Easy Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe

Chicken soup – a dish that is as comforting as it is nourishing. Whether you’re curled up on the couch after a long day or trying to fight off a cold, there’s just something about a bowl of homemade chicken soup that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s simple, satisfying, and full of flavor, yet it has this magical way of making you feel warm inside. Best of all? It’s incredibly easy to make from scratch, with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Today, I’m going to walk you through an easy homemade chicken soup recipe that will not only fill your home with mouthwatering aromas but also provide you with a hearty, healthy meal that you can whip up in under an hour.

This chicken soup recipe is straightforward, using ingredients you’re familiar with, but it doesn’t skimp on taste. The rich chicken broth is paired with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and just the right amount of seasoning.

Ingredients Needed

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1 lb): Chicken breasts are classic for this soup, but thighs can bring a richer, more savory flavor.
Carrots (2 medium): Sliced into small rounds. They’ll add sweetness and texture.
Celery (2 stalks): Diced. Celery brings a wonderful crunch and subtle earthiness.
Onion (1 medium): Chopped finely. Onions form the base of many soups and are essential for a flavorful broth.
Garlic (3 cloves): Minced. Garlic infuses the soup with deep, aromatic richness.
Chicken broth (6 cups): For the soup base. Make sure to use a low-sodium option, so you can adjust the salt levels to your liking.
Bay leaves (2): These add a subtle depth of flavor that’s nearly impossible to pinpoint but totally necessary.
Thyme (1 tsp dried or 2 tsp fresh): Thyme complements chicken beautifully, offering a delicate herbal fragrance.
Parsley (2 tbsp, fresh): Chopped, for garnish. Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh finish.
Salt and pepper: To taste, to bring everything together.
Olive oil (1 tbsp): For sautéing your veggies at the start.
Egg noodles or rice (optional, 1 cup): If you like your chicken soup with some carbs to make it even heartier.

Cooking Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients
- Slice the carrots, dice the celery, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. If using fresh thyme, strip the leaves off the stem.
Cook The Chicken
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts or thighs, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on both sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken and set it aside to cool slightly.
Sauté The Veggies
- In the same pot, add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until they start to soften and the onions turn translucent.
Build The Broth
- Add the chicken broth to the pot, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This adds flavor!
- Toss in the bay leaves, thyme, and more salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Shred The Chicken
- While the soup is simmering, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Once the vegetables are cooked, add the shredded chicken back into the pot.
Add noodles or rice (optional):
- If you’re using noodles or rice, add them to the pot and let the soup simmer until they’re cooked through (usually 5-8 minutes for noodles, or 10-12 minutes for rice). If you’re not adding them, skip this step and move on.
Final Seasoning And Serve
- Taste the soup, and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaves, then ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot!

Ingredient Insights

Chicken: Chicken breasts are lean, but chicken thighs provide a richer flavor and tenderness. Using bone-in chicken can give your broth even more flavor, but it requires a bit more time and effort. Both cuts work well, so feel free to use what you have.
Carrots and Celery: These two vegetables form the “mirepoix” – the base of many classic soups and stews. Together, they provide sweetness and crunch, adding great texture to the soup.
Herbs and Spices: Bay leaves give a subtle complexity that’s hard to describe but makes a huge difference. Thyme, with its earthy notes, complements the savory chicken perfectly, while fresh parsley adds a zesty freshness to the finished dish.

Expert Tips

Don’t skimp on the broth: A good quality chicken broth is key to an excellent chicken soup. You can even make your own if you have the time – it’s a simple process, and the results are well worth it.
Don’t overcook the chicken: If you leave the chicken in too long, it can become dry and stringy. Shred it as soon as it’s cool enough to handle.
Adjust the salt and pepper: Since chicken broth can vary in sodium, taste as you go to avoid an overly salty soup.
Make it ahead: Like most soups, chicken soup tastes even better the next day. You can easily make it in advance and reheat it – the flavors just meld together more.
For extra richness: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream for a creamy version.

Recipe Variations

Creamy Chicken Soup: For a richer, creamier version, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half in the final steps, stirring it into the soup once you’ve shredded the chicken.
Vegetable Chicken Soup: Add other veggies like potatoes, zucchini, or corn for a heartier soup. Just be sure to chop everything into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
Spicy Chicken Soup: Spice it up by adding a chopped jalapeño, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or some crushed red pepper flakes.
Lemon Chicken Soup: For a bright, zesty twist, squeeze in the juice of half a lemon before serving or add some lemon zest to the soup for extra fragrance.
Herbed Chicken Soup: Play with different herbs like rosemary or oregano, or even add a small bunch of fresh dill to the broth.

Final Words

Chicken soup is one of those recipes that is endlessly versatile. From adding extra veggies to switching up the seasoning, there’s always room to make it your own. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something easy, healthy, and comforting. Plus, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re making it for yourself, your family, or to share with friends, it’s one of those dishes that brings everyone together around the table.

Easy Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe