There’s something timeless about a bowl of chicken soup. Whether it’s a cold winter evening or a day when you just need something comforting, chicken soup has the magical ability to warm you from the inside out. It’s a dish that’s been passed down through generations, adapted by cultures all over the world.
This easy, fast chicken soup recipe is a modern take on a classic, offering convenience without sacrificing flavor. The beauty of this recipe is how quickly you can prepare it-perfect for busy nights, when you’re craving something homemade, yet don’t have the luxury of hours to spend in the kitchen. So, let’s dive into this flavorful, nourishing recipe that will surely become a staple in your kitchen!
Easy Fast Chicken Soup Recipe
This chicken soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that can be made in under an hour. Packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and a light, savory broth, it’s the perfect meal for any occasion. Here’s how you can make it:
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken breast (or thighs) – 2 large breasts or 4 thighs (boneless, skinless)
- Carrots – 3 medium-sized, peeled and sliced into rounds
- Celery stalks – 2-3 stalks, sliced thinly
- Yellow onion – 1 medium, diced
- Garlic – 2-3 cloves, minced
- Chicken broth – 6 cups (low-sodium if preferred)
- Bay leaves – 2
- Fresh thyme – 1 teaspoon (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- Salt – 1 teaspoon (to taste)
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon (to taste)
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
- Frozen peas – 1 cup (optional, but adds color and sweetness)
- Egg noodles or rice – 1 cup (optional)
- Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon (for a light, zesty finish)
Cooking Instructions
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Prepare The Chicken
- Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper, then sauté for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the pot and set aside. Once cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
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Cook The Vegetables
- In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed, then sauté the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften and the onions become translucent.
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Add Broth And Herbs
- Pour in the chicken broth, then add bay leaves and thyme. Bring the soup to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together for 15-20 minutes. The vegetables should be tender by this point.
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Shred The Chicken
- While the broth is simmering, shred the pre-cooked chicken. Add it back into the pot, stir well, and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
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Final Touches
- If you’re using noodles or rice, add them in at this stage. Let them cook until tender, which will take about 8-10 minutes for noodles, or about 12-15 minutes for rice.
- If you’re adding frozen peas, stir them in for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
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Finish And Serve
- Once everything is tender and fully cooked, add lemon juice to the pot. Stir, taste, and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, and enjoy your homemade, easy chicken soup!
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in this recipe serves a purpose, creating a soup that’s not just delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits:
- Chicken: The main protein in this soup. Chicken breast is lean and provides a great source of protein, while chicken thighs bring a richer, juicier texture. Both are fantastic for adding depth of flavor.
- Carrots and Celery: These classic soup vegetables bring crunch, sweetness, and an earthy, fresh taste. They also provide fiber, vitamins A and C, and other antioxidants.
- Garlic and Onion: The aromatic base that infuses your soup with rich flavors. Garlic has antimicrobial properties, while onions provide a natural sweetness and boost the overall flavor.
- Chicken Broth: The key liquid base, infusing your soup with savory richness. You can use homemade broth for extra depth, or opt for store-bought for convenience.
- Herbs (Thyme & Bay Leaves): Fresh thyme adds a woodsy, earthy note that complements the chicken. Bay leaves lend a subtle depth that rounds out the flavor of the broth.
- Lemon Juice: This ingredient is the game changer. A simple squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the soup, adding a zesty contrast to the richness of the chicken and broth.
Expert Tips
- Maximize Flavor with Homemade Broth: If you have time, make your own chicken broth using leftover bones and scraps. It’s easy, incredibly flavorful, and will elevate your soup to the next level.
- Shredding the Chicken: Shred your chicken while it’s still slightly warm for easier shredding and better texture. Using two forks works best.
- Simmering the Vegetables: Don’t rush the cooking of your vegetables. Allowing them to soften and caramelize in the broth brings out their natural sweetness and enhances the flavor profile.
- Add a Starch for a Heartier Meal: If you want to make this soup even more filling, toss in some rice, potatoes, or noodles. Make sure to cook the starch separately and add it just before serving to keep it from becoming mushy.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat in your soup. It balances beautifully with the richness of the broth.
Recipe Variations
This soup is a versatile base, so feel free to get creative and customize it to your taste:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and opt for plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or even chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian meal.
- Spicy Chicken Soup: Kick it up a notch with jalapeños, chili powder, or sriracha for a spicy, bold kick. Pair it with some cilantro and lime for extra zing.
- Creamy Chicken Soup: For a creamy version, stir in some heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of cooking. This adds richness and a smooth texture to the broth.
- Add More Greens: Toss in some spinach, kale, or even Swiss chard. The greens will wilt nicely and add extra nutrients without overpowering the flavor.
Final Words
This easy, fast chicken soup recipe is all about simplicity and comfort. With its minimal prep time, you can have a nourishing bowl ready in under an hour, perfect for a weeknight dinner, a chilly day, or whenever you need a bit of TLC in a bowl. Plus, with so many ways to customize the recipe, it’s something you can make your own.