This easy homemade chicken soup is the perfect cozy dish! With tender chicken, fresh veggies, and tasty broth, it warms you right up. Just picture that comforting smell in your kitchen!
Whenever I make this soup, I swear it can cure anything! I love to sip it with some crusty bread. It’s like a hug in a bowl, and you can’t help but feel good when you eat it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil or Butter: I prefer using olive oil for its heart-healthy benefits, but butter adds a rich flavor. You can use any cooking oil you have on hand, like canola or avocado oil.
Chicken Broth: If you want a homemade touch, use your own broth made from boiling chicken and veggies. Low-sodium store-bought is also great if you want something quick. If you’re vegetarian, vegetable broth works nicely!
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for ease, but you can also use leftover chicken or poach chicken breasts specifically for this recipe. For a vegetarian option, try adding chickpeas or tofu!
Herbs: Fresh thyme gives a lovely flavor, but if you don’t have any, dried thyme will work too. You can also experiment with other herbs like oregano or parsley.
How Can I Make Sure My Soup Has Great Flavor?
A really important step for flavorful soup is taking your time with the vegetables. Sautéing them first helps draw out their natural sweetness! Here’s how to build that flavor:
- Always start with medium heat to get a good sauté without burning.
- Give the onions time to soften and become translucent before adding garlic. This enhances the overall depth of flavor.
- For extra richness, try adding a splash of white wine after the veggies and let it cook for a minute before adding the broth!
Don’t forget to taste your soup as it simmers, and adjust the salt and pepper to get it just right!
Easy Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon: olive oil or butter
- 1: medium onion, diced
- 2-3: celery stalks, sliced
- 3: medium carrots, sliced
- 3: garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups: chicken broth (homemade or low sodium store-bought)
- 2 cups: cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached chicken breast)
- 1 teaspoon: dried thyme or 2 teaspoons: fresh thyme leaves
- 1: bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup: egg noodles or any preferred pasta (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy chicken soup will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook, making a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet comforting enough for a chilly day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, sliced celery, and sliced carrots. Sauté these veggies for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften and the onion turns translucent. This builds a good flavor base!
2. Add Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and continue sautéing for another minute until you can smell that fantastic garlic aroma!
3. Bring to a Boil:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. This is where the soup starts to come together!
4. Simmer the Soup:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cooked chicken, thyme, and bay leaf. Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This will let all those great flavors mingle and allow the vegetables to cook through.
5. Noodle Time (if using):
If you’re adding noodles, drop them in during the last 8-10 minutes of cooking. Cook them until they’re tender and delicious!
6. Final Touches:
Remove the bay leaf from the pot. Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed for a delightful flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the warm soup into bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a nice pop of color and freshness. Enjoy this comforting bowl of homemade chicken soup with some crusty bread or on its own!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Chicken Soup
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Instead of Cooked Chicken?
Yes, you can! If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely first. You can do this overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Once thawed, cook it in the soup for about 20-25 minutes until fully cooked, then shred it for the soup.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply substitute the chicken and chicken broth with vegetable broth and add your choice of hearty vegetables like mushrooms or chickpeas for protein. Tofu can also be a great addition!
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup a day in advance. Just cook it, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it on the stove, adding a little water or broth to loosen it if needed.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave out the noodles if you’re freezing it, as they can become mushy when reheated. Cook fresh noodles when you thaw and reheat the soup!
