Soup Recipes

Chicken Herb Soup Recipe

There’s something about a warm, fragrant bowl of chicken herb soup that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re coming in from a chilly day, fighting off a cold, or simply craving comfort food, this soup is the perfect remedy. It’s soothing, nourishing, and packed with flavor that comes from the perfect combination of tender chicken, fresh herbs, and a variety of wholesome vegetables.

What makes chicken herb soup truly special, however, is how customizable it is. From the richness of the broth to the balance of flavors, every ingredient plays its part to create a soul-warming dish. Let’s dive into a fantastic chicken herb soup recipe that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

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Chicken Herb Soup Recipe

This chicken herb soup is easy to prepare, and the result is a comforting bowl full of goodness. The recipe combines tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and a savory broth to create a soup that’s both nourishing and flavorful.

Serves: 4-6 people

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients Needed

To make this rich and aromatic chicken herb soup, you’ll need a mix of fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s everything you’ll need:

  • Chicken (Bone-in or boneless): About 2 lbs of skinless, boneless chicken breast or thighs, or a whole chicken for more depth of flavor. Bone-in chicken will give you a richer broth.
  • Carrots: 2 large carrots, chopped into small rounds or chunks for added sweetness and color.
  • Celery: 2 stalks of celery, chopped, to add a fresh, crisp texture.
  • Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, diced – for that essential aromatic base.
  • Garlic: 4 cloves, minced, to deepen the flavor of the broth.
  • Herbs: Fresh thyme (about 4-6 sprigs) and parsley (a handful), or you can use dried herbs if fresh isn’t available.
  • Bay Leaves: 2-3 dried bay leaves to bring in a subtle earthiness.
  • Chicken Broth: 6 cups of homemade or store-bought low-sodium chicken broth. Homemade is best for extra flavor.
  • Salt & Pepper: To taste, essential for balancing the dish.
  • Olive Oil or Butter: For sautéing the vegetables and chicken.
  • Optional additions: Fresh lemon juice for a touch of brightness or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.

Cooking Instructions

Making chicken herb soup is relatively straightforward, but the process of slowly simmering the broth brings out all the deep flavors that make this soup so irresistible.

  1. Prepare The Chicken

    • If using boneless chicken, you can either leave it whole or cut it into smaller pieces to speed up cooking. If using bone-in chicken, add it whole.
    • Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil (or butter) in a large pot over medium heat.
    • Add the chicken and cook it for 5-7 minutes until browned on both sides. Remove it from the pot and set aside.

  2. Sauté The Veggies

    • In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed, then toss in the diced onions, carrots, and celery.
    • Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, until the onions become translucent and the vegetables soften a bit.
    • Add the garlic and sauté for another minute, just enough to release its fragrance.

  3. Add The Broth And Herbs

    • Pour in your chicken broth (about 6 cups). Scrape any bits off the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.
    • Toss in the thyme, parsley, and bay leaves. Stir everything to combine.

  4. Simmer The Soup

    • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through, and the flavors of the herbs will have time to blend into the broth.

  5. Shred The Chicken

    • If you used bone-in chicken, remove it from the soup, let it cool slightly, then shred it using two forks. Discard the bones and return the shredded chicken to the pot. If you used boneless chicken, just chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it back in.

  6. Season The Soup

    • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a zesty kick.

  7. Serve And Enjoy

    • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra fresh parsley or thyme if desired. You can serve this with some crusty bread or crackers on the side for an added crunch.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this soup has a purpose, and understanding how they work together helps elevate the final dish:

  • Chicken: The star of the soup. It provides protein and helps form the rich, savory base of the broth. Bone-in chicken, in particular, contributes collagen, giving the soup a silky texture.
  • Carrots & Celery: These vegetables provide natural sweetness and earthiness, balancing out the savory flavors of the chicken and herbs.
  • Onion & Garlic: A quintessential aromatic duo. They’re sautéed first to release their flavors, which creates the foundation for the broth.
  • Herbs: Fresh thyme and parsley add a fragrant, herbal note that gives the soup a clean, fresh taste. Thyme’s earthy flavor pairs wonderfully with chicken, while parsley adds brightness.
  • Chicken Broth: This ingredient serves as the base of your soup. If you use homemade broth, you’ll get even more depth and richness, as it’s made by simmering bones and vegetables for hours.
  • Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice at the end adds brightness and a gentle tang to counterbalance the savory flavors.

Expert Tips For The Perfect Chicken Herb Soup

To take your chicken herb soup from great to exceptional, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:

  • Use Bone-In Chicken for a Richer Broth: If you can, use bone-in chicken for more flavor and a thicker, richer broth. The bones release collagen into the soup, making it extra comforting and velvety.
  • Don’t Skip the Simmering Time: Allow the soup to simmer for at least 30 minutes (preferably longer). The longer it simmers, the more flavor is extracted from the chicken and herbs.
  • Add a Splash of Wine: For a slightly elevated flavor, add a splash of white wine when sautéing the vegetables. It gives a subtle depth of flavor to the broth.
  • Make it Ahead: Like most soups, this one tastes even better the next day! It’s perfect for making in advance and reheating.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs are fine, fresh herbs add brightness and complexity to the soup. Make sure to add them toward the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.

Recipe Variations

Chicken herb soup is incredibly versatile, so feel free to experiment with the following variations to suit your tastes:

  • Add Some Veggies: Want to pack in more nutrients? Add some greens like spinach, kale, or peas during the last 10 minutes of simmering. They’ll add color and more texture to the soup.
  • Noodle Up: Add some egg noodles, rice, or quinoa to make the soup more filling. Let them cook in the broth until tender.
  • Spicy Kick: If you love heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped fresh chili. A splash of hot sauce can also work wonders.
  • Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for a creamy twist. This will give the soup a richer texture and flavor.

Final Words

Chicken herb soup is one of those comforting meals that always hits the spot. It’s warm, nourishing, and packed with flavors that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal that’s going to get you through a chilly weekend, this soup is the answer. It’s easy to make, and once you have the basics down, you can adjust the recipe to your heart’s content.

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