Easy Chicken Broth Soup Recipe

Chicken broth soup is a timeless, comforting dish that’s perfect for just about any occasion. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, need a quick meal to warm you up on a cold day, or just want something nourishing, chicken broth soup checks all the boxes. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its simplicity but also in its ability to pack so much flavor with minimal ingredients. It’s the type of recipe that feels like a warm hug in a bowl-filling, hearty, and incredibly soothing.

But what really makes chicken broth soup so appealing is its versatility. You can adjust the ingredients and seasonings to your liking, making it as hearty or light as you want. Plus, it’s a fantastic base for other dishes, from adding noodles or rice to experimenting with fresh herbs and veggies. The best part? It’s one of those dishes that can be whipped up in less than an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu get-togethers.

If you’re ready to dive into making a homemade chicken broth soup from scratch, then let’s break it down.

Easy Chicken Broth Soup Recipe

Let’s get down to business! This chicken broth soup is a one-pot wonder that’s super easy to make and absolutely delicious. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll memorize after just one go.

Ingredients Needed

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs (Boneless and Skinless) – 1 lb

  • Why: Chicken is the heart of this soup. Boneless and skinless cuts make for a quicker, more convenient meal while still packing all the flavor.

• Carrots – 2 medium, peeled and sliced

  • Why: Carrots add a natural sweetness and a pop of color. Plus, they’re packed with nutrients like beta-carotene, which is great for your immune system.

• Celery – 2 stalks, chopped

  • Why: Celery adds a mild, slightly earthy flavor and provides some crunch, which balances out the softer textures of the chicken and carrots.

• Onion – 1 medium, diced

  • Why: Onion is a must in any broth-based soup. It gives a savory depth of flavor that makes the broth sing.

• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced

  • Why: Garlic adds an aromatic layer to the soup that’s rich and comforting. It’s also great for boosting the immune system.

• Bay Leaves – 2

  • Why: Bay leaves contribute a subtle herbal, slightly bitter taste that enhances the flavor of the broth without being overwhelming.

• Chicken Broth – 6 cups (store-bought or homemade)

  • Why: The broth is what brings the whole soup together, providing a rich base for all the other ingredients to meld and release their flavors.

• Salt & Pepper – To taste

  • Why: These two are the essential seasonings that elevate the soup’s flavor. Always adjust to suit your taste.

• Fresh Parsley or Dill – For garnish (optional)

  • Why: Fresh herbs add brightness and a little zing at the end, giving the soup a fresh, vibrant finish.

Cooking Instructions

1. Prep The Ingredients

   • Slice the carrots and celery, dice the onion, and mince the garlic. Having all your veggies prepped beforehand will make the cooking process smoother.

2. Cook The Chicken

   • In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts or thighs, and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Once cooled, shred the chicken using two forks.

3. Sauté The Veggies

   • In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent. This step helps to release all the flavors from the veggies.

4. Simmer The Soup

   • Add the chicken broth, bay leaves, and shredded chicken to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, allowing all the ingredients to combine and the broth to develop rich flavors.

5. Final Seasoning

   • Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaves and discard them.

6. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or dill for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy!

Ingredient Insights

• Chicken: The star ingredient of the soup. Using boneless, skinless chicken helps keep it simple and low-maintenance. If you want more flavor, feel free to swap in bone-in chicken. It will give the broth a richer taste, but it does require a longer cooking time to extract the flavor from the bones.
• Carrots & Celery: These two ingredients, often referred to as the “mirepoix”, form the foundation of many soups and stews. They provide natural sweetness and flavor, while also adding texture and a bit of crunch to the soup.
• Onion & Garlic: Onions are the backbone of any savory dish, giving it depth and umami. Garlic complements this with its aromatic qualities, adding a punch of flavor that’s hard to beat.
• Bay Leaves: A small addition, but a crucial one. Bay leaves have a subtle flavor that’s often described as slightly floral and herbal. They add complexity to the broth without being overpowering.

Expert Tips

• Use Homemade Broth: If you have the time, homemade chicken broth can elevate this soup to the next level. It’s easy to make by simmering chicken bones with vegetables and water for a few hours. You’ll get a rich, savory broth that you can freeze and use in future recipes.
• Don’t Skip the Sauté Step: Sautéing the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery before adding the liquid is an important step. It helps caramelize the veggies, which intensifies their natural sweetness and flavor, making the broth even more flavorful.
• Shred the Chicken After Cooking: Let the chicken cool slightly before shredding it. This way, you avoid burning your hands, and you can control the texture. You want it to be in bite-sized pieces that’ll be easy to eat in the soup.
• Make it Ahead: Chicken broth soup actually tastes better the next day! The flavors have time to meld together and intensify, so making it a day in advance is a great option if you’re planning for a busy week ahead.

Recipe Variations

• Add Noodles or Rice: You can easily transform this soup into a more filling meal by adding noodles or rice. Try egg noodles for a traditional touch or jasmine rice for a fragrant twist.
• Add Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, or Swiss chard are great additions if you want to sneak in some extra greens. Add them during the last 5 minutes of cooking to keep them from getting too wilted.
• Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. A pinch of cayenne pepper can also add a nice kick without overpowering the flavors.
• Try Different Herbs: While parsley and dill are classic garnishes, you can experiment with thyme, rosemary, or tarragon. Each herb brings its own character to the soup, so feel free to play around with your favorites.

Final Words

Chicken broth soup is one of those dishes that’s deceptively simple but undeniably satisfying. There’s something deeply comforting about sitting down with a steaming bowl of homemade soup, knowing it was made from scratch with love. It’s the kind of meal that can bring back memories, whether it’s from childhood or a cozy evening spent with loved ones.

Whether you’re making it for the first time or perfecting your go-to recipe, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table. It’s versatile, adaptable, and most importantly-delicious.