Chicken Soup Pioneer Woman Recipe

If there’s one dish that has a way of bringing comfort, nostalgia, and warmth all in one bowl, it’s chicken soup. But not just any chicken soup-the kind that fills your kitchen with an inviting, hearty aroma, and offers you that sense of relief with every spoonful. Enter the Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Soup-a recipe that elevates the traditional comfort food to new levels of deliciousness. This soup is not only flavorful but also incredibly easy to make, packed with simple, everyday ingredients.

Ree Drummond, aka The Pioneer Woman, is known for her delicious yet down-to-earth approach to cooking, and this chicken soup recipe is no different. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, need something to warm you up on a chilly evening, or simply want a homey dish to gather around with loved ones, this recipe is a must-try. Let’s dive into the heart of the recipe and discover what makes it so special.

Chicken Soup Pioneer Woman Recipe

Ree Drummond’s Chicken Soup is the quintessential comfort dish that combines fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to fit your preferences while staying true to the core of what makes chicken soup great: simplicity, heartiness, and flavor.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance-each ingredient has a role in creating a deep, comforting flavor profile. The tender chicken is balanced by the crunch of carrots, the earthiness of celery, and the freshness of parsley. Add to that a mix of seasonings, and you’ve got a dish that feels like a warm hug.

Ingredients Needed

Before you start, here’s what you’ll need to gather for the Pioneer Woman Chicken Soup:

• Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (you can use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker option)

• Vegetables

  • 2 tablespoons of butter
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Broth

  • 6 cups of chicken broth (you can use low-sodium for a lighter version)

• Seasonings

  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf

• Noodles (optional)

  • 1 to 2 cups of egg noodles or any pasta of your choice (optional, but a great addition for some heartiness)

• Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional but recommended)

Cooking Instructions

Making this chicken soup is easy, even for beginner cooks, and comes together relatively quickly. Follow these steps for a delicious bowl of homemade chicken soup:

1. Prepare The Chicken

   • If you’re using boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cook them in a large pot with a little olive oil or butter over medium heat until fully cooked through. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes per side, depending on the size.
   • Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot, shred it with two forks, and set it aside. If using rotisserie chicken, simply shred the meat from the bones and set it aside.

2. Sauté The Veggies

   • In the same pot, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once it melts, add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the veggies are softened and fragrant.
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds. You want to make sure the garlic doesn’t burn, just release its lovely aroma.

3. Add The Broth And Seasonings

   • Pour in the 6 cups of chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add in the salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Give everything a good stir and bring the mixture to a simmer.

4. Cook The Noodles

   • If you’re adding noodles, throw them in at this point. Let them cook for about 10 minutes or until they’re tender. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

5. Add The Shredded Chicken

   • Once the noodles are cooked through, add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Stir everything together and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld.

6. Final Touches

   • Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaf before serving. If you want to add some freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley or thyme over the top.

7. Serve & Enjoy

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, serve with some warm bread, and enjoy the comforting goodness!

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in contributing to the overall flavor and texture of the soup:

• Chicken

  • Chicken breast or thighs are the most commonly used cuts for soup because they cook quickly and provide tender meat that absorbs the broth’s flavor. Thighs, in particular, are a bit juicier and more flavorful.

• Vegetables

  • The vegetables are essential for texture and flavor. Onions bring sweetness, celery adds a mild crunch, and carrots contribute both sweetness and color. Garlic deepens the savory notes of the soup, creating a wonderful aromatic base.

• Chicken Broth

  • A rich, full-flavored chicken broth is key. It’s the foundation of your soup and carries the flavor. Low-sodium broth allows you to control the salt content of the dish.

• Noodles

  • Adding noodles creates a more filling, hearty meal, but if you’re looking for something lighter, you can always leave them out or swap for rice or potatoes.

• Herbs & Seasonings

  • Thyme and rosemary infuse the broth with earthy, fragrant flavors. Bay leaves add subtle depth, and a generous seasoning of salt and pepper pulls all the ingredients together.

Expert Tips

• Use Rotisserie Chicken

  • If you’re short on time, buying a rotisserie chicken is a game-changer. You can skip the step of cooking and shredding the chicken, saving you precious minutes.

• Don’t Overcook The Noodles

  • If you’re using noodles, make sure you don’t overcook them in the broth. They’ll continue to cook once you remove the soup from the heat, so it’s best to err on the side of slightly undercooked.

• Flavor Adjustment

  • After the soup has simmered, taste the broth. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs to balance the flavor, especially if you’re using a low-sodium broth.

• Make It A Meal

  • Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or homemade cornbread to make it even more filling and satisfying.

• Freeze Leftovers

  • This soup freezes well! If you have leftovers, simply let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep for up to three months in the freezer.

Recipe Variations

This classic chicken soup recipe is incredibly adaptable, and you can customize it to fit your taste or dietary needs:

• Add Veggies

  • Want to pack in more vegetables? You can add potatoes, zucchini, green beans, or spinach. Just make sure the vegetables are chopped to a similar size for even cooking.

• Gluten-Free Version

  • Swap the regular noodles for gluten-free pasta or even rice. Brown rice or quinoa would both work beautifully and add some extra nutrients.

• Spicy Chicken Soup

  • If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to spice things up. A dash of hot sauce at the end can also do the trick.

• Creamy Chicken Soup

  • For a richer, creamier version, add a cup of heavy cream or a splash of half-and-half toward the end of cooking.

Final Words

Chicken soup is the kind of dish that not only nourishes the body but also soothes the soul. Ree Drummond’s version stands out for its simplicity, depth of flavor, and heartiness. It’s one of those recipes you’ll come back to time and time again, whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal at home. The beauty of this soup lies in its versatility and its ability to bring people together over a shared bowl of comfort.