If you have ever craved the comforting hug of a warm bowl of goodness, this Classic Chicken Soup Recipe is just the remedy you need. It’s a delightful blend of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and fragrant herbs simmered to perfection, creating a soul-soothing dish that feels like home in every spoonful. Whether you’re nursing a cold, need a quick weeknight dinner, or simply want to indulge in a timeless classic, this recipe hits every note with simple ingredients and heartwarming flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in the simplicity and balance of its ingredients, each playing a crucial part in delivering a rich, tasty, and colorful soup. From the fresh vegetables that provide texture and brightness to the herbs that elevate every bite, every item here is essential.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose thighs for juicier meat; breasts work well for a leaner option.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Adds a subtle richness during vegetable sautéing.
- 1 small onion, diced: Builds the flavorful base with its natural sweetness.
- 3 carrots, sliced: Offers natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 celery stalks, sliced: Adds refreshing crunch and depth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses warmth and a little kick.
- 8 cups chicken broth: The heart of the soup, providing body and savoriness.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Brings a lovely herbal note that pairs perfectly with chicken.
- 1 tsp dried parsley: Adds freshness and gentle earthiness.
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste): Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Gives just enough bite without overpowering.
- 1 cup egg noodles (optional): For a classic touch and extra comfort.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness): Adds a fresh, lively finish to the soup.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: A simple flourish of color and flavor.
How to Make Classic Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
Start by warming olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery, letting them gently soften for about 5 to 7 minutes, releasing their sweetness and aroma. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to awaken its robust flavor without burning it.
Step 2: Add Broth and Chicken
Pour in your chicken broth, which will be the soul of this soup. Add the chicken pieces along with dried thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble quietly for 20 to 25 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Shred Chicken
Once the chicken is tender and cooked, carefully remove it from the pot. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces—it absorbs the broth’s flavor better this way. Return the shredded chicken to the soup, stirring to combine all the goodness.
Step 4: Add Noodles (Optional)
If you’re a fan of noodles in your soup, stir in the egg noodles now. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually around 6 to 8 minutes, until they’re tender but still have a little bite—just the way noodle soup should be.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
For a lovely bright finish, stir in the lemon juice if you like a bit of zing. Give the soup a final taste and adjust the seasoning with salt or pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm—you’re about to enjoy a timeless classic in every spoonful!
How to Serve Classic Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is your best friend here, adding a burst of color and freshness that balances the warm, rich soup. If you want an extra touch, a few twists of freshly ground black pepper or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can also elevate the experience.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of delicious broth. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can lighten the meal, making it perfect for lunch or dinner. For a more indulgent side, garlic butter toast works wonders.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the soup in individual bread bowls for a charming and cozy presentation that’s sure to impress guests or delight kids. You can also morph the soup into a creamy version by blending a portion and stirring it back in or topping each bowl with a swirl of cream or a dollop of yogurt for an inviting twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Classic Chicken Soup Recipe holds up wonderfully for several days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating to keep the flavors fresh and to maintain the soup’s texture.
Freezing
To enjoy this soup later, freeze it in portioned containers. Avoid freezing the noodles separately or add them only when you’re ready to reheat, as they tend to become mushy after thawing. Frozen soup is best used within 2 to 3 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating
Gently reheat your soup on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help restore any thickness lost during storage. If you froze it without noodles, add fresh noodles at this stage and cook until tender.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for this Classic Chicken Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Using bone-in chicken, such as thighs with bones, will create a richer and more flavorful broth. Just remember to remove the bones before shredding the chicken to keep the soup easy to eat.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Yes, this Classic Chicken Soup Recipe freezes very well, but it’s best to freeze it without the egg noodles. Cook fresh noodles when reheating the soup for the best texture.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
While this recipe is centered around chicken, you can swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken to create a tasty vegetarian version, but it won’t be quite the classic version!
How long does this soup keep in the refrigerator?
Stored properly, this soup will last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to keep it in a sealed container to maintain its freshness.
What can I add to make the soup creamier?
For a creamy twist on this Classic Chicken Soup Recipe, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream just before serving. This adds richness without overpowering the light, fresh flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Classic Chicken Soup Recipe—its simplicity, warmth, and ability to nourish both body and soul. I can’t wait for you to try it and create your own moments of comfort and joy over a hearty, homemade bowl of soup.
Print
Classic Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic Chicken Soup is a comforting and hearty dish made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs simmered in a flavorful chicken broth. This timeless recipe offers a warm, nourishing meal perfect for any day, especially when you need a cozy and satisfying bowl of soup.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 8 cups chicken broth
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
Optional Ingredients
- 1 cup egg noodles
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery, cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften and develop a slight golden color. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
- Add broth & chicken: Pour the chicken broth into the pot. Add the boneless chicken breasts or thighs, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred chicken: Using tongs, remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Shred the chicken finely using two forks, then return the shredded chicken back to the pot to combine with the broth and vegetables.
- Add noodles (optional): If using egg noodles, stir them into the soup and cook according to the package instructions, which is usually about 6 to 8 minutes, until the noodles are tender but not mushy.
- Finish & serve: Stir in lemon juice if desired for a bright, fresh flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the soup warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken pieces for a richer, more flavorful broth.
- Adding a bay leaf during simmering enhances the soup’s depth; remove it before serving.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream towards the end of cooking.
- Egg noodles are optional; you can substitute with other pasta or omit for a lighter soup.
