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Chicken Soup Recipe

This easy homemade chicken soup is warm, nourishing, and full of rich, savory flavor. With tender shredded chicken, hearty vegetables, and a golden broth, it’s the ultimate comfort meal for cozy nights or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 42 minutes
optional 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 3 large carrots peeled and sliced
  • 3 celery stalks chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 ½ pounds bone-in skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • Optional: 1 cup egg noodles or cooked rice for serving
  • Optional garnish: extra parsley or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Method
 

  1. Sauté the aromatics. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly and the onion turns translucent.
  2. Add the garlic and herbs. Stir in garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, this builds the flavor base.
  3. Add the chicken and liquids. Nestle the chicken pieces into the pot, then pour in chicken broth and water. Add the bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 35–40 minutes.
  4. Shred the chicken. Remove chicken pieces from the pot and shred with two forks. Discard bones and return the meat to the soup.
  5. Optional noodles or rice. If using egg noodles, stir them into the simmering broth and cook according to package directions (usually 7–8 minutes). For rice, stir in pre-cooked rice near the end.
  6. Finish and taste. Stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning, add salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.