Chicken soup is a warm and comforting dish packed with tender chicken, flavorful veggies, and tasty herbs. It’s like a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly nights!
When I’m feeling a bit under the weather, this soup is my go-to remedy. Plus, it’s so easy to make, I can whip it up even when I’m half asleep. 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Chicken: Using a whole chicken gives your soup a rich flavor. If you’re short on time, feel free to use boneless chicken breasts or thighs, which cook quicker. Rotisserie chicken is also a tasty shortcut!
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth is great, but store-bought works well too. If you’re short on time, in a pinch, you can use water and add an extra bouillon cube or seasoning for flavor.
Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions are the classic trio. You can mix it up with potatoes, peas, or corn for added nutrition and flavor. Fresh herbs can be swapped for dried—just use about one-third of the amount.
Noodles or Rice: Adding noodles or rice makes the soup heartier. You can use any pasta you like, or choose brown rice for a healthier option. Quinoa is also a great substitute if you need a gluten-free option.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Perfectly Cooked and Tender?
The key to perfectly cooked chicken lies in the simmering process. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with medium heat to sauté your veggies until soft—this builds a flavor base.
- Bring your broth to a boil after adding the chicken then reduce to low to simmer for 45 minutes. This helps retain moisture and tenderness.
- Always check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach at least 165°F (75°C). This ensures it’s cooked through without drying out.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes before shredding. This gives the juices time to redistribute for more succulent meat.
Classic Chicken Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs), cut into pieces or 4 chicken breasts/thighs
- 8 cups chicken broth or water
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 3-4 fresh sage leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Optional: 1 cup cooked noodles or rice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious chicken soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 45 minutes to 1 hour of cooking time. After that, you’ll need a few minutes to shred the chicken and mix everything together. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. It’s worth every minute for a comforting bowl of goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes, or until they become tender and a little fragrant. This will create a nice flavor base for your soup!
2. Add the Chicken and Broth:
Next, add the chicken pieces to the pot and cover them with the chicken broth or water. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it bubble away nicely for the next step!
3. Season and Simmer:
Now it’s time to add flavor! Toss in the bay leaves, thyme sprigs, sage leaves, and season the pot with a little salt and pepper. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. You can check if it’s done by making sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Remove the bay leaves, thyme, and sage from the soup as well. After a few minutes, when the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding the bones and skin.
5. Final Touches:
Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the soup. If you want to make it heartier, add in the cooked noodles or rice at this point. Give it a good stir and let it heat through for a couple of minutes.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Grab a spoon and enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of classic chicken soup!
Feeling under the weather or just need some comfort food? This chicken soup is the perfect solution! Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! However, ensure that it’s completely thawed before cooking. Thawing in the refrigerator overnight is best, but if you’re short on time, you can thaw it quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly!
Can I Make This Chicken Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat on the stove over low heat, and consider adding a splash of water or extra broth to loosen it up if needed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover chicken soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for about 2-3 months in the freezer!
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Herbs?
If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried ones in smaller quantities—about 1/3 of the amount of fresh. For this recipe, use about 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of dried sage for flavor. Just add them in during the simmering process!
