Introduction

This comforting Chicken Soup Recipe is the perfect remedy for chilly winter days, offering a delightful balance of hot and sour flavors. It’s a simple, nourishing meal that comes together with minimal effort. For another quick and satisfying chicken dish, try this Mini Chicken Pot Pie Muffins Recipe. Both are excellent for a cozy, homemade dinner.

Ingredients

This comforting chicken soup recipe combines tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and savory broth for a deeply satisfying bowl that warms you from the inside out.

• 1 whole chicken (or 4 bone-in chicken breasts)
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth (or water with bouillon)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme sprigs)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup egg noodles (optional, or rice)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	45 minutes
Total Time	1 hour

Context: This Chicken Soup Recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it perfect for a quick, comforting meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Chicken

Place 1 pound of bone-in chicken pieces in a large pot. Cover with 10 cups of cold water. This slow heating method helps extract maximum flavor from the bones.

Use chicken thighs or a whole chicken cut into pieces for richer broth. Skin-on chicken adds more flavor, but you can remove it later if preferred.

Step 2 — Create Flavor Base

Add 1 chopped onion, 2 sliced carrots, 2 chopped celery stalks, and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot. These aromatic vegetables form the foundation of your chicken soup recipe.

For deeper flavor, sauté vegetables in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until softened before adding water and chicken.

Step 3 — Season the Broth

Add 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 2 bay leaves, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme to the pot. These basic seasonings enhance the natural chicken flavor.

Wait to add more salt until the end, as the broth reduces and concentrates during cooking.

Step 4 — Simmer the Soup

Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 45-60 minutes, maintaining a temperature around 180-190°F.

Look for small bubbles breaking the surface rather than a rolling boil. This gentle cooking prevents the broth from becoming cloudy.

Step 5 — Check Chicken Doneness

After 45 minutes, check if the chicken is fully cooked. The meat should easily pull away from the bones, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Use a slotted spoon to remove chicken pieces. Let them cool until safe to handle, about 10-15 minutes.

Step 6 — Shred the Chicken

Discard skin and bones, then shred the chicken meat using two forks or your hands. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

For tender chicken soup, avoid overcooking the meat during the shredding stage—it will continue cooking when returned to the hot broth.

Step 7 — Add Final Vegetables

Stir in 1 cup diced carrots and 1 cup diced celery. Cook for 10-15 minutes until vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.

Adding fresh vegetables at the end ensures they retain texture and nutrients rather than becoming mushy.

Step 8 — Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Taste the broth and add more salt and pepper if needed. Remove bay leaves before serving. For brighter flavor, stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley.

Let the chicken soup recipe rest for 10 minutes before serving—this allows flavors to meld and makes serving safer temperature-wise.

Nutritional Information

Calories	180
Protein	18g
Carbohydrates	12g
Fat	6g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	850mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

Customize this classic Chicken Soup Recipe with these simple swaps to suit your dietary needs and flavor preferences.

• Turkey or lean ground chicken — A lighter protein alternative that keeps the soup hearty while reducing fat.
• Cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles — Low-carb options that absorb the savory broth beautifully.
• Coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk — Creamy, dairy-free substitutes for a richer texture without lactose.
• Tamari or coconut aminos — Gluten-free, umami-rich replacements for soy sauce in Asian-inspired versions.
• Homemade low-sodium broth — Control salt levels by using fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon juice for depth.
• Extra vegetables like kale or spinach — Boost fiber and nutrients without altering the comforting essence.
• Nutritional yeast or miso paste — Adds a cheesy, savory note for dairy-free, flavor-packed broth.
• Quinoa or lentils — Plant-based proteins that thicken the soup and enhance its nutritional profile.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this classic Chicken Soup Recipe with a crusty baguette or buttery crackers for a comforting, complete meal.
• Serve this hearty chicken soup on a chilly evening for the ultimate cozy dinner.
• Brighten up your bowl by garnishing with fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a sprinkle of black pepper just before serving.
• Transform this simple chicken soup into a more substantial meal by adding a scoop of cooked rice, egg noodles, or quinoa directly into the bowl.
• For a casual gathering, serve this Chicken Soup Recipe in large mugs for easy, hands-free enjoyment.
• Create a light lunch by pairing a smaller portion of this soup with a crisp side salad.
• This soup is the perfect starter for a holiday feast or a soothing remedy for a sick day at home.

This versatile Chicken Soup Recipe fits beautifully into any meal plan, providing warmth and nourishment for any occasion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using only chicken breast. Fix: Use a whole chicken or bone-in pieces for deeper flavor and richer broth.
• Mistake: Boiling the soup aggressively. Fix: Maintain a gentle simmer to keep the chicken tender and the broth clear.
• Mistake: Skipping the step of skimming impurities. Fix: Skim off the foam that rises during the first 10-15 minutes of cooking for a cleaner-tasting soup.
• Mistake: Overcooking the vegetables. Fix: Add hardy vegetables like carrots and celery early, but add delicate ones like peas or spinach at the very end.
• Mistake: Not seasoning in layers. Fix: Season the broth as it simmers and do a final taste-adjustment before serving.
• Mistake: Using water as the base liquid. Fix: Start with a good quality chicken stock or broth for a more flavorful foundation.
• Mistake: Shredding the chicken while it’s too hot. Fix: Let the cooked chicken rest until cool enough to handle to avoid burning your fingers and shredding it neatly.
• Mistake: Adding noodles or rice directly to the main pot. Fix: Cook grains separately and add them to individual bowls to prevent them from becoming mushy and absorbing all the broth.
• Mistake: Rushing the cooking process. Fix: Allow the soup to simmer for at least an hour, or longer, to develop a full, complex flavor.
• Mistake: Forgetting to let the soup rest. Fix: Let your finished chicken soup recipe sit for 15-20 minutes off the heat; the flavors will meld together beautifully.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your chicken soup quickly and store in airtight containers for 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until steaming hot, reaching 165°F for food safety.

Always let your chicken soup cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing to maintain quality and safety.

Conclusion

This comforting Chicken Soup Recipe is perfect for cold weather and easy to customize. For another delicious sour dish, try this SWEET & SOUR PORK BELLY #recipe. Give this soup a try and share your results in the comments!

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FAQs

Can I make this Chicken Soup Recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this Chicken Soup Recipe for a slow cooker. Combine all ingredients except noodles in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add cooked noodles just before serving to prevent them from becoming mushy.

How can I store and reheat leftover chicken soup?

Store the cooled Chicken Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. You may need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating if the soup has thickened.

What are the best vegetables to add to chicken soup?

Classic vegetables for this Chicken Soup Recipe include carrots, celery, and onions. You can also add other hardy vegetables like parsnips, potatoes, or green beans. Add delicate vegetables like spinach or peas in the last few minutes of cooking.