Few things offer comfort quite like a warm bowl of homemade chicken soup. This timeless classic is a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly days, a quick pick-me-up, or when you need something nourishing. This simple recipe guides you through making a flavorful, wholesome chicken soup from scratch using fresh, accessible ingredients. Get ready to create a truly restorative meal that tastes incredibly good and is surprisingly easy to prepare.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Chicken Soup
This isn’t just any chicken soup recipe; it’s designed to be your new go-to for many reasons:
- It’s packed with nourishing, healing properties from fresh vegetables and lean protein.
- This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it perfect for even the most hesitant beginner cooks.
- You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables, adapting it to what you have on hand.
- Fresh herbs like thyme and tarragon infuse the broth with an incredible depth of flavor.
- It’s excellent for meal prep, and this wholesome chicken soup freezes beautifully for future meals.
Ingredients
This delicious homemade chicken soup starts with fresh, simple ingredients that build layers of flavor. Using quality components ensures your soup tastes truly exceptional.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Provides a rich base for sautéing your aromatic vegetables.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts cook quickly and shred into tender pieces.
- Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, celery, onion, leek, and garlic create the classic, hearty soup base.
- Fresh Herbs: Thyme, tarragon, and a bay leaf are essential for infusing deep, complex flavors.
- Liquid: Low-sodium chicken broth is key; choose a good quality broth for the best taste.
- Seasoning: Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper enhance all the natural flavors.
- Garnish: Fresh parsley adds a vibrant finish and a touch of freshness.
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences and what you have on hand.
- Chicken: Feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for even richer flavor, or bone-in chicken pieces (just adjust the cooking time until cooked through).
- Vegetables: Swap parsnips for diced potatoes or turnips. You can also add frozen peas, corn, or zucchini during the last few minutes of simmering.
- Herbs: If fresh herbs are unavailable, use dried herbs. Use about ½ teaspoon of dried herbs for every sprig or tablespoon of fresh.
- Broth: For the richest, most robust flavor in your chicken soup, consider using homemade chicken broth if you have it.
- Salt: Always taste and adjust salt levels as different chicken broths vary significantly in sodium content.
Equipment
Gathering your equipment before you start cooking makes the process smooth and enjoyable. You won’t need anything fancy for this comforting chicken soup.
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for simmering all the ingredients together.
- Cutting board: For safe and efficient vegetable preparation.
- Sharp chef’s knife: Makes dicing and slicing vegetables much easier.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient quantities.
- Tongs: Helpful for safely removing the cooked chicken from the hot broth.
- Optional: Instant-read thermometer: To ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C).
Instructions
Follow these easy, step-by-step instructions to create the most delicious homemade chicken soup your family will love. This process is designed to be beginner-friendly and efficient, ensuring a flavorful result every time.
First, take a moment to prep all your vegetables. Peel the carrots, parsnips, and onion. Slice the carrots, parsnips, celery, and leek. Dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves. This mise en place makes the cooking process much smoother.
Next, heat two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the prepped carrots, parsnips, celery, leek, and onion to the pot. Sauté these vegetables for approximately 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they begin to soften and become fragrant.
Now, add the minced garlic, one teaspoon of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper to the sautéed vegetables. Stir well and cook for just one minute more. This quick sauté helps to release the garlic’s aroma without burning it.
Carefully place the two boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the pot with the vegetables. Add the two sprigs of fresh thyme, two sprigs of fresh tarragon, and one bay leaf. These herbs are crucial for imparting that classic, comforting flavor to your chicken soup.
Pour five cups of low-sodium chicken broth over all the ingredients in the pot. Increase the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through perfectly.
After 15 minutes, ensure the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) if using an instant-read thermometer. Use tongs to carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and transfer them to a clean cutting board.
Using two forks, gently shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. The chicken should be tender and shred easily. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot with the simmering soup. Stir it in and allow it to simmer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to warm through and absorb more flavor.
Before serving, remember to remove and discard the sprigs of thyme, tarragon, and the bay leaf from the soup. These have imparted their flavor and are not meant to be eaten. Finally, stir in ¼ cup of roughly chopped fresh parsley. Serve your hot chicken soup immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley and a dash of freshly ground black pepper for a beautiful finish.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Making delicious chicken soup is simple with a few smart techniques. These tips will help you achieve the best flavor and texture every time.
- Garlic Timing: Always add minced garlic after other vegetables have softened slightly. This prevents it from burning and becoming bitter, preserving its sweet, aromatic quality.
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Poach chicken just until it reaches 165°F. Overcooked chicken can become tough and stringy, compromising the tender texture of your soup.
- Shredding Hack: For super quick shredding, place the cooked chicken in a bowl and use a hand mixer on low speed. It shreds chicken in seconds!
- Flavor Boost: Simmer your chicken soup for an extra 10-15 minutes (after the chicken is removed) for an even richer, more concentrated broth. A squeeze of lemon juice before serving brightens all the flavors.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the broth after adding the shredded chicken. Broths vary, so add more salt and pepper as needed to perfect the seasoning.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile chicken soup is delicious on its own, but also pairs well with many sides and can be easily customized.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve generous bowls with a side of crusty bread for dipping, or classic saltine crackers.
- Enjoy alongside a light, fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette.
- Garnish each bowl with extra fresh herbs, a swirl of olive oil, or a bright lemon wedge.
Storage & Reheating
- Cool Completely: Always allow your chicken soup to cool down to room temperature before storing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain freshness.
- Refrigerate: Transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until it is steaming hot.
Variations
Get creative with your chicken soup by trying these delicious twists.
- Add Grains: Cook rice, small pasta shapes like ditalini, or egg noodles separately. Add them to individual bowls just before serving to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Extra Vegetables: Bulk up your soup with additional veggies. Stir in a handful of frozen peas, corn, or chopped green beans during the last few minutes of simmering, or add zucchini noodles.
- Spicy Kick: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic, or grate in some fresh ginger and turmeric with the vegetables.
- Creamy Version: For a richer, creamy soup, stir in a splash of full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream just before serving.
Nutrition Information
This homemade chicken soup is more than just comfort food; it’s a wonderfully nutritious meal. It’s high in lean protein from the chicken, which supports muscle health and keeps you feeling full. The abundance of fresh vegetables provides essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, contributing to overall well-being. This wholesome recipe is a balanced and healthy choice for any meal.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 319 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Protein | 21 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.01 g |
| Cholesterol | 36 mg |
| Sodium | 822 mg |
| Potassium | 1302 mg |
| Fiber | 9 g |
| Sugar | 11 g |
| Vitamin A | 11098 IU |
| Vitamin C | 36 mg |
| Calcium | 131 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does chicken soup help with a cold?
While not a cure, a warm bowl of chicken soup certainly offers comfort and can help alleviate symptoms. Research suggests that chicken soup may help alleviate common cold symptoms by increasing mucus flow and reducing inflammation. The nourishing broth and ingredients provide hydration, while the warm liquids soothe a sore throat and can help clear congestion.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you absolutely can use dried herbs. As a general rule, use about ½ teaspoon of dried herbs for every fresh sprig or tablespoon called for. Dried herbs are more potent, so start with less and add more to taste.
What other vegetables can I add?
Many other vegetables work beautifully in this soup. Consider adding frozen peas, corn, or chopped zucchini during the last five minutes of cooking. You can also include spinach or kale, stirring them in until wilted just before serving. Diced potato or sweet potato can also add extra heartiness to the chicken soup.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, bone-in chicken can add even more depth of flavor to your broth. Increase the simmering time until the chicken is fully cooked through and easily falls off the bone, typically around 25-30 minutes. Remove the chicken, shred it, and then return it to the pot.
Conclusion
This homemade chicken soup recipe truly delivers on flavor, comfort, and simplicity. It’s a wonderfully nourishing meal that anyone, from busy parents to beginner cooks, can master. With wholesome ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a comforting classic that will warm you from the inside out. Don’t hesitate to make this ultimate comforting chicken soup; it’s sure to become a family favorite. We’d love to hear how you enjoyed this recipe in the comments below!
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The Best Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large Pot
- tongs
- Cutting Board
- Two forks
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 medium carrots peeled and sliced
- 3 parsnips peeled and sliced
- 3 ribs celery 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 fresh parsley roughly chopped
Instructions
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add carrots, parsnips, celery, leek, and onion, then cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add garlic, salt, and pepper, and stir for another minute.
- Add thyme, tarragon, bay leaf, chicken, and broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken to a cutting board with tongs and gently shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and simmer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
- Remove the sprigs of thyme, tarragon, and the bay leaf. Stir in the parsley, and garnish with additional fresh parsley and black pepper before serving.