Chicken soup is a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with tender chicken, veggies, and yummy broth, it’s perfect for cozy nights or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a steaming bowl of chicken soup? It’s my go-to remedy when I need comfort food. Plus, it’s easy to whip up—just toss everything in and let it simmer!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I often use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easier shredding. If you have leftover roasted chicken, that works well too! You can also use thighs for more flavor.
Broth: Chicken broth adds depth, but you can use vegetable broth for a lighter version. Water is fine too, just make sure to season well!
Veggies: Carrots and celery bring freshness. If you’re out, diced potatoes or green beans are good substitutes. You can even add some spinach at the end!
Noodles: Egg noodles are classic, but any pasta works. For a gluten-free option, look for rice noodles or chickpea pasta.
Lemon: The lemon brightens the soup. If you prefer, lime works as well for a different twist.
How Do I Get the Chicken Just Right?
Cooking the chicken perfectly is important for a tasty soup. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with medium heat when heating the oil and sautéing the onions and garlic. This prevents burning.
- Simmer the chicken gently in broth instead of a rolling boil to keep it tender.
- Check the chicken is done by cutting it open; it should be white with no pink. If you have a meat thermometer, 165°F is the perfect temperature.
Let the chicken rest a bit before shredding; it helps keep the juices in! Enjoy your delicious chicken soup!
Delicious Chicken Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken breast or 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 6 cups chicken broth or water
Vegetables:
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Noodles and Spices:
- 1 cup egg noodles or wide noodles
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty chicken soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 35 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll spend about 45 minutes turning fresh ingredients into a warm, comforting bowl of chicken soup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them together until they become fragrant and translucent, which takes about 3-4 minutes. This creates a flavorful base for your soup!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Now add the chicken breasts to the pot along with the chicken broth or water. Bring everything to a nice boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer away—this is where the magic happens!
3. Add Vegetables:
Throw in the sliced carrots and celery into the broth. Let the soup simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. You want the chicken to be cooked through and the veggies to be nice and tender!
4. Shred the Chicken:
Carefully take the chicken breasts out of the pot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This is where you can really see how juicy and tender it is!
5. Bring It All Together:
Put the shredded chicken back into the pot, and add the egg noodles and sliced lemon. Let it cook for another 8-10 minutes, until the noodles are perfectly tender and have soaked up all that delicious flavor.
6. Finish with Parsley and Seasoning:
Stir in the chopped parsley and add salt and pepper to taste. This gives your soup a fresh and vibrant kick!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, and don’t forget to garnish with extra parsley if you like. Serve hot and enjoy every cozy spoonful!
This classic chicken soup is comforting, nourishing, and perfect for any day. It’s packed with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and comforting broth, topped off with a hint of lemon for brightness. Enjoy your bowl of happiness!
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken Instead of Raw Chicken?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred the cooked chicken and add it to the soup in the last 10 minutes of cooking. This way, it gets heated through without overcooking.
What If I Don’t Have Egg Noodles?
No worries! You can use any type of pasta you have on hand, such as fusilli or penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta’s package instructions to ensure it’s cooked perfectly.
How Do I Make This Soup Low-Sodium?
To make a low-sodium version, use low-sodium chicken broth or even water with herbs for flavor. You can also skip adding extra salt, adjusting seasoning to your preference.
How Should I Store Leftover Chicken Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the soup, as it may thicken in the fridge. Heat gently on the stove or in the microwave!
