Easy chicken soup is a warm, savory delight that brings comfort to any chilly day. This recipe is not only quick and simple but also packed with nutritious ingredients, making it a family-friendly favorite. You’ll love how effortlessly you can create a bowl of goodness that warms the soul!
Table of Contents
Easy Chicken Soup Ingredients
Essential Vegetables for Flavor
For the perfect easy chicken soup, start with vibrant vegetables. You’ll need 4 medium carrots, 3 parsnips, and 3 celery ribs to create a hearty base. These ingredients add a subtle sweetness and rich flavor, enhancing the overall taste of your soup.
Choosing the Right Chicken
Using 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts gives your soup a tender and juicy texture. You can also substitute chicken thighs for extra flavor and moisture. This choice ensures that every bite is packed with savory goodness.
Fresh Herbs vs. Dried Herbs
Fresh herbs like thyme and tarragon elevate the soup’s aroma and flavor profile. If you don’t have fresh herbs, feel free to use dried versions. Just remember to start with less, about ½ teaspoon each, and adjust according to your taste, as dried herbs are more potent.
How to Make Easy Chicken Soup
Preparing the Vegetables
Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced carrots, parsnips, celery, leek, and diced onion. Sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often until they soften and release their fragrant essence. This step is essential for creating a flavorful base.
Cooking the Chicken
Next, mix in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Cook for another minute to infuse the flavors. Then, add the chicken breasts, fresh thyme, tarragon, bay leaf, and 5 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it with tongs and shred it on a cutting board using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and let it simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes. Finally, discard the thyme, tarragon, and bay leaf before stirring in ¼ cup of roughly chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Storage Tips for Chicken Soup
Refrigerating the Soup
After enjoying your delicious easy chicken soup, allow it to cool before storing it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. This makes it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches during the week.
Freezing for Later Use
If you want to save some for later, freeze your soup in a glass container or silicone tray. It will keep well for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy its comforting warmth whenever you need it.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, simply microwave single servings until warm. This way, you can indulge in a cozy bowl of easy chicken soup whenever the craving strikes!
Common Questions About Chicken Soup
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables, like peas or zucchini, to customize your soup. The versatility is part of what makes this easy chicken soup so appealing.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried herbs will work just fine. Start with ½ teaspoon of each and adjust to taste, keeping in mind that they are more concentrated.
How Long Does Chicken Soup Last?
Chicken soup can last in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. If frozen, it maintains its quality for up to 3 months.
Related Recipes to Try
- Tasty Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Creamy White Chicken Chili
- Easy Taco Soup
- Comforting Potsticker Soup
FAQs
What do you put in chicken soup?
You can put a variety of ingredients in chicken soup, including chicken, vegetables like carrots and celery, fresh herbs, and broth.
How does chicken soup make you better?
Chicken soup can be soothing and hydrating, making it a comforting choice when feeling under the weather.
How long does chicken soup keep?
Chicken soup keeps well in the refrigerator for about 4 to 5 days. If frozen, it lasts up to 3 months.
How long does chicken soup need to be cooked for?
Chicken soup typically needs to simmer for about 15 minutes to cook the chicken thoroughly.
Conclusion
This easy chicken soup recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s not only nourishing but also allows for creativity with ingredients. For more delicious ideas, check out Elly’s Pinterest page for inspiring recipes. Whether you’re trying the Tasty Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup or the Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup, you’ll find plenty of options to warm your heart and home!
Easy Chicken Soup: Comforting and Delicious
Equipment
- large pot
- cutting board
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 medium parsnips, peeled and sliced or substitute with turnips or potatoes
- 3 ribs celery, sliced
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 1 leek, halved lengthwise, sliced, and rinsed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts can substitute with chicken thighs
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs fresh tarragon
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté carrots, parsnips, celery, leek, and onion for 4-5 minutes, then add garlic, salt, and pepper for another minute.
- Add thyme, tarragon, bay leaf, chicken, and broth; bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 15 minutes until chicken is cooked.
- Remove chicken, shred it, and return to the pot to simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Discard herbs, stir in parsley, and garnish with additional parsley and black pepper before serving.