Name: Classic Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-484643H8M13S
Total time: PT-484643H8M13S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb bone-in, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 10 cups chicken broth (or homemade stock); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 carrots, peeled and sliced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1 bay leaf; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1-2 cups egg noodles or any pasta (optional); 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish); 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

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Classic Chicken Soup is the epitome of comfort food, offering warmth, nourishment, and a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving something soothing, this timeless soup is a go-to. Packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory broth, it’s both simple and satisfying. With this recipe, you’ll create a flavorful bowl of homemade goodness that rivals any store-bought version. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is a cozy meal for the whole family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comforting and Hearty

Classic Chicken Soup is the ultimate comfort food. The tender chicken, combined with vegetables and a flavorful broth, makes for a meal that nourishes both the body and soul.

2. Easy to Make

This soup is made with simple ingredients and doesn’t require any fancy cooking techniques. It’s a straightforward recipe that even beginner cooks can master.

3. Healthy and Nutritious

Packed with chicken, veggies, and herbs, this soup is full of essential vitamins and minerals. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a nourishing and light meal.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep

Classic Chicken Soup stores well, making it an excellent option for meal prep. You can make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week for quick, satisfying meals.

5. Customizable

This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to adjust the seasoning, veggies, or protein. You can even switch out the chicken for turkey or add more spices for an extra kick.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
2 large carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
1 cup egg noodles or your preferred pasta (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth for a hearty, plant-based alternative.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to add peas, corn, or potatoes for more variety and texture.
Spicy Chicken Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.
Noodle-Free: For a low-carb option, you can skip the noodles and serve the soup with extra vegetables instead.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Broth and Vegetables

Add the chicken broth, carrots, celery, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Add the Chicken and Noodles

Once the vegetables are cooked, add the shredded chicken and noodles (if using). Stir and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, until the noodles are tender and the chicken is heated through.

Step 5: Adjust the Seasoning

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or thyme if needed.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Rotisserie Chicken: For extra convenience and flavor, using store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
Make it Ahead: You can make the soup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will develop even more over time!
Add More Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a dash of soy sauce.
Use Homemade Broth: If you have homemade chicken broth on hand, this will elevate the flavor of the soup.

How to Serve

Classic Chicken Soup can be served on its own or paired with:

Crusty Bread: A slice of toasted bread or baguette makes the perfect accompaniment to this soup.
Salad: A light, fresh green salad balances the richness of the soup.
Biscuits: Soft, fluffy biscuits are a great side to complement the comforting nature of the soup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before freezing.

Freezing

If you plan to freeze the soup, leave out the noodles and add them in when reheating. This will prevent the noodles from becoming mushy when frozen.

Reheating

Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, adding more broth if necessary to reach the desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before shredding it and adding it to the soup.

2. How can I make the soup more flavorful?

You can add more herbs such as rosemary, parsley, or basil for added flavor. A splash of apple cider vinegar can also brighten the taste.

3. Can I add potatoes to this soup?

Yes, adding diced potatoes is a great way to make the soup heartier.

4. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Simply add all the ingredients (except the noodles and parsley) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

5. Can I make this soup without noodles?

Absolutely! You can skip the noodles or use rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.

6. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Just leave out the noodles and add them when reheating.

7. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup is great for meal prep! You can make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge.

8. How do I make this soup spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to give it a spicy kick.

9. How can I make this soup creamy?

For a creamy version, you can add a bit of heavy cream or milk at the end of cooking.

10. What other vegetables can I add to this soup?

Feel free to add peas, green beans, or corn for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Classic Chicken Soup is a perfect, comforting dish that’s easy to make, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a cozy meal or for a family gathering, this soup is sure to please. With simple ingredients and endless variations, it’s a recipe that will never go out of style. Enjoy a bowl of this homemade goodness today!