Description
This Homemade Chicken Soup is the ultimate cozy classic — hearty, nourishing, and soul-warming. Packed with tender chicken, fresh herbs, and comforting vegetables, it’s the perfect bowl of love for cold days, sick days, or any day you need a little warmth.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (or use raw and simmer longer)
1 bay leaf
1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup egg noodles or small pasta (optional)
2 tbsp chopped parsley
Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in chicken broth and add chicken, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes.
6. If using noodles, add them during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
7. Remove bay leaf, stir in parsley, and adjust seasoning.
8. (Optional) Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a light, refreshing finish.
9. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.
Notes
For extra depth, simmer with a parmesan rind or chicken bones.
Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
Add kale or spinach for a nutrient boost.
Freezes beautifully — make a big batch for easy weeknight comfort.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: homemade chicken soup, cozy soup, comfort food, healthy chicken soup, classic chicken noodle soup, winter dinner recipe