Chicken Soup is the ultimate comfort food that wraps you in warmth from the very first spoonful. Imagine cozying up with a home-cooked bowl full of tender chicken, sweet carrots, aromatic herbs, and silky noodles swimming in golden broth—the kind of dish that soothes you on a chilly evening or lifts your spirits any day of the week. This recipe puts tradition front and center while allowing room for quick shortcuts and creative tweaks, making it as approachable for weeknight dinners as it is nostalgic for family gatherings. Once you taste this inviting Chicken Soup, it’s bound to become a favorite part of your own kitchen story.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken Soup lies in its simplicity—just a handful of wholesome, accessible ingredients working together to create that classic irresistible flavor. Each ingredient plays a key role in the final bowl, bringing their own unique texture, aroma, and color for a soup that’s both nutritious and deeply satisfying.

Olive oil: Gives a velvety base and anchors the flavors of sautéed vegetables.
Onion (chopped): Delivers a gentle sweetness and aroma throughout the soup.
Garlic (minced): Adds depth and a comforting kick to the savory broth.
Carrots (sliced): Contribute color, mild sweetness, and satisfying texture with every bite.
Celery (sliced): Lends a subtle earthiness and essential crunch.
Dried thyme: Infuses herbal warmth that pairs beautifully with chicken and broth.
Dried parsley: Brightens the soup and echoes the herby finish.
Black pepper: Offers a gentle heat and brings all the elements together.
Salt: Enhances every ingredient and lets them shine harmoniously.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the nourishing heart of Chicken Soup—go homemade or store-bought for ease.
Cooked shredded chicken: Provides hearty protein; rotisserie chicken adds instant flavor.
Bay leaf: Boosts the background aroma with subtle herbal undertones.
Egg noodles or preferred pasta (optional): For a classic, slurpable, belly-warming addition—swap for gluten-free or zucchini noodles if desired!
Lemon juice (optional): Adds a gentle, fresh brightness right at the end.
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Finishes the soup with color and an extra vibrant note.

How to Make Chicken Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until it’s soft and beginning to turn translucent. The kitchen will start to smell amazing already! Next, toss in the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Give everything a good stir and let it cook together for about 5 more minutes—this softens the vegetables and gives the soup its deep, homey flavor.

Step 2: Season and Add Broth

Sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried parsley, black pepper, and salt. Stir well, making sure the veggies get a nice coating of the herbs and spices. This is the moment the flavors start layering up, promising a delicious finished Chicken Soup. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf. As soon as the pot comes to a boil, turn the heat down and let everything simmer gently, uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. This gives the carrots and celery time to go tender and the broth to soak up every ounce of flavor.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

With the broth bubbling and the vegetables perfectly softened, it’s time for the shredded chicken and noodles. Add them right into the pot and let things simmer for another 8–10 minutes, or until the noodles are thoroughly cooked and everything is steamy and inviting. If you like, squeeze in lemon juice at the very end for a subtle zing that really enlivens the whole pot. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf—it did its job!

Step 4: Taste and Finish

Grab a spoon and taste your Chicken Soup. Adjust seasoning if needed, maybe with a pinch more salt or a grind of black pepper. Serve the soup hot, and if you want, shower the bowls with fresh parsley for a final green flourish. Every bite is pure comfort, perfect for sharing or savoring solo.

How to Serve Chicken Soup

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top adds a vibrant, aromatic freshness that beautifully contrasts with the golden broth. For a little extra luxury, try a twist of cracked black pepper, a squeeze of lemon, or even a few homemade croutons. Each garnish gives your Chicken Soup a touch of personality and elevates the finished bowl.

Side Dishes

Pairing is part of the fun! Warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls are classic sides for soaking up every last drop. Simple green salads, a slice of sharp cheddar, or a dish of roasted vegetables also round out a meal with Chicken Soup, turning it into an abundant, feel-good feast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, ladle your soup into wide, colorful bowls and set out a tray of mix-and-match toppings—think chopped scallions, shredded cheese, homemade croutons, or a dash of hot sauce. Serve in mugs for a cozy lunch, or bring it to a potluck in a big, family-style tureen. Any way you share it, Chicken Soup is guaranteed to bring smiles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chicken Soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Once cooled, transfer leftovers into airtight containers. If you’ve added noodles, they might soak up some of the broth, so just thin with extra stock or water before reheating for perfect results every time.

Freezing

For the ultimate make-ahead comfort, Chicken Soup freezes well for up to three months. Just skip the noodles if you plan to freeze, as they tend to turn mushy; you can always add freshly cooked noodles when reheating. Let the soup cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion.

Reheating

Warm up Chicken Soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring now and then until steaming hot. You can also reheat individual bowls in the microwave in short bursts, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to bring it back to its original soupy perfection.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a richer, slightly more flavorful touch thanks to their higher fat content. Whether you use shredded roasted thighs or poach them fresh, they bring a delightful depth to your Chicken Soup.

How do I make this Chicken Soup gluten-free?

Simply skip the noodles or swap them for gluten-free pasta, rice, or even a swirl of zucchini noodles. The base soup is naturally gluten-free, so you won’t be missing out on any of the comfort or flavor.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Go for it! Spinach, kale, peas, or diced potatoes all make delicious additions. Toss leafy greens in at the very end to keep them bright and tender, or add firmer veggies with the carrots and celery.

What’s the best way to shred chicken quickly?

If you’re short on time, use two forks to pull apart rotisserie chicken or poached chicken breasts. For even faster shredding, pop warm cooked chicken into a mixer with a paddle attachment and mix on low for a few seconds—easy breezy!

Can I make Chicken Soup in advance for a party?

Definitely. Make Chicken Soup a day ahead and store in the fridge. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making each bowl even better. Just reheat gently before serving and add any noodles or fragile garnishes fresh.

Final Thoughts

Few dishes feel more universally cherished than Chicken Soup, and this recipe is about to become your new go-to for healing, nourishing, and pure comfort. Give it a try—you’ll see just how magical a pot of homemade Chicken Soup can be.

Chicken Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 19 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and classic chicken soup recipe that is easy to make at home. This homemade soup is nutritious, flavorful, and perfect for any time of the year.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
3 medium carrots (sliced)
2 celery stalks (sliced)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (preferably from rotisserie or poached chicken breast)
1 bay leaf
1 cup egg noodles or your preferred pasta (optional)

Optional Garnish:

juice of ½ lemon
fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Saute Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic, carrots, and celery and cook for 5 minutes.
Add Seasonings: Add thyme, parsley, pepper, and salt. Stir to coat the vegetables.
Cook Soup: Pour in chicken broth, add bay leaf, bring to a boil, then simmer for 20–25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Finish Soup: Add shredded chicken and noodles, simmer for 8–10 minutes until noodles are cooked. Remove bay leaf, stir in lemon juice if desired, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.