The Best Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This homemade chicken soup is the perfect comfort food, easy to make, and packed with flavor. You’ll love how simple it is to whip up, even on a busy day.

Heals and comforts—it’s like a warm hug in a bowl, especially when you’re feeling under the weather.

Customizable—add your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own.

Budget-friendly—uses basic ingredients you likely already have at home.

Recipe

When the weather turns chilly, nothing beats a comforting bowl of homemade chicken soup. This classic recipe is easy to make and perfect for using up leftover chicken or a whole bird.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs) or 4 cups cooked chicken
• 8 cups water or chicken broth
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup egg noodles or rice (optional)

Instructions:

1. If using a whole chicken, place it in a large pot and cover with water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 1 hour or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Remove the chicken and let it cool. Shred the meat, discarding the skin and bones.
2. In the same pot, add carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add the shredded chicken back to the pot. If using noodles or rice, add them now and cook until tender, about 10 minutes for noodles or 20 minutes for rice.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Notes:

For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth. Add other vegetables like peas or corn for variety.

Equipment:

Large pot, cutting board, knife, measuring cups and spoons.

Time:

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Cuisine:

American

Serving:

Serves 6

Nutrition

Chicken soup is a nutritious and comforting dish, packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.

Calories: 215 | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 18g

Fat: 8g | Sodium: 890mg | Fiber: 2g

Vitamin A: 35% DV | Vitamin C: 10% DV | Calcium: 4%

What To Serve With It

I love serving my homemade chicken soup with warm, crusty bread or buttery garlic toast for a cozy, comforting meal. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll pair it with a fresh green salad or a side of roasted vegetables to balance the flavors. Sometimes, I even go for crackers or a cheesy biscuit to make it a bit more fun.

Pairing Suggestions

Since a warm bowl of homemade chicken soup is already comforting on its own, you might wonder what could make it even better—the right sides! I love pairing it with hearty rolls or a crusty baguette, perfect for dipping into the rich broth. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a fresh, crisp contrast. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll include some roasted veggies or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top. For heartier appetites, a side of buttered noodles or rice works wonders. Trust me, these pairings elevate every spoonful!

Bread Options

Nothing beats dunking a warm, buttery piece of bread into a steaming bowl of chicken soup—it’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds! When I serve my homemade soup, I always grab a toasted baguette or fresh ciabatta. The crispy crust of a toasted baguette soaks up the broth perfectly, while its soft inside melts in your mouth. Fresh ciabatta, with its chewy texture and airy pockets, adds a hearty touch. Sometimes, I’ll brush the bread with garlic butter for extra flavor. Trust me, pairing the right bread with soup turns a meal into something truly special.