This soup with chicken is just what you need. It’s packed with protein and nutritious ingredients, making it a perfect choice for any day. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or something light and healthy, this soup is simple to make and full of flavor. Let’s get started and create a bowl of comfort you’ll love!
Key Benefits of Soup with Chicken
This soup with chicken isn’t just a meal — it’s a powerhouse of nutrition, offering a variety of health benefits with every spoonful. Here’s why this simple, hearty soup should be your go-to choice:
Rich in Protein: Chicken, especially chicken breast, is an excellent source of lean protein. Protein is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and keeping you feeling full longer.
Packed with Nutrients: Along with chicken, this soup is filled with vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, all of which provide vitamins and minerals to support your overall health.
Immune-Boosting: The combination of chicken and vegetables creates a nutrient-dense broth, perfect for boosting your immune system. Plus, the warmth of the soup can help soothe a sore throat or a cold.
Low-Fat & Hearty: While it’s low in fat, it’s still incredibly filling, making it a great choice for a light yet satisfying meal.
Easy to Digest: This soup is gentle on the stomach, making it perfect for those who need a comforting, easy-to-digest meal.
Versatile & Customizable: Whether you’re craving a classic chicken noodle soup or a hearty chicken and vegetable soup, you can easily adjust the recipe to suit your preferences.
Ingredients for Soup with Chicken
Chicken Breast – The main protein in the soup, providing lean and tender meat that’s easy to shred.
Chicken Broth – The base of the soup, giving it rich, savory flavor.
Carrots – Add sweetness, texture, and vitamins like vitamin A.
Celery – Gives a mild flavor, crunch, and fiber.
Onion – Adds depth with a sweet, savory flavor.
Garlic – Adds bold flavor and boosts the immune system.
Bay Leaves – Adds subtle herbal flavor to the soup.
Thyme – Gives the soup an earthy, minty flavor.
Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
Olive Oil – Used for sautéing vegetables and adds healthy fats.
Instructions for Soup with Chicken
Ready to make this delicious soup with chicken? Follow these simple steps for a warm, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any day:
Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion becomes translucent. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup.
Add the Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until it becomes fragrant. This will add an extra layer of savory goodness to your soup.
Simmer the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Add the bay leaves and thyme for a depth of flavor. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. The flavors will meld together beautifully.
Cook the Chicken
While the soup is simmering, season the chicken breast with a little salt and pepper.
Add the chicken breast directly into the pot and simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through. You can check by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken — it should no longer be pink.
Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir to combine.
Adjust the Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. This is your chance to perfect the flavor before serving.
Serve & Enjoy
Remove the bay leaves and ladle the soup into bowls. Enjoy immediately while it’s still warm, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Pro Tips for Perfect Soup with Chicken
To make sure your soup with chicken turns out as delicious as possible, here are some expert tips to take your recipe to the next level:
Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor
If you have time, opt for bone-in chicken breasts or chicken thighs. The bones add more depth to the broth, making it extra rich and flavorful. You can always remove the bones after cooking and shred the meat.
Don’t Skip the Sautéing Step
Sautéing the vegetables in olive oil before adding the broth is key. This step allows the natural flavors of the vegetables to develop and creates a savory base for the soup. Trust me, it makes a difference!
Make It Ahead for More Flavor
Like most soups, this one tastes even better the next day! The flavors have more time to meld together, so feel free to make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months — just let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.
Add a Splash of Lemon for Freshness
To brighten up the flavors, try adding a small splash of lemon juice just before serving. It enhances the soup’s natural richness and gives it a subtle tang.
Adjust the Thickness
If you like your soup a little heartier, consider adding noodles or rice in the last few minutes of cooking. For a lower-carb option, try adding zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Herb Variations
While thyme is classic, feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary or parsley for different flavor profiles. Fresh herbs can also be used as a garnish for added color and freshness.
For a Creamier Soup
If you prefer a creamier version, stir in a bit of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking. This will give the soup a velvety texture without overpowering the flavor.
Variations of Soup with Chicken
One of the best things about soup with chicken is how easily it can be customized to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some creative variations you can try to keep your chicken soup exciting and fresh:
Chicken Noodle Soup
The classic! Add some egg noodles to the soup during the last 10 minutes of simmering for that comforting, familiar texture. They’ll soak up the flavors of the broth and give the soup a heartier feel.
Creamy Chicken Soup
For a richer soup, stir in some heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking. This gives the broth a creamy consistency that’s perfect for cozying up with on a cold day. You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Spicy Chicken Soup
If you like a little heat, add a few slices of jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper to the soup. You can also include a spoonful of sriracha or hot sauce to bring in that spicy kick.
Low-Carb Chicken Soup
Want to make it more keto-friendly or lower in carbs? Instead of noodles or rice, add zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. These veggies add texture without extra carbs, making it perfect for a low-carb diet.
Serving Suggestion: Bread with Soup with Chicken
Nothing complements a warm bowl of soup with chicken quite like a delicious side of bread. Here are a few bread options that will elevate your meal:
Crusty Baguette
A classic baguette with a crispy crust is perfect for dipping into the rich broth of the soup. Tear off pieces and enjoy the contrast of the crunchy exterior and soft, airy interior.
Buttery Dinner Rolls
Soft, fluffy dinner rolls are ideal for soaking up the savory broth. Warm them up and serve them with a bit of butter for a comforting side that everyone will love.
Sourdough Bread
For a tangy twist, serve your soup with a slice of sourdough bread. The slight sourness of the bread pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the chicken soup.
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FAQs for Soup with Chicken
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about soup with chicken to help you make the best version of this comforting dish:
Can I use leftover chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! Leftover chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Simply shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the soup during the last 10 minutes of simmering. This will help the chicken absorb the flavors without overcooking it.
How do I make the soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash a portion of the vegetables (like the potatoes or carrots) once they’re tender. Another option is to add a little cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the broth and stir it in as it simmers. This will help create a thicker, creamier texture.
What type of chicken should I use for this soup?
For a rich and flavorful broth, bone-in, skinless chicken thighs are ideal. The bones add depth to the flavor, while the meat remains tender. However, if you prefer a quicker version, boneless, skinless chicken breasts also work well, though the broth may not be as rich.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! To make this soup in a slow cooker, simply combine all your ingredients (including the raw chicken) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken before serving, and you’re good to go!
soup with chicken
Ingredients
- Chicken Breast 1 lb
- Chicken Broth 4 cups
- Carrots 2 medium, diced
- Celery 2 stalks, diced
- Onion 1 medium, diced
- Garlic 2 cloves, minced
- Bay Leaves 2
- Thyme 1 teaspoon, dried
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Olive Oil 1 tablespoon
Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion becomes translucent. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup.
Add the Garlic
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until it becomes fragrant. This will add an extra layer of savory goodness to your soup.
Simmer the Broth
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Add the bay leaves and thyme for a depth of flavor. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. The flavors will meld together beautifully.
Cook the Chicken
- While the soup is simmering, season the chicken breast with a little salt and pepper.
- Add the chicken breast directly into the pot and simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through. You can check by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken — it should no longer be pink.
Shred the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the pot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir to combine.
Adjust the Seasoning
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. This is your chance to perfect the flavor before serving.
Serve & Enjoy
- Remove the bay leaves and ladle the soup into bowls. Enjoy immediately while it’s still warm, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.