Few things offer comfort quite like a warm bowl of classic chicken soup recipe. This timeless dish is a staple for good reason, known for its nourishing and healing qualities, especially when you need a little pick-me-up. We’re making this beloved recipe incredibly simple with fresh ingredients and easy steps, perfect for any home cook. You’ll love the aromatic blend of fresh herbs like tarragon and thyme, creating a vibrant flavor that’s truly unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Soup Recipe
You’ll find plenty to adore about this easy chicken soup recipe:
- Quick & Easy: It comes together from scratch in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with hearty, wholesome vegetables for a fiber-rich, satisfying meal.
- Tender Chicken: Features perfectly poached chicken breasts that are moist and flavorful every time.
- Customizable: Easily adapt it with your favorite vegetables, spices, or pasta to suit any preference.
- Ultimate Comfort: Perfect for cozy nights in or when you’re feeling under the weather and need a boost.
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to make this comforting 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 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
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs; they add richness but may require a few extra minutes of cooking.
- Vegetables: If parsnips aren’t available, try turnips, diced potatoes, or sweet potatoes for a similar heartiness. Feel free to add extra veggies you enjoy.
- Herbs: This chicken soup recipe sings with fresh herbs. If using dried, use ½ teaspoon of dried thyme and ½ teaspoon of dried tarragon instead of sprigs.
- Broth: Always opt for low-sodium chicken broth. This gives you complete control over the final salt content, allowing you to season to taste.
Equipment
You won’t need many special tools for this easy chicken soup recipe. Gather these kitchen essentials:
- A large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs
- Two forks (for shredding chicken)
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and nourishing chicken soup recipe from scratch:
- Prepare Vegetables: Begin by preparing all your vegetables. Peel and slice the carrots and parsnips. Slice the celery ribs. Dice the half onion. Halve the leek lengthwise, slice it into half-moons, and rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any grit. Finally, mince your garlic cloves. Having everything prepped before you start cooking makes the process smooth and quick.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in your large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the prepared carrots, parsnips, celery, sliced leek, and diced onion to the pot. Cook these vegetables for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they begin to soften and become fragrant. This step builds the flavorful base of your chicken soup.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Continue cooking for another minute, allowing the garlic to become aromatic without burning. The salt and pepper will start to infuse the vegetables with flavor.
- Poach Chicken: Carefully add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the pot. Nestle them among the vegetables. Add the fresh thyme sprigs, fresh tarragon sprigs, and the bay leaf. Pour in the 5 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes. This ensures the chicken cooks through completely while infusing the broth with incredible flavor from the herbs and vegetables. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Shred Chicken: Using tongs, carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and transfer them to a clean cutting board. Allow them to cool slightly. With two forks, gently shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the simmering soup. Simmer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the chicken to warm through and absorb more flavor.
- Finish and Serve: Before serving, use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove and discard the spent sprigs of thyme, tarragon, and the bay leaf from the soup. Stir in the fresh, roughly chopped parsley. Ladle the hearty chicken soup into bowls, garnishing each serving with additional fresh parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper, if desired. Enjoy your delicious homemade meal!
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Soup
Elevate your homemade chicken soup recipe with these expert tips:
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Poaching chicken breasts for 15 minutes usually yields tender results. Overcooked chicken can become tough and stringy. Remove it promptly once cooked.
- Proper Leek Cleaning: Leeks can hide a lot of dirt. Always slice them, then rinse thoroughly in a colander under cold running water to remove all grit before adding them to your soup.
- Garlic Timing: Add minced garlic towards the end of the sautéing process. This prevents it from burning and turning bitter, ensuring a sweet, mellow garlic flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving. Broth saltiness varies, so you might need to add more salt or pepper to achieve your preferred flavor balance.
- Enhance Broth Flavor: For an even deeper, richer broth, consider briefly browning your chicken breasts in the pot before adding vegetables and broth. This creates fond for more complex flavors.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile chicken soup is perfect for many occasions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting soup with a side of crusty bread or crispy crackers for dipping. A simple green salad makes a wonderful, fresh accompaniment. For a heartier meal, stir in some cooked egg noodles or rice during the last few minutes of simmering.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Freezing: This chicken soup freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or larger batches gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if it seems too thick.
Flavor Variations
- Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add frozen peas, fresh spinach (stirred in at the very end), chopped kale, or zucchini noodles for extra nutrition and texture.
- Spices: For a warming kick, add a pinch of turmeric, a slice of fresh ginger, or a dash of smoked paprika along with the other seasonings.
- Citrus Finish: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens all the flavors in the soup beautifully.
Nutrition
Homemade chicken soup is packed with wholesome goodness. It provides lean protein from the chicken, essential vitamins, and fiber from the generous amount of vegetables. This makes it a nutritious and satisfying meal that supports overall well-being. For specific dietary information, refer to the detailed chicken soup recipe card.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 270 |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
| Sodium | 650mg |
| Total Carbs | 25g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5g |
| Sugars | 8g |
| Protein | 22g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does chicken soup help when you have a cold?
Yes, homemade chicken soup can offer comfort and hydration when you’re feeling unwell. The warm broth and steam help clear nasal passages, and the nutrients support your immune system.
Research suggests that chicken soup may help alleviate cold symptoms by reducing inflammation and improving mucus flow.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?
Absolutely! For this chicken soup recipe, use about ½ teaspoon of dried thyme and ½ teaspoon of dried tarragon for every 2 sprigs of fresh herbs. Remember that dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor.
What else can I add to this soup?
Many additions work well, such as cooked egg noodles, rice, diced potatoes, or even tortellini. You can also toss in frozen corn or green beans for extra veggie goodness.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, bone-in chicken will add more flavor to the broth. However, it will take longer to cook (around 30-40 minutes) and requires careful removal of bones and skin before shredding.
Can this recipe be made in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes! For a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. For an Instant Pot, sauté veggies, then cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes with natural release.
Conclusion
This easy homemade chicken soup recipe truly delivers on comfort, flavor, and nourishment. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish that proves you don’t need complicated steps to create something spectacular. Whether you’re seeking a warming meal on a chilly evening or a soothing remedy, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. We encourage you to whip up a batch and experience the delicious simplicity for yourself. We love hearing from you, so please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
