Easy, Soothing, Tasty Chicken Soup
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Recipe Category: Under 60 Minutes
Servings: 4
Description
There’s nothing like a warm bowl of homemade chicken soup to offer comfort on a chilly night, provide some TLC when you’re feeling under the weather, or simply feed your soul on a busy day. This easy, soothing chicken soup recipe is quick to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekends when you want something simple yet hearty. What’s even better is that it’s an excellent way to use up leftover chicken. With a balance of tender vegetables, savory chicken, and comforting spices, this soup is both satisfying and nutritious. Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic to your liking, and if you’re not keen on spicy food, you can omit the green chilies—but they add a lovely depth of flavor without making the soup too hot.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion | 1 medium |
| Celery | 1 stalk |
| Carrots | 2-3 medium |
| Diced Green Chilies | 2 tbsp |
| Bottled Garlic | 1 tbsp |
| Fresh Garlic | 1 clove |
| Fresh Cilantro | 1 1/2 tbsp, chopped |
| Black Pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Rosemary | 1/4 tsp |
| Poultry Seasoning | 1/4 tsp |
| Chicken Bouillon Cubes | 6 cubes |
| Water | 6 cups |
| Leftover Cooked Chicken | 2-3 cups, shredded or diced |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 254.3 kcal |
| Total Fat | 8.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 79.5 mg |
| Sodium | 1614.7 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 14.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.5 g |
| Sugars | 6.8 g |
| Protein | 30.2 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Begin by finely chopping the onion, celery, and carrots. If you’re using fresh garlic, peel and mince the clove. If you have leftover cooked chicken, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. Set everything aside. -
Combine the Ingredients in a Pot:
In a large saucepan, add the chopped onion, celery, carrots, and green chilies (if using). Sprinkle in the bottled garlic, fresh garlic, cilantro, black pepper, rosemary, and poultry seasoning. Stir well to combine. -
Add Liquids:
Pour in the water and add the chicken bouillon cubes. Stir until the bouillon cubes begin to dissolve and everything is mixed evenly. -
Cook the Soup:
Turn the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. The bouillon cubes should dissolve completely, infusing the soup with savory flavor. -
Add Chicken:
About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded or diced leftover chicken. Allow the soup to continue simmering so the chicken is heated through and the flavors are absorbed. -
Serve:
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you like more salt or seasoning, feel free to add a pinch more of your favorite herbs. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with additional fresh cilantro if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Adjust the Garlic: The garlic in this soup is what gives it a rich, aromatic flavor. You can add more garlic if you love a bolder taste, or use a bit less if you prefer a milder version.
- For Extra Flavor: If you like a bit of heat, leave the green chilies in. If you’re not fond of spice, they can easily be omitted. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for a bright, zesty finish.
- Leftover Chicken: This soup is perfect for using up leftover roast or rotisserie chicken. If you don’t have leftovers, simply cook a chicken breast or thigh and shred it for the soup.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version of this soup, substitute the chicken bouillon cubes with vegetable bouillon cubes, and use a plant-based chicken alternative or skip the chicken altogether.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
This chicken soup isn’t just quick and comforting—it’s packed with protein from the chicken, fiber from the vegetables, and a deep, savory flavor that will make you feel like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. It’s a great meal for the whole family, especially on those days when you need something that’s both simple and nourishing. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving a bowl of cozy comfort food, this easy chicken soup will surely hit the spot.
Enjoy your warm bowl of soothing chicken soup! You can pair it with a crusty loaf of bread for a complete meal. And the best part? Leftovers taste even better the next day!
