There’s nothing quite as soul-soothing as a bowl of Chicken Soup: tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and golden noodles all mingling together in a fragrant broth that instantly makes everything feel right again. This classic recipe is the very essence of comfort, reminding you of childhood afternoons, cozy kitchens, and the simple joy of homemade food. Whether you’re under the weather or just craving something warm and nourishing, this Chicken Soup is a timeless dish everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Building a beautiful Chicken Soup starts with humble ingredients, each playing a vital part in creating its signature depth and richness. Don’t be fooled by the simplicity; every component contributes unique flavor, lovely texture, and inviting color to this beloved dish.
- Olive oil: A light sauté in olive oil gives your veggies a rounded, savory base.
- Onion: Diced onion sweats down sweetly, releasing the first wave of comforting aroma.
- Carrots: Sliced carrots offer sweetness and a pleasing pop of orange color.
- Celery: Celery adds crunch and classic soup flavor, making every bite balanced.
- Garlic: Just a little minced garlic deepens the broth with its warming, earthy character.
- Chicken broth: Use a good quality broth, as this forms the heart and soul of your Chicken Soup.
- Cooked chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a time-saving, flavorful shortcut that feels like home.
- Dried thyme: Adds woodsy, comforting undertones that meld beautifully with chicken.
- Dried parsley: Brings out herby freshness that lifts the entire soup.
- Bay leaf: A subtle herbal background note—don’t forget to fish it out before serving!
- Salt: A must for bringing all those flavors together; taste as you go.
- Black pepper: A little warmth and complexity with every spoonful.
- Egg noodles or pasta: Tender noodles soak up the broth and make Chicken Soup extra satisfying.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley at the end adds a splash of green and extra flavor.
- Lemon wedges: The squeeze of lemon at the table brightens and awakens every other flavor.
How to Make Chicken Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Next, add your diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery, letting them cook together for about five minutes. You want these veggies to soften and become fragrant, creating a solid aromatic base for your Chicken Soup.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Stir in your minced garlic and cook for just a minute or so. The moment the garlic hits the pot, you’ll smell that irresistible foundation of flavor—don’t let it brown, just fragrant is perfect.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth, then mix in your shredded cooked chicken, dried thyme, dried parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. This is where the magic begins, as all those flavors start to mingle and develop into something unforgettable.
Step 4: Simmer and Build Flavor
Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat so the soup simmers softly. Allow this to bubble away for about 15 minutes—if you have more time, let it go a little longer for a richer Chicken Soup broth.
Step 5: Add the Noodles
Stir in your egg noodles or chosen pasta, and cook for another 8 to 10 minutes, just until the noodles are tender. Don’t forget to remove and discard the bay leaf—no one wants a surprise leaf in their bowl!
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Take the pot off the heat and sprinkle in your freshly chopped parsley, giving the whole soup a boost of color and freshness. Ladle your hot Chicken Soup into bowls and offer lemon wedges on the side—a little squeeze over the top is absolute magic.
How to Serve Chicken Soup
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley is a classic garnish, but you can also add a turn of cracked black pepper, or even a dusting of parmesan for a savory kick. Don’t skip out on those lemon wedges—just a bit of citrus will brighten every spoonful of Chicken Soup.
Side Dishes
Chicken Soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping, a soft dinner roll, or a buttery biscuit. If you’re in the mood for something greener, a crisp side salad drizzled with vinaigrette creates a balanced, cozy meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Chicken Soup in oversized mugs for a comforting snack, or present it in shallow bowls atop a tray with herbs and lemon wedges on the side for a family-style touch. For kids or a special touch, float star-shaped carrots or fun pasta shapes for a playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Chicken Soup has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to airtight containers. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days, and the flavors will deepen over time—some say it’s even better the next day!
Freezing
Chicken Soup is perfectly suited for freezing, making it a lifesaver for quick, nourishing meals. Portion the cooled soup (avoid including the noodles, if possible, as they can be added fresh when reheating) into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the Chicken Soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat. If the noodles have soaked up a lot of broth, just add a splash of extra chicken broth or water. If freezing, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
FAQs
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
Absolutely! Add raw, boneless chicken pieces right after the vegetables have sautéed, then pour in the broth and simmer until the chicken is cooked through. Remove, shred, and return to the pot for that classic Chicken Soup experience.
What’s the best type Soup, Main Course
Egg noodles are traditional and wonderfully tender, but any pasta shape you love will work. For gluten-free Chicken Soup, simply use rice or your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Can I make Chicken Soup in advance?
Yes! In fact, many people feel that Chicken Soup gets better with a little time, as the flavors continue to meld. Just wait to add the noodles until you’re ready to reheat and serve to keep them from turning mushy.
Is it possible to make this Chicken Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely: swap the chicken for chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable broth instead. You’ll still get a hearty, delicious soup that feels just as comforting.
How can I add even more flavor to my Chicken Soup?
Try simmering the broth with a parmesan rind, a splash of white wine, or fresh herbs like dill. Roasting the vegetables first before adding to the pot is another great way to ramp up the flavor.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve made this Chicken Soup, you’ll understand why it’s stood the test of time—every spoonful brings comfort, joy, and warmth. I hope you give it a try and let this humble recipe become a staple in your own kitchen, too. Here’s to happy cooking and many bowls of homemade goodness!
Print
Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and classic Chicken Soup recipe that is perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather. This homemade soup is filled with tender chicken, vegetables, and flavorful herbs in a savory broth.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup egg noodles or pasta of choice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add onion, carrots, and celery, sauté until softened. Stir in garlic.
- Add Ingredients: Pour in chicken broth, add shredded chicken, thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
- Cook Noodles: Add egg noodles, cook until tender. Remove bay leaf.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in fresh parsley. Serve hot with lemon wedges.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, simmer the soup longer to deepen the broth.
- You can substitute rice for noodles if preferred.
- This soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
