Heartwarming Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe for Cold Days

Comfort comes alive with this hearty chicken soup recipe that will warm your soul on chilly days.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic dish packed with tender meat and vibrant vegetables.

Every spoonful carries rich, homemade flavors that transport you to grandma’s kitchen.

Aromatic herbs and carefully selected ingredients create a symphony of taste in this comforting meal.

The broth simmers slowly, developing deep, nuanced flavors that make this soup irresistible.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly to craft a nourishing and delicious bowl of pure comfort.

Prepare to savor a timeless recipe that promises warmth and satisfaction with every delightful bite.

What You’ll Need for Chicken Soup

• Carrots: Sweet root vegetables that add depth and natural sweetness to the soup.
• Parsnips: Earthy root vegetables that provide a subtle nutty flavor to the broth.
• Celery: Crisp vegetable that contributes a fresh and aromatic base to the soup.
• Leek: Mild onion-like vegetable that offers a delicate and sophisticated flavor profile.
• Onion: Foundational vegetable that creates a rich and savory base for the soup.

• Garlic: Pungent ingredient that enhances the overall depth of flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the soup's taste.
• Thyme, Tarragon, Bay Leaf: Herbs that infuse the soup with complex and complementary flavors.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the main ingredient of the soup.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds a fresh and vibrant finish to the dish.

• Broth: Flavorful liquid that creates the foundation of the soup.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat used to sauté the vegetables and start the soup-making process.

How to Put Together Classic Chicken Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

• Carrots
• Parsnips
• Celery
• Leek
• Onion

Stir and cook for 4-5 minutes until vegetables soften and release their fragrant aroma.

Toss in garlic, salt, and pepper, stirring for an additional minute.

Step 2: Poach Chicken and Build Flavor

• Thyme sprigs
• Tarragon
• Bay leaf
• Broth

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing chicken to cook thoroughly and flavors to blend.

Step 3: Shred and Reintegrate Chicken

Remove chicken using tongs and transfer to a cutting board.

Let cool briefly, then use two forks to shred into bite-sized pieces.

Return shredded chicken to the pot and simmer for 1-2 minutes to absorb broth flavors.

Step 4: Final Touches and Serving

Remove herb sprigs and bay leaf.

Stir in fresh parsley and taste to adjust seasoning.

Ladle into bowls and garnish with additional parsley and freshly ground black pepper.

Serve piping hot and enjoy the comforting, hearty soup.

Helpful Tips for Comforting Chicken Soup

• Sauté vegetables slowly to enhance their natural sweetness and develop deeper flavors before adding liquid.
• Remove chicken breasts immediately after cooking and shred gently to maintain tender, juicy texture.
• Remove whole herb sprigs before serving to avoid tough, woody bits while preserving subtle herb essence.
• Replace chicken breasts with skinless, lean meat cuts for a lower-fat version of the soup.
• Cool soup completely before refrigerating to maintain best taste and prevent bacterial growth.

How to Keep and Reheat Chicken Soup

• Transfer cooled chicken soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent odor absorption and maintain freshness.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Thaw frozen soup in refrigerator overnight. Pour into pot, heat over medium-low temperature, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if soup seems too thick. Bring to gentle simmer until heated through completely.
• Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature and ensure soup is steaming hot before serving.

What Goes Well with Classic Chicken Soup

• Savor Complementary Flavors: Pair this hearty chicken soup with crusty sourdough bread to soak up the rich broth and add a delightful textural contrast.
• Wine and Dine: Select a crisp, light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the delicate herb-infused soup without overpowering its subtle flavors.
• Brighten the Meal: Add a fresh side salad with a light citrus vinaigrette to cut through the soup's richness and provide a zesty, refreshing counterpoint to the warm, comforting dish.
• Enhance with Cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or crumbled goat cheese on top to introduce a creamy, tangy element that elevates the soup's depth and complexity.

New Ideas to Change Up Chicken Soup

• Gluten-Free Chicken Soup: Replace traditional broth with gluten-free chicken stock and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Version: Skip any potential dairy additions and use coconut milk or almond milk for extra creaminess if desired.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Reduce root vegetables like parsnips and carrots, replacing them with low-carb options like zucchini or cauliflower florets.
• Herb-Swapped Variation: Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary and sage instead of thyme and tarragon for a unique flavor profile.

FAQs

• What herbs give this chicken soup its unique flavor profile?

Thyme, tarragon, and bay leaf are the key herbs that infuse the soup with a deep, aromatic flavor. These herbs slowly release their essence during simmering, creating a rich and complex taste that elevates the entire dish.

• Is this chicken soup healthy?

Absolutely! The recipe is packed with nutritious vegetables like carrots, parsnips, celery, leek, and onion. These ingredients provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The lean chicken breast adds high-quality protein, making this soup a wholesome and nourishing meal.

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

While fresh herbs are ideal for the best flavor, you can substitute dried herbs. Use about 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh. For example, if the recipe calls for 2 sprigs of fresh thyme, use about 2/3 teaspoon of dried thyme.

• How can I make this soup more filling?

Consider adding cooked rice, quinoa, or small pasta directly to the soup. These additions can transform the chicken soup into a more substantial meal that will keep you satisfied for longer.

Why Homemade Chicken Soup Always Wins

• Loaded with colorful vegetables and lean protein, this soup delivers a powerful nutritional punch that keeps your loved ones healthy and satisfied.
• Learn how to build deep flavors by sautéing vegetables, perfectly poach chicken, and create a delectable broth that serves as a base for countless variations.
• Using just one pot means less dishwashing and more time savoring your delightful homemade soup, making meal preparation a breeze.

Chicken Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken soup brings comfort and warmth to dinner tables across America. Packed with tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this classic dish promises nourishment and satisfaction in every spoonful you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables:

• 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 parsnips, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery ribs, sliced
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 1 leek, halved lengthwise, sliced, and rinsed
• 4 garlic cloves, minced

Herbs, Seasonings, and Liquid:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 sprigs fresh tarragon
• 1 bay leaf
• 5 cups (1.2 liters) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) roughly chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, warm olive oil over medium heat. Sauté carrots, parsnips, celery, leek, and onion for 4-5 minutes until softened but not browned. Add garlic, salt, and pepper, stirring for an additional minute to release aromatic flavors.
2. Introduce chicken breasts, thyme, tarragon, bay leaf, and broth to the pot. Bring mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing chicken to cook thoroughly while maintaining tenderness.
3. Remove chicken using tongs and transfer to a cutting board. Allow to cool briefly, then shred meat using two forks into bite-sized pieces. Return shredded chicken to the pot and simmer for 1-2 minutes to absorb broth’s rich flavors.
4. Extract thyme and tarragon sprigs along with bay leaf from the soup. Incorporate fresh parsley and taste, adjusting seasoning as needed. Ladle hot soup into bowls, garnishing with additional parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Enhance vegetable flavor by caramelizing them slightly longer for deeper, richer taste without burning.
• Choose bone-in chicken breasts for more intense flavor and extra gelatin that improves soup’s texture and nutrition.
• Swap chicken with turkey or tofu for diverse dietary preferences while maintaining similar cooking techniques.
• Store leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days, remembering flavors intensify overnight in the refrigerator.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg