As the clouds gather and the chill of winter settles in, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of homemade chicken soup. The aroma of sautéed onions and carrots slowly mingling with fragrant spices transports me back to cozy afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen. I vividly recall the warmth of her smile as she ladled steaming soup into bowls, filling our home with love and laughter.
This chicken soup is my go-to antidote for busy weeknights or when I simply crave something hearty and wholesome. With its rich broth and tender egg noodles, it’s not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. Surprisingly easy to whip up, you’ll be amazed at how little effort goes into creating a dish that feels so special. Packed with fresh vegetables, shredded chicken, and a sprinkle of herbs, it’s a delightful way to breathe new life into your dinner routine while steering clear of takeout. Let’s dive into making your own comforting pot of chicken soup!
Why You'll Love This Chicken Soup
- This Chicken Soup is incredibly easy to make, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without the fuss.
- The rich, savory flavor will warm your soul, combining fresh vegetables and tender chicken in every comforting spoonful.
- Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite herbs or noodles, making it a staple for any occasion.
- Plus, the eye-catching colors and aroma will have everyone gathering around the table, turning dinner into a delightful experience.
Chicken Soup Ingredients
• Prepare to simmer happiness in a bowl!
For the Soup Base
- Olive oil – adds a delightful richness to the soup.
- Medium onion (chopped) – enhances the flavor with natural sweetness.
- Carrots (sliced) – provide a touch of color and sweetness.
- Celery stalks (sliced) – brings a crisp texture and refreshing flavor.
- Garlic (minced) – infuses the soup with a warm, aromatic essence.
- Dried thyme – offers an earthy note that complements the chicken.
- Dried parsley – adds a subtle freshness to the rich broth.
- Bay leaf – imparts depth to the soup; remember to remove it before serving!
For the Broth
- Chicken broth – the heart of this Chicken Soup; use homemade or low-sodium for a healthier option.
For the Heartiness
- Cooked chicken (shredded or diced) – makes the soup filling and hearty.
- Egg noodles – these chewy treats are perfect for soaking up the flavors.
To Finish
- Salt and pepper – season to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish) – adds a pop of color and brightness when served.
How to Make Chicken Soup
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Heat the Oil: Begin by warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This will form a lovely base for your soup, enriching the flavors beautifully.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until they soften and their bright colors shine through.
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Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing its aromatic essence to fill your kitchen and tantalize your senses.
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Mix in the Herbs: Add the dried thyme, dried parsley, and bay leaf to the pot. The combination will create a fragrant backdrop for your chicken soup.
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Pour in the Broth: Now, introduce the chicken broth to the mix and bring everything to a boil. This will create a delightful symphony of flavors in your pot.
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Incorporate Chicken: Once boiling, add the cooked, shredded chicken. Stir it through, letting it mingle with the broth and veggies for a few moments.
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Cook the Noodles: Stir in the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions, about 8–10 minutes, until they reach that perfect tender texture.
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Season the Soup: Taste your creation and season it with salt and pepper as needed. Don’t forget to remove that bay leaf before serving!
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Serve and Garnish: Ladle hot soup into bowls, finishing with a sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley for a vibrant touch that will brighten your meal.
Optional: For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Chicken Soup?
Nothing says comfort food quite like a steaming bowl of homemade chicken soup, especially when paired with the right sides.
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Crusty Bread: The perfect companion to soak up that rich, savory broth. A warm slice poised next to your soup enhances every delightful spoonful.
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Grilled Cheese Sandwich: This classic combo is unbeatable; the gooey, melted cheese is the ultimate treat alongside that comforting broth.
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Roasted Vegetables: A colorful array of roasted veggies adds a touch of sweetness and crunch, offering a beautiful textural contrast to the tender soup.
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Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with zesty vinaigrette lightens the meal, balancing the heartiness of the chicken soup. Crisp greens provide a refreshing bite, making your dinner feel vibrant.
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Herbed Rice: Fluffy rice infused with fresh herbs complements the flavors of the chicken soup while adding a satisfying heartiness to the meal.
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Homemade Biscuits: Flaky, buttery biscuits make for a delightful, comforting addition. They can be used to dip into your warm bowl of goodness!
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Apple Crisp: For dessert, a warm apple crisp topped with vanilla ice cream rounds out the meal with a delightful sweetness. A perfect way to finish a comforting dinner.
Each pairing enhances the cozy experience of enjoying your chicken soup, making your meal feel even more special!
How to Store and Freeze Chicken Soup
Room Temperature: Allow the chicken soup to cool to room temperature before storing. Avoid leaving it out for more than 2 hours to keep it safe.
Fridge: Store your chicken soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This makes for a quick and delicious meal option when you’re busy.
Freezer: Transfer the cooled chicken soup to a freezer-safe container or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy your chicken soup again, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to restore the broth’s richness.
Make Ahead Options
These Chicken Soup make-ahead tips will save you valuable time during your busy week! You can prep the soup base (vegetables, herbs, and broth) up to 24 hours in advance by chopping the onion, carrots, and celery, and storing them in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can cook the entire soup and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just be sure to slightly undercook the egg noodles if you’re preparing it ahead; they’ll finish cooking perfectly when you reheat the soup. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the soup gently on the stove, adding more broth if needed, and enjoy the same comforting flavors without the rush!
Chicken Soup Variations
Feel free to add your own flair to this classic chicken soup recipe!
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Vegetable Boost: Add an extra cup of spinach or kale for a vibrant color and nutritious punch. It wilts beautifully into the broth, enhancing both texture and flavor.
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Whole Wheat Noodles: Swap egg noodles for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier alternative that still delivers satisfying bites.
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Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut cream just before serving for an indulgent, velvety finish. This adds richness that transforms the soup into a decadent experience.
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Herb Medley: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or cilantro instead of dried parsley for a unique flavor profile. Fresh herbs elevate the soup’s aroma and brightness, giving it a lively touch.
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Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños if you love a bit of heat. This welcome addition adds an exciting zing that tantalizes the taste buds.
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Lemon Zest: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving brightens the entire dish. This zesty enhancement cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing element.
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Protein Swap: For a twist, use turkey instead of chicken for a leaner option, particularly if you have leftovers from a holiday feast. It retains the comforting essence of the soup while providing a different taste.
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Mushroom Medley: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor. These delicious morsels add depth and a lovely umami richness to your chicken soup that you won’t want to miss out on.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Chicken Soup, consider using bone-in chicken for a richer flavor and deeper broth.
- Always sauté your vegetables until they’re softened to enhance their natural sweetness and prevent any raw taste.
- For perfectly cooked noodles, add them to the soup only when you’re about to serve to avoid overcooking.
- Finally, simmer the soup gently rather than boiling to keep the broth clear and the flavors balanced.
Chicken Soup Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken is best for chicken soup?
Absolutely! I recommend using bone-in chicken pieces for a richer flavor and deeper broth. You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience, which already has a delicious flavor. Just be sure to shred the meat before adding it to the soup.
How long can I store chicken soup in the fridge?
You can keep your chicken soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it cools to room temperature before popping it in to maintain its freshness.
Can I freeze chicken soup? How do I do it?
Yes, you can freeze chicken soup! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave about an inch of space at the top for expansion. It’ll stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive its glorious consistency.
How can I prevent my egg noodles from becoming mushy in the chicken soup?
Very! The secret is to add the egg noodles only when you’re ready to serve the soup. Cook them separately in boiling water until tender, then mix them into each bowl before serving—this way, you’ll have perfectly cooked noodles with a delightful bite!
Is this chicken soup suitable for someone with allergies?
It’s important to check! This chicken soup contains common allergens like chicken and gluten (from the noodles). If you’re cooking for someone with specific dietary restrictions, try substituting the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or omit them altogether for a lighter soup. Always double-check your broth and seasonings for any hidden allergens.
Chicken Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion (chopped)
- 2 cups Carrots (sliced)
- 2 stalks Celery (sliced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Dried parsley
- 1 leaf Bay leaf Remove before serving
- 6 cups Chicken broth homemade or low-sodium
- 2 cups Cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 cup Egg noodles
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (chopped) for garnish
Method
- Heat the Olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the dried thyme, dried parsley, and bay leaf to the pot.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil.
- Add the cooked, shredded chicken and stir it into the broth and veggies.
- Stir in the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions, about 8–10 minutes.
- Taste your creation and season with salt and pepper as needed, removing the bay leaf before serving.
- Ladle hot soup into bowls, finishing with chopped parsley for garnish.
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