The Heartwarming Homestyle Chicken Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort and warmth flow through every spoonful of this hearty chicken soup.

Grandmothers across cultures have perfected their unique versions of this classic dish.

Tender chicken pieces swim in a rich, aromatic broth that promises healing and satisfaction.

Fragrant herbs and vegetables create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

Simple ingredients come together in a magical culinary experience that feels like a warm embrace.

Seasonal vegetables add depth and nutrition to this soul-soothing recipe.

Each ladle promises a journey of comfort that will nourish both body and spirit.

Best Storage for Chicken Soup

• Refrigerate leftover chicken soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking.
• Store soup in the refrigerator for 3-4 days maximum.
• Use shallow containers to help soup cool faster and prevent bacterial growth.
• Label the container with the date to track freshness.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of chicken for this soup?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, thighs, or even rotisserie chicken. Just ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender before shredding.

• Is this chicken soup healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with vegetables, lean protein, and nutrients. The homemade broth provides extra nutrition and is lower in sodium compared to store-bought versions.

• How can I make the soup more filling?

Add egg noodles or rice to make it heartier. You can also include additional vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrition and volume.

• Can I make this soup in advance?

Definitely. The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors actually improve as it sits, making it a great make-ahead meal.

Why Chicken Soup Is So Comforting

• Boost Your Comfort: Classic chicken soup delivers ultimate warmth and healing vibes perfect for cozy moments or when feeling under the weather.
• Master Simple Cooking: Beginner-friendly recipe requires minimal kitchen skills with straightforward steps anyone can follow without advanced culinary training.
• Customize Your Meal: Flexible ingredients allow easy swaps like using different proteins, adding extra vegetables, or switching noodle types to match personal preferences or dietary needs.
• Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Packed with protein, vegetables, and rich broth, this soup provides balanced nutrition in a single delicious dish that feeds multiple people with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients for Classic Chicken Soup

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: The star protein that provides hearty, tender meat for the soup.
• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid base that forms the foundation of the soup.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: A classic combination that creates a rich, deep flavor profile for the soup.
• Garlic: Adds a warm, pungent depth to the overall taste.

• Bay Leaf, Thyme, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that enhance and balance the soup's flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and herbal note.

• Egg Noodles: A comforting pasta that makes the soup more substantial and filling.

• Oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and prevent sticking.

How to Make Homemade Chicken Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Chopped carrots
• Sliced celery

Cook these vegetables until they become soft and translucent, which takes about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Enhance With Garlic

Add minced garlic to the vegetable mixture and let it sizzle for approximately one minute, releasing its fragrant aroma.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

• Bay leaf
• Fresh thyme
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

Bring the liquid to a rolling boil.

Step 4: Poach the Chicken

Reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Add chicken breasts or thighs to the broth.

Allow the meat to cook slowly for 20-25 minutes until completely done.

Step 5: Prepare the Chicken

Remove chicken from the pot.

Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back to the soup.

Step 6: Optional Noodle Addition

If desired, introduce egg noodles to the soup. Cook for 7-9 minutes until the noodles reach perfect tenderness.

Step 7: Final Touches

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

Tips for Rich and Savory Chicken Soup

• Use bone-in chicken for richer, more flavorful broth that adds depth to the soup.
• Swap egg noodles with gluten-free alternatives like zucchini noodles or rice for dietary restrictions.
• Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and reduce overall preparation time.
• Store leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days, reheating gently to maintain chicken's tenderness.

Variations for a Twist on Chicken Soup

• Vegetarian Hearty Soup: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Swap egg noodles with spiralized zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrates and add more vegetables to the soup.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Incorporate oregano, rosemary, and lemon zest for a Mediterranean flavor profile, using boneless chicken thighs for richer taste.
• Instant Pot Quick Soup: Adapt the recipe for pressure cooking by combining all ingredients simultaneously and reducing cooking time to 15 minutes for faster preparation.

Serving Ideas for Chicken Soup

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve this hearty soup in deep ceramic bowls with a side of warm, crusty bread for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
• Wellness Lunch Combo: Pack the soup in a thermos for a nutritious midday meal, paired with a small side salad and whole grain crackers for added texture and nutrition.
• Family-Style Feast: Lay out toppings like shredded cheese, extra herbs, crispy croutons, and hot sauce so everyone can customize their soup according to their taste preferences.
• Rustic Dinner Presentation: Serve in cast-iron skillets with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, accompanied by a glass of white wine for a comforting and elegant meal experience.

Comforting Chicken Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Homemade chicken soup mingles tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fragrant herbs in a classic comfort dish. Nourishing broth and simple ingredients combine to create a soul-warming meal you’ll crave on chilly days.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast or thighs, boneless and skinless
• 8 cups (1.9 liters) chicken broth
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) egg noodles

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious cooking vessel with a drizzle of oil over medium-high temperature, sautéing diced onions, carrots, and celery until they become translucent and tender, approximately 4-5 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic and allow it to release its aromatic essence for 45-60 seconds.
3. Pour in rich chicken broth, accompanied by bay leaf, fragrant thyme, and a balanced blend of salt and pepper. Elevate the liquid to a rolling boil.
4. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and carefully nestle chicken pieces into the bubbling broth. Allow the chicken to poach for 20-22 minutes, ensuring complete internal cooking.
5. Extract the chicken from the liquid and delicately shred the meat using two forks, then reintegrate the tender pieces back into the simmering soup.
6. For those desiring additional substance, incorporate egg noodles and let them dance in the broth for 6-8 minutes until perfectly al dente.
7. Calibrate the seasoning with a discerning palate, then crown the soup with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley just before serving.

Notes

• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth to create a vegetarian version that’s equally hearty and flavorful.
• Choose bone-in chicken for deeper, richer flavor profiles that infuse more taste into the soup base.
• Skip egg noodles and use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for low-carb, gluten-free alternative that keeps the dish light and nutritious.
• Store leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify with time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg