Ultimate Chicken Soup

Featured in Satisfying Hearty Mains.

A healing chicken soup featuring tender poached chicken and fresh vegetables in a herb-infused broth. Perfect for cold weather and ready in 30 minutes.

Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:14:05 GMT
A bowl of hearty chicken soup featuring shredded chicken, diced carrots, potatoes, and fresh parsley in a flavorful broth. Pin it
A bowl of hearty chicken soup featuring shredded chicken, diced carrots, potatoes, and fresh parsley in a flavorful broth. | recipesbyclare.com

You don't need fancy ingredients to make the most comforting chicken soup just tender chicken fresh vegetables and herbs simmering in broth. I love how something so simple can warm your soul and boost your immune system at the same time.

Pure Comfort Here

I've been making this soup for over ten years now and it never fails to make everything better. Instead of noodles I use parsnips they add such lovely sweetness along with fresh thyme and tarragon it's pure cozy magic.

What You'll Need

  • Chicken: Two breasts though thighs work beautifully too.
  • Fresh Veggies: Carrots parsnips leeks celery onion garlic all chopped nice and even.
  • Fresh Herbs: Thyme tarragon bay leaf makes everything fragrant.
  • Good Broth: Four cups the better quality the better your soup.

Let's Cook Together

Start With Veggies
Get those veggies going in some oil just until they start to soften. Add garlic at the end with salt and pepper.
Cook That Chicken
Add herbs chicken and broth bring it up to a bubble then let it simmer nice and gentle.
Make It Pretty
Shred up that tender chicken pop it back in let all those flavors come together.
Final Touch
Fish out those herb sprigs fresh parsley on top ready to enjoy.
A bowl of chicken soup featuring shredded chicken, carrots, celery, and herbs in a flavorful broth. Pin it
A bowl of chicken soup featuring shredded chicken, carrots, celery, and herbs in a flavorful broth. | recipesbyclare.com

Keep It Fresh

Let everything cool before storing keeps beautifully in the fridge for almost a week. I love freezing portions in those silicone trays perfect for single servings. Just pop one out whenever you need some comfort.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I toss in peas or zucchini maybe even some zoodles. Using dried herbs? Start small you can always add more. Try adding ginger and turmeric gives it such a lovely golden color and warmth.

Good For You Too

This soup's like a vitamin boost in a bowl. Protein from the chicken nutrients from fresh veggies antioxidants from those herbs. Plus something about warm broth just makes you feel better from the inside out.

Why I Love Parsnips

Trading noodles for parsnips was a game changer. They bring this natural sweetness plus they're packed with fiber. Makes the soup heartier but still light perfect for anyone skipping gluten.

A bowl of chicken soup filled with shredded chicken, carrots, celery, and herbs in a savory broth. Pin it
A bowl of chicken soup filled with shredded chicken, carrots, celery, and herbs in a savory broth. | recipesbyclare.com

Herb Magic

Fresh thyme and tarragon make all the difference. That earthy thyme with tarragon's gentle licorice notes just perfect with chicken. Don't worry if you need to use dried just start small.

Perfect Partners

Nothing beats dunking crusty bread in this soup. Sometimes I'll serve it with a light salad or half sandwich. Roasted veggies on the side make it feel extra special.

Plan Ahead

I love making a big batch on Sunday portioning it out for the week. Such a treat having this ready whenever you need some comfort no matter how busy life gets.

More Soup Love

If you love this one try making lentil soup or my veggie soup. Each one's unique but they all bring that same cozy comfort especially when it's chilly out.

A bowl of chicken soup filled with shredded chicken, carrots, celery, and herbs in a savory broth. Pin it
A bowl of chicken soup filled with shredded chicken, carrots, celery, and herbs in a savory broth. | recipesbyclare.com

Broth Matters

Good broth makes good soup that's my motto. I try to use organic or make my own when I can. Skip those super salty ones with artificial flavors just doesn't taste the same.

Perfect Poached Chicken

Keep that heat low and gentle when cooking the chicken. Check with a thermometer 165°F is just right. Gives you tender juicy chicken every time.

Season With Love

Always taste before serving maybe add a pinch more salt fresh pepper squeeze of lemon. Fresh parsley on top makes everything prettier and tastier.

Watch Out For

Don't let those veggies get too soft nobody likes mushy soup. Same with the chicken tough chicken's no good. Fresh herbs really do make it special dried just isn't quite the same.

A bowl of chicken soup filled with shredded chicken, diced potatoes, and carrots, garnished with parsley. Pin it
A bowl of chicken soup filled with shredded chicken, diced potatoes, and carrots, garnished with parsley. | recipesbyclare.com

Pure Comfort

There's a reason chicken soup's been around forever. Something about it just makes everything better whether you're feeling under the weather or just need a hug in a bowl.

Any Time Any Place

Works for fancy dinner parties casual lunches cozy dinners at home. Everyone loves a good bowl of chicken soup it just fits every occasion.

Around The World

Every culture has their take on chicken soup. Try it Mexican style with lime and cilantro or Thai style with coconut milk. Each version brings its own special something.

Nothing Like Homemade

You just can't beat soup made from scratch. Control what goes in make it exactly how you like. Plus that smell filling your kitchen while it simmers pure happiness.

A hearty bowl of chicken soup filled with shredded chicken, carrots, potatoes, and herbs, garnished with parsley and served with a spoon. Pin it
A hearty bowl of chicken soup filled with shredded chicken, carrots, potatoes, and herbs, garnished with parsley and served with a spoon. | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ When should I add the garlic?

While the video shows garlic added first, it's best to sauté the vegetables first, then add garlic with salt and pepper for optimal flavor.

→ How can I easily shred the chicken?

You can use two forks or check the author's shredded chicken recipe for a stand mixer hack that makes it easier.

→ Can I use dried herbs?

Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but dried herbs can work in a pinch. Use about 1/3 the amount if substituting dried herbs.

→ Why rinse the leeks?

Leeks often have dirt between their layers. Slicing and rinsing helps remove any hidden grit for a cleaner soup.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Yes, this soup keeps well and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Store in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

A nourishing and comforting chicken soup that combines tender poached chicken with a variety of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. This easy-to-make recipe provides warmth and nutrition in just 30 minutes.

Ultimate Chicken Soup Recipe

This nourishing and healing chicken soup recipe is loaded with poached chicken, carrots, parsnips, celery, leek, onion, garlic and fresh herbs.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.
02 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced.
03 3 parsnips, peeled and sliced.
04 3 celery ribs, sliced.
05 1/2 medium onion, diced.
06 1 leek, halved, sliced and rinsed.
07 4 garlic cloves, minced.
08 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
09 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
10 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
11 2 sprigs fresh thyme.
12 2 sprigs fresh tarragon.
13 1 bay leaf.
14 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth.
15 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oil in large pot. Saute carrots, parsnips, celery, leek, and onion 4-5 minutes. Add garlic, salt, and pepper, cook 1 minute more.

Step 02

Add herbs, chicken, and broth. Bring to boil, then simmer covered for 15 minutes until chicken is cooked.

Step 03

Remove chicken, shred with forks, return to pot. Simmer 1-2 minutes more.

Step 04

Remove herb sprigs and bay leaf. Stir in parsley and serve with extra parsley and pepper.

Notes

  1. Can use stand mixer to shred chicken.
  2. Make sure to rinse leeks well.
  3. Follow recipe order for best results.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot or Dutch oven.
  • Tongs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 319
  • Total Fat: 11 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 38 g
  • Protein: 21 g