Name: Chicken Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 3 carrots, sliced; 3 celery stalks, sliced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; 8 cups chicken broth; 2 bay leaves; 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional); Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)

Nourishing and comforting, this classic chicken soup is filled with tender shredded chicken, hearty vegetables, and flavorful herbs. I love making this when the weather turns chilly or when I need something soothing and satisfying. It’s a timeless recipe that always hits the spot—simple to prepare, yet packed with depth and warmth.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, diced

3 carrots, sliced

3 celery stalks, sliced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

Salt and pepper to taste

8 cups chicken broth

2 bay leaves

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)

Directions

I heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

I add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5–7 minutes until they soften.

Next, I stir in the garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper, and let it all cook together for another minute.

I pour in the chicken broth and drop in the bay leaves.

Then I add the chicken to the pot and bring everything to a gentle boil.

Once boiling, I reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

I remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and discard the bay leaves.

I return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.

Before serving, I taste and adjust the seasoning. Sometimes I add a bit of fresh parsley and a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 servings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories per serving: 270 kcal

Variations

When I want to mix it up, I like to add a handful of noodles, rice, or even quinoa for extra heartiness. If I have extra vegetables in the fridge, like spinach or zucchini, I’ll toss those in too. Sometimes I swap the chicken for leftover turkey, especially after the holidays. And if I’m craving something spicier, a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce gives it a great kick.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This soup also freezes really well—I pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags and label them with the date. When I’m ready to reheat, I warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, I just add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

FAQs

How can I make this soup even more flavorful?

I sometimes sauté the vegetables a bit longer to develop deeper flavor or use a mix of homemade and store-bought broth for a richer taste. A squeeze of lemon at the end also brightens it beautifully.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, I’ve made this in a slow cooker on low for about 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. I just add all the ingredients and shred the chicken before serving.

What can I use instead of chicken breasts?

Chicken thighs work wonderfully—they’re juicy and flavorful. I also like using a whole roasted chicken when I want to save time and add extra depth.

Is this recipe Whole30 compliant?

It is! As long as I use compliant chicken broth and avoid noodles or grains, this chicken soup fits perfectly into a Whole30 plan.

Can I add noodles to this soup?

Absolutely. I’ve added egg noodles, gluten-free noodles, or even orzo. I just cook them separately and stir them in at the end so they don’t get too soft.

Conclusion

This classic chicken soup is one I keep in my regular rotation. It’s cozy, nourishing, and endlessly versatile—perfect for any season but especially welcome on cold or rainy days. Whether I’m making it for myself or sharing with family, it always brings comfort and warmth.

📖 Recipe:

Chicken Soup

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Nourishing and comforting, this classic chicken soup features tender shredded chicken, hearty vegetables, and flavorful herbs. It’s simple to prepare, naturally gluten-free, and perfect for chilly days or when you need something soothing.