This classic and flavorful chicken soup recipe is one to keep in your back pocket! It’s perfect for a winter day or any day when you’re craving some comfort food. This soup can’t be any easier to make as it involves just a few ingredients.
Get Your Hands On The Right Ingredients
A chicken soup can be easy to prepare; however, it all comes down to the ingredients you use as far as the flavors are concerned.
Chicken
Always go for bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts. They will give the soup more flavor. You can also use thighs if you prefer dark meat.
Vegetables
We’ll be using carrots, celery, and onion for this recipe. These are classic chicken soup vegetables, and they work so well together. You could also add in some chopped potatoes if you’d like.
Herbs
For the herbs, we’ll be using fresh thyme and parsley. If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you could also use dried thyme and parsley.
Broth
You can use either chicken broth or vegetable broth for this soup. If you’re looking to make a vegetarian version of this soup, use vegetable broth.
Benefits Of Chicken Soup
Aside from being delicious, chicken soup has a few other benefits.
- It’s packed with protein and nutrients.
Chicken soup is an excellent source of protein and nutrients. It’s also low in calories and fat, making it a healthy option.
- It can help relieve cold symptoms
Chicken soup has helped relieve cold symptoms like congestion and runny nose.
- It can help you stay hydrated.
When you’re sick, it’s essential to stay hydrated. Chicken soup can help with that since it’s mostly water.
- It can boost your immune system.
Chicken soup is rich in vitamins and minerals that can help boost your immune system.
Essential Tips To Make The Best Chicken Soup Ever
Here are a few essential tips to help you make the best chicken soup ever:
- Always use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts to add more flavor to the soup.
- Add in some chopped potatoes for extra heartiness.
- Use fresh thyme and parsley for the best flavor.
- If you’re looking to make a vegetarian version of this soup, use vegetable broth.
- You can make the soup thick by adding more vegetables or thin it out by adding more broth.
- Do not overcook the chicken, as it will become dry and tough.
- Add the noodles about 10 minutes before serving, so they don’t get overcooked.
- If you want, you can add some cooked rice or quinoa to this soup for extra heartiness.
Chicken Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Dutch Oven
Ingredients
- 2 pound chicken breasts bone-in and skin-on
- 3 carrots peeled and chopped
- 3 celery stalks chopped
- 1 onion chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp pepper
- 2 cups potatoes, cooked rice, or quinoa chopped, optional
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the chicken breasts.
- Add in the carrots, celery, and onion.
- Pour in the chicken broth or vegetable broth.
- Add the thyme leaves and chopped parsley.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Simmer for 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with a fork.
- Add the shredded chicken back into the pot.
- Optional: Add 1-2 cups of chopped potatoes, cooked rice, or quinoa.
- Serve warm
Enjoy!
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken soup with some crusty bread or crackers on the side. Top the soup with some shredded cheese, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream.Storing Suggestions
Store this chicken soup in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months.Reheating Suggestions
To reheat, add the soup to a pot on the stove and heat over medium heat until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave in 2-3 minute increments.Nutrition
FAQs Related To Chicken Soup
Is Chicken Soup Healthy?
Yes, chicken soup is a healthy option since it’s low in calories and fat. It’s also a great source of protein and nutrients.
Can Chicken Soup Help With A Cold?
Yes, chicken soup is excellent for cold symptoms like nasal congestion and runny nose.
Do I Need To Use Bone-In Chicken Breasts?
No, you don’t need to use bone-in chicken breasts. However, they will give the soup more flavor.
Wrap Up
This chicken soup recipe is a classic for a reason! It’s flavorful, comforting, and easy to make. This soup is also packed with protein and nutrients, making it a great option when you’re feeling under the weather. Follow the tips above to ensure your soup turns out perfect every time. And don’t forget to add some extra toppings like shredded cheese or green onions before serving. Enjoy!