There’s nothing quite like a big, steaming bowl of homemade chicken soup, and if you’re on the hunt for cozy comfort in a bowl, The Best Chicken Soup Ever: A Classic Recipe deserves a place in your kitchen. This soup is loaded with tender shredded chicken, sweet carrots, aromatic celery, and the gentle kiss of fresh herbs and lemon—the kind of soup that feels like a warm hug on even the chilliest days. Whether you’re soothing a cold or simply craving a soul-satisfying meal, this recipe brings you right back to the classics with a few delicious twists.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of The Best Chicken Soup Ever: A Classic Recipe is just how simple and wholesome the ingredient list is. Each element, from the bright celery to the gentle lift of lemon juice, plays a part in making this chicken soup truly unforgettable.
- Olive oil: Adds a beautiful base flavor and helps perfectly soften your aromatic veggies.
- Yellow onion: Brings subtle sweetness and the foundation of classic soup flavor.
- Garlic: Gives a subtle warmth and a savory kick that deepens the broth.
- Carrots: Deliver sweetness, color, and a tender bite to every spoonful.
- Celery: Adds a gentle herbal crunch, making the broth beautifully aromatic.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Serves as the hearty, flavorful base of the soup—go homemade if you can!
- Shredded cooked chicken: Use roasted or poached chicken for juicy, tender bites throughout the soup.
- Dried thyme: Infuses the broth with a floral, earthy note that’s classic in chicken soup.
- Dried oregano: Adds depth and a hint of Mediterranean flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Bay leaf: Simmered in the broth, it contributes an extra dimension of savory aroma to the soup.
- Salt and pepper: Simple but essential—season generously and taste as you go for the perfect balance.
- Egg noodles or pasta (optional): For satisfying slurp-worthiness—skip for a gluten-free or low-carb version or substitute with zucchini noodles.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A handful brightens up the whole pot before serving.
- Lemon juice: Squeezed in right at the end, it lifts all the flavors and adds an irresistible freshness.
How to Make The Best Chicken Soup Ever: A Classic Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Let them sizzle and soften for about 5 to 7 minutes—the onions will become translucent and fragrant while the carrots and celery begin to sweeten. This simple step creates the bedrock of flavor for The Best Chicken Soup Ever: A Classic Recipe and instantly makes your kitchen smell amazing.
Step 2: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the rich chicken broth, then bring the pot up to a gentle boil. The broth will pick up all those savory notes from your sautéed veggies. This is also the perfect moment to envision just how comforting and restorative every bowl will be.
Step 3: Add the Chicken and Herbs
Add your shredded cooked chicken, dried thyme, oregano, bay leaf, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. The herbs infuse the broth as everything simmers. Lower the heat and let your soup bubble away gently for 20 to 25 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld and deepen. Give it a quick stir occasionally and breathe in the aroma—it’s pure chicken soup magic.
Step 4: Noodle Time (Optional)
If you’re including noodles or pasta, stir them into the pot during the last 10 minutes of simmering. This timing ensures they become tender but not mushy, soaking up the delicious broth and adding extra heartiness to The Best Chicken Soup Ever: A Classic Recipe. If you’re skipping noodles, you can simply let the soup finish with its glorious medley of veggies and chicken.
Step 5: Brighten With Lemon and Fresh Parsley
Once everything is perfectly cooked, remove the bay leaf. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley right before serving. This simple flourish wakes up the whole pot, adding a burst of color and a zip of brightness to every bite. Give the soup one last taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You’re ready to ladle up!
How to Serve The Best Chicken Soup Ever: A Classic Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, scatter a handful of chopped fresh parsley across each bowl. If you love a little extra zing, try adding a light sprinkle of cracked black pepper or an extra squeeze of lemon on top. A dash of grated Parmesan or a swirl of olive oil can also make every spoonful even more indulgent.
Side Dishes
This soup plays well with a crusty loaf of sourdough or a slab of hearty country bread—perfect for dunking and mopping up every drop. For a lighter side, pair it with a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, or serve with saltine crackers for true old-school comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
Pour The Best Chicken Soup Ever: A Classic Recipe into rustic mugs for a cozy appetizer or serve it in deep bowls alongside a grilled cheese. For a fun twist, garnish with homemade garlic croutons or crispy shallots. When entertaining, ladle the soup into small ramekins as an elegant starter for a dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover soup covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen and develop overnight, making those second and third bowls even more delicious. Keep the noodles separate if you can, adding them just before reheating to maintain their texture.
Freezing
The Best Chicken Soup Ever: A Classic Recipe freezes beautifully! Just let the soup cool completely, then portion into airtight containers or freezer bags. For best results, freeze without noodles, since they can become mushy—just add freshly cooked noodles when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
Gently reheat soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat until it’s steaming hot, stirring occasionally. If it’s a bit thick, add a splash of water or extra broth to loosen it up. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave—but stir halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is one of the easiest ways to add rich, savory flavor and save time. Just shred the meat and discard the skin and bones before adding to your soup.
How can I make The Best Chicken Soup Ever: A Classic Recipe gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, simply skip the noodles or use your favorite gluten-free pasta. You can even swap in spiralized zucchini or sweet potato for a lower-carb, veggie-packed alternative.
What vegetables can I add for extra nutrition?
Feel free to get creative by adding kale, spinach, chopped potatoes, or peas. They each bring extra color and nutrients to The Best Chicken Soup Ever: A Classic Recipe without overpowering the classic flavors.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting soggy in leftovers?
Cook noodles separately and add them to individual servings just before eating. Store them in a separate container in the fridge to help preserve their perfect texture.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Simply add all the ingredients except the noodles, parsley, and lemon juice to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for about 3 to 4 hours. Add noodles in the last 30 minutes, then finish with parsley and lemon juice before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a recipe that feels like a little bit of home in every bite, make The Best Chicken Soup Ever: A Classic Recipe your go-to comfort soup. Pour yourself a bowl, cozy up, and enjoy the flavors that bring people together year after year—it just might become your new favorite tradition, too.
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The Best Chicken Soup Ever: A Classic Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Warm your soul with this classic chicken soup recipe that’s packed with wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors. Perfect for a cozy meal or when you need a nourishing pick-me-up.
Ingredients
Broth:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Soup:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup egg noodles or pasta of choice (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add Broth and Ingredients: Pour in chicken broth, add chicken, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Cook Noodles: If using, add noodles for the last 10 minutes until tender. Remove bay leaf.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in lemon juice and parsley. Adjust seasoning. Serve hot.
Notes
- This soup stores well—refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- For a lower-carb option, omit noodles or use zucchini noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
