2 cloves garlic Mince for maximum flavor release.

Liquids

  • 4 cups chicken broth Opt for low-sodium.

Herbs and Spices

  • 2 leaves bay leaves Remove before serving.
  • 1 teaspoon thyme Fresh or dried works well.
  • to taste none black pepper Adjust to your taste.
  • to taste none parsley Sprinkle on top before serving.

Instructions
 

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

  • Collect 1 pound of boneless chicken, 4 cups of chicken broth, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, 1 onion, 2 cloves of garlic, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies

  • Chop the carrots, celery, and onion into small, bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

  • In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and golden.

Step 4: Add the Veggies

  • Stir in the carrots and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, letting them soften and mingle with the onion.

Step 5: Introduce the Chicken

  • Add the chicken to the pot, stirring to combine. Let it cook for a few minutes until it starts to brown.

Step 6: Pour in the Broth

  • Carefully add the chicken broth to the pot. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Step 7: Season to Taste

  • Add salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs like thyme or parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 8: Simmer and Cook

  • Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 9: Shred the Chicken

  • Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.

Step 10: Final Touches

  • Give the soup a good stir, and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy!

  • Ladle the warm soup into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs, and enjoy your cozy creation!

Notes

Essential nutrition facts per serving:
NutrientAmount
Calories250
Fat10g
Protein30g
Carbs15g
Sodium500mg
Keyword Chicken Soup

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Soup Recipe

  • It’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly days.
  • Simple ingredients make it easy to whip up anytime.
  • Customizable with your favorite veggies and spices.
  • Great for meal prep; enjoy it all week long!
  • Hearty and nourishing, it’s comfort food at its finest.

Recipe Snapshot

FeatureDetails
Category:Soup
Cuisine:American
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:45 minutes
Total Time:1 hour
Dietary:Gluten-free
Serves:4-6
Best Served:Hot

Ingredients for Chicken Soup Recipe

  • Chicken – A hearty base for your soup, use bone-in pieces for richer flavor.
  • Carrots – Adds sweetness and color; chop them for even cooking.
  • Celery – Provides a savory crunch; use fresh stalks for the best taste.
  • Onion – Enhances the overall flavor; sauté until translucent for a sweeter profile.
  • Garlic – Infuses the soup with aromatic goodness; mince for maximum flavor release.
  • Chicken broth – The liquid foundation; opt for low-sodium for better control over saltiness.
  • Bay leaves – Adds depth to the flavor; remember to remove them before serving.
  • Thyme – A classic herb that complements chicken beautifully; fresh or dried works well.
  • Black pepper – A simple spice that enhances all the flavors; adjust to your taste.
  • Parsley – Freshens up the soup; sprinkle on top just before serving for a pop of color.
Ingredients for chicken soup including chicken, carrots, celery, onion, and herbs on a wooden counter.
All the fresh ingredients you need for a delicious chicken soup.

How to Make the Chicken Soup Recipe

Get ready to create a warm bowl of chicken soup that will hug your soul!

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Collect 1 pound of boneless chicken, 4 cups of chicken broth, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, 1 onion, 2 cloves of garlic, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies

Chop the carrots, celery, and onion into small, bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic. Let’s make those veggies shine!

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and golden.

Step 4: Add the Veggies

Stir in the carrots and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, letting them soften and mingle with the onion.

Step 5: Introduce the Chicken

Add the chicken to the pot, stirring to combine. Let it cook for a few minutes until it starts to brown.

Step 6: Pour in the Broth

Carefully add the chicken broth to the pot. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Step 7: Season to Taste

Add salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs like thyme or parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 8: Simmer and Cook

Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 9: Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.

Step 10: Final Touches

Give the soup a good stir, and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy!

ladle the warm soup into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs, and enjoy your cozy creation!

A pot of chicken soup simmering on the stove with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Step-by-step guide to making the perfect chicken soup.

Pro Tips for Making the Chicken Soup Recipe

•Use homemade broth for richer flavor.
•Add fresh herbs like thyme and parsley for a fragrant touch.
•Don’t rush the simmering process; let the flavors meld beautifully.
•For a heartier soup, toss in some whole grain noodles or rice.
•Adjust seasoning gradually; taste as you go for the perfect balance.

How to Serve Chicken Soup Recipe

Enjoy your chicken soup with these delightful serving suggestions:

  • Top with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of flavor.
  • Serve with a side of crusty bread or warm rolls for dipping.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon for a zesty twist.
  • Pair with a light salad for a refreshing contrast.
  • For a heartier meal, serve over rice or noodles.
  • Sprinkle with grated cheese for a creamy finish.
  • Offer a side of avocado slices for a creamy texture.
  • Try adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing leftovers properly ensures your chicken soup stays delicious for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

Follow these simple steps:

  • Allow soup to cool completely before storing.
  • Transfer to airtight containers.
  • Label containers with date and contents.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

To freeze your chicken soup effectively:

  • Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
  • Leave some space at the top for expansion.
  • Label with date and contents.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

For the best texture and taste when reheating:

  • Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
  • Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.
  • Heat until steaming hot, but do not boil.

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FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this soup recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen chicken works well in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly, and you may need to extend the cooking time a bit to ensure it’s fully cooked and tender.

What vegetables can I add to enhance the flavor?

You can add a variety of vegetables like carrots, celery, and peas. Feel free to experiment with others like spinach or corn for added nutrition and flavor!

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

To make your chicken soup gluten-free, simply use gluten-free noodles or omit them altogether. You can also thicken the soup with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend if desired.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, a slow cooker is perfect for this recipe! Just add all your ingredients and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for a delicious, hearty meal.