Description
This Classic Chicken Soup recipe is a warm and comforting homemade soup made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and flavorful herbs. Perfect for a cozy meal, it uses simple ingredients simmered together to create a nourishing broth. Optional additions like egg noodles and lemon juice elevate the soup, making it a versatile favorite for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Broth
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 8 cups chicken broth
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
Optional Ingredients
- 1 cup egg noodles
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (for brightness)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery stalks. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to bring out its flavor.
- Add broth & chicken: Pour in the chicken broth. Add the boneless chicken breasts or thighs along with dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 20–25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the soup pot and stir to combine.
- Add noodles (optional): If using egg noodles, add them to the soup now. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 6–8 minutes, until the noodles are tender but not mushy.
- Finish & serve: Stir in lemon juice if desired to add brightness to the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve the soup warm.
Notes
- For a richer broth, use bone-in chicken pieces instead of boneless.
- Adding a bay leaf while simmering enhances the flavor; remember to remove before serving.
- To make a creamy version, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking.
- Adjust salt to taste depending on the sodium level of your chicken broth.
- Egg noodles are optional; you can substitute with rice or omit for a low-carb version.
