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
Scale
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.
