If you need a bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, look no further than this Ultimate Chicken Soup Recipe. It’s a timeless classic elevated with fresh herbs and a colorful medley of veggies that come together in a fragrant broth. Whether you’re fighting off a cold, craving something wholesome, or simply want to enjoy a cozy meal, this recipe brings tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and vibrant vegetables in harmony to brighten your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this recipe are wonderfully simple yet essential for achieving that crave-worthy depth of flavor and perfect texture. Each one plays its part to make this soup a mouthwatering, heartwarming experience.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a smooth, fruity richness to gently sauté the vegetables.
- Carrots: Bring a subtle sweetness and bright color to the soup.
- Parsnips: Offer an earthy, slightly nutty flavor that complements the carrots beautifully.
- Celery ribs: Add a satisfying crunch and fresh herbaceous note.
- Onion: Provides a foundational depth and savory sweetness when cooked down.
- Leek: Brings a mild, onion-like flavor that enhances the broth gracefully.
- Garlic cloves: Infuse the soup with warmth and subtle spice.
- Kosher salt: Balances all the flavors perfectly.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, tender and easy to shred.
- Fresh thyme sprigs: Impart an aromatic, woodsy fragrance to the broth.
- Fresh tarragon sprigs: Offer a slightly sweet, anise-like flavor that brightens the soup.
- Bay leaf: Adds a subtle herbal earthiness when simmered in the broth.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful base that ties everything together without overpowering.
- Fresh parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of green just before serving.
How to Make Ultimate Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Saute the Veggies
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the sliced carrots, parsnips, celery, leek, and diced onion. Cook these colorful veggies for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often to soften them and coax out their natural sweetness. Follow with minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper, then stir everything for another minute until fragrant and well combined.
Step 2: Poach the Chicken
Now it’s time to build flavor by adding the fresh thyme, tarragon, bay leaf, chicken breasts, and chicken broth. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook for 15 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the herbal aromas and cook until perfectly tender.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Carefully remove the chicken breasts using tongs, place them on a cutting board, and shred with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and let it mingle with the broth for another minute or two, ensuring every forkful will be satisfying and juicy.
Step 4: Serve the Ultimate Chicken Soup Recipe
Before ladling the soup into bowls, remove the thyme, tarragon sprigs, and bay leaf. Stir in the fresh parsley for a burst of color and brightness. For that final touch, sprinkle extra parsley and a bit of freshly ground pepper. This simple step transforms a simple soup into something delightful.
How to Serve Ultimate Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a fantastic garnish that adds both color and a refreshing note. A grind of black pepper on top brings out the flavors just right. If you want to add a bit more flair, a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of chili flakes can brighten and add a subtle kick to the cozy flavors.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm garlic toast to soak up every last drop of the tasty broth. A simple green salad or steamed greens can complement with a crisp texture and freshness, balancing out the richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl to impress guests while keeping things rustic and comforting. Another idea is to sprinkle crispy fried onions or toasted nuts on top for delightful crunch and depth. Little garnishes like chives, dill, or grated cheese can also take it up a notch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop further overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This Ultimate Chicken Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave room for expansion. When thawed, the texture and taste remain comforting and fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid boiling, which can toughen the chicken. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave, covered, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a bit more moisture and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly until the thighs are fully cooked and tender before shredding.
Is it okay to use store-bought chicken broth?
Yes, store-bought low-sodium broth works perfectly. Just choose one with good flavor and low salt to keep control over the seasoning in your soup.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can substitute vegetable broth and omit chicken for a vegetarian version. Add hearty beans or tofu for protein to keep it satisfying.
What is the best way to shred cooked chicken?
Using two forks is the classic and easiest method—hold the chicken steady with one fork and pull apart gently with the other. It creates tender, pull-apart pieces perfect for soup.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with the broth and herbs. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or until the chicken is tender enough to shred.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like a bowl of homemade soup that warms your soul and satisfies your hunger, and this Ultimate Chicken Soup Recipe does exactly that. It’s simple, wholesome, and bursting with fresh flavors that remind you of home. Give it a try—you’ll keep coming back for more, just like I do!
Print
Ultimate Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Ultimate Chicken Soup recipe is a hearty and nourishing dish featuring tender poached chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a comforting meal, it combines the flavors of carrots, parsnips, celery, leek, and garlic in a flavorful chicken broth. Ready in just 30 minutes and serving four, this soup is a wholesome choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 parsnips, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery ribs, sliced
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 1 leek, halved lengthwise, sliced, and rinsed
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup roughly chopped fresh parsley
Proteins and Broth
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Herbs and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs fresh tarragon
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Saute the veggies: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the peeled and sliced carrots, parsnips, sliced celery, leek, and diced onion to the pot. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently to soften the vegetables evenly. Add the minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper, stirring for another minute until fragrant.
- Poach the chicken: Add the fresh thyme, tarragon sprigs, bay leaf, boneless skinless chicken breasts, and low-sodium chicken broth to the pot. Raise the heat to bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let the soup simmer gently for 15 minutes, or until the chicken breasts are fully cooked through.
- Shred the chicken: Using tongs, carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and place them on a cutting board. Gently shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and continue to simmer the soup for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve: Remove the herb sprigs of thyme, tarragon, and the bay leaf from the soup. Stir in the roughly chopped fresh parsley, and garnish with additional parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting bowl of Ultimate Chicken Soup.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content of the soup.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried herbs, but reduce quantity to one-third.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a dash of grated Parmesan cheese right before serving.
- The shredded chicken can be stored separately and added just before serving if preparing soup in advance.
- This soup freezes well; cool completely before transferring to airtight containers for freezing.
