The Coziest Ultimate Chicken Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Cold nights call for comfort, and this soul-warming ultimate chicken soup recipe delivers pure culinary magic.

Generations of home cooks have perfected the art of crafting a deeply satisfying broth that hugs you from the inside out.

Tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs dance together in a pot of liquid gold.

Each spoonful tells a story of warmth and nourishment, inviting you to slow down and savor every moment.

Packed with rich flavors and healing properties, this soup transcends ordinary meal preparation.

Ladle up a bowl and let the hearty goodness restore your spirit and energize your day.

Ingredients for Ultimate Chicken Soup

• Chicken: A protein-rich ingredient that provides the hearty base for this comforting soup.
• Broth: The flavorful liquid that forms the foundation of the soup and helps cook the chicken.

• Carrots, Parsnips, Celery, Leek, Onion: A classic vegetable blend that adds depth, nutrition, and aromatic flavors to the soup.
• Garlic: A powerful ingredient that enhances the overall taste and provides additional health benefits.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
• Parsley, Herb Sprigs, Bay Leaf: Fresh herbs that provide a bright, aromatic finish and additional layer of complexity to the soup.

Making the Ultimate Chicken Soup

Step 1: Prepare Aromatic Vegetable Base

In a spacious cooking vessel, warm olive oil over medium heat.

Toss in chopped carrots, parsnips, celery, leek, and onion.

Gently sauté the vegetables until they become soft and slightly translucent, stirring occasionally.

Sprinkle minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper into the mix.

Continue cooking for an additional minute to release the garlic’s fragrant aroma.

Step 2: Poach Tender Chicken

Gently nestle fresh herb sprigs into the vegetable mixture.

Add whole chicken pieces and pour in rich, flavorful broth.

Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.

Cover the pot and let the chicken cook slowly, becoming tender and infused with herb essence.

Cook for approximately 15 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked through.

Step 3: Shred and Enhance Chicken

Carefully remove the chicken from the pot using tongs.

Using two forks, pull the chicken apart into delicate, bite-sized shreds.

Return the shredded chicken to the simmering broth.

Allow the meat to warm through for an additional 1-2 minutes, absorbing the surrounding flavors.

Step 4: Final Touches and Serving

Pluck out the spent herb sprigs and bay leaf from the soup.

Sprinkle in freshly chopped parsley, stirring to distribute the bright green herbs.

Ladle the steaming soup into warm bowls.

Garnish with an extra sprinkle of parsley and a crack of black pepper.

Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting, healing warmth of this classic chicken soup.

Pro Tips for Ultimate Chicken Soup

• Chop vegetables uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Use fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary for deeper, more vibrant flavor profile.
• Check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure safe and perfectly cooked meat.
• Use homemade or high-quality store-bought chicken broth for richer, more complex taste.
• Swap regular salt with low-sodium alternatives or use herb seasonings for healthier version.

Chicken Soup Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a protein-packed meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap parsnips and carrots with zucchini and cauliflower. Add extra herbs and spices to boost flavor intensity.
• Mediterranean Style: Incorporate diced tomatoes, oregano, and swap parsley with fresh basil. Use lemon zest to brighten the soup's profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Kick: Add jalapeños, cumin, and chili powder. Replace chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken or black beans for extra warmth.

Serving Ultimate Chicken Soup

• Comfort Bowl Companion: Serve with warm, crusty sourdough bread for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
• Hearty Meal Enhancer: Pair with a light quinoa or barley salad to add extra texture and nutritional balance to the soup.
• Warming Sidekick: Top with crispy croutons or toasted pumpkin seeds for a delightful crunch that complements the tender chicken and soft vegetables.
• Flavor Booster: Offer a side of fresh lemon wedges for guests to squeeze over their soup, adding a bright, zesty note that lifts the entire dish.

Storing Ultimate Chicken Soup Properly

• Store leftover chicken soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label containers with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth if the soup seems too thick.
• Keep chicken and broth separately if you want to maintain the soup's texture. Store broth and chicken in different containers to prevent the meat from becoming too soft during storage.

FAQs

• How do I choose the best chicken for this soup?

Select a whole chicken or bone-in chicken pieces for richer flavor and more tender meat. Fresh, high-quality chicken ensures the best taste and texture in your soup.

• Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day. The flavors develop and intensify when refrigerated overnight. Simply reheat gently before serving.

• What herbs work best in this chicken soup?

Classic herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf are perfect. They add depth and complexity to the broth. Fresh herbs provide more robust flavor compared to dried herbs.

Ultimate Chicken Soup Key Benefits

• Boost Nutrition: Packed with colorful vegetables and lean protein, this chicken soup delivers a powerful health punch that nourishes your body and satisfies your taste buds.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Comfort Food Champion: Warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying, this soup provides ultimate comfort during chilly days or when you're feeling under the weather, wrapping you in a culinary hug.
• Versatile Serving Option: Easily adaptable for different preferences, you can customize the soup with extra herbs, serve alongside crusty bread, or adjust seasoning to suit your family's taste.

Ultimate Chicken Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Ultimate Chicken Soup delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, warming souls with rich, healing broth. Savory herbs and tender chicken create a nourishing embrace you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 5 cups (1.2 liters) low-sodium chicken broth

Vegetables:

• 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 parsnips, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery ribs, sliced
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 1 leek, halved, sliced and rinsed
• 4 garlic cloves, minced

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 sprigs fresh tarragon
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh parsley, roughly chopped

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Instructions

1. In a spacious stockpot, warm olive oil over medium heat and gently sauté chopped carrots, parsnips, celery, leek, and onion for approximately 4-5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and release aromatic flavors.
2. Introduce minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground pepper, cooking for an additional minute to enhance the fragrant base of the soup.
3. Add fresh herb sprigs, whole chicken pieces, and rich broth to the vegetable mixture, bringing the liquid to a rolling boil before reducing heat and simmering covered for 15 minutes until chicken is thoroughly cooked.
4. Carefully extract the chicken from the pot and use two forks to meticulously shred the meat into tender, bite-sized pieces.
5. Return shredded chicken to the simmering broth, allowing the flavors to meld for an additional 1-2 minutes.
6. Remove and discard herb sprigs and bay leaf to ensure a clean, smooth soup texture.
7. Finish the soup by stirring in freshly chopped parsley, creating a vibrant and aromatic final touch.
8. Serve piping hot, garnishing with extra parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper for added depth and visual appeal.

Notes

• Customize Vegetable Selection Experiment with seasonal root vegetables like turnips or sweet potatoes for added depth and nutrition.
• Boost Protein Consider adding cooked quinoa or white beans to make the soup more filling and protein-rich.
• Enhance Flavor Roast vegetables briefly before adding to the pot to intensify their natural sweetness and create a more complex taste profile.
• Make Ahead Option Chicken soup tastes even better the next day, so prepare in advance and let flavors meld overnight in the refrigerator for maximum deliciousness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 70mg