Description
This Classic Chicken Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for when you’re feeling under the weather or just need a hearty, soothing meal. Made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth, it’s a warm, satisfying dish that’s both nourishing and delicious. With simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you’ll have a homemade chicken soup that’s far better than anything from a can!
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)
Instructions
-
Cook the Chicken:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts (or thighs) and cook until lightly browned on both sides (about 5 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. -
Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring occasionally. -
Add the Broth and Seasonings:
Pour in the chicken broth, then add the dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. -
Shred the Chicken:
While the soup is simmering, shred the cooked chicken using two forks. Once the chicken is shredded, add it back into the pot. -
Optional: Add Noodles:
If you’d like to add noodles, bring the soup back to a boil and add the egg noodles (or any pasta of your choice). Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 6-8 minutes. -
Finish the Soup:
Once the noodles are cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like a little brightness, you can stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
-
Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers.
Notes
- For a quicker version, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs and shred them before adding them back into the soup.
- You can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or omit the pasta altogether.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: Soup, Comfort Foo
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Classic Chicken Soup, Comforting Soup, Homemade Chicken Soup, Chicken Broth Soup, Hearty Chicken Soup, Family Soup Recipe