Chicken Soup For 1 Person Recipe

Who doesn’t love a warm, comforting bowl of chicken soup? It’s one of those universal dishes that can bring comfort, warmth, and a sense of home no matter the time of day. But what if you’re cooking for just yourself? Making a whole pot of soup for one person might seem like overkill, not to mention a waste of ingredients. That’s why today, we’re diving into a recipe that’s perfect for one! Whether you’re feeling under the weather, need a quick dinner, or just crave something soul-soothing, this single-serving chicken soup is the answer.

In this recipe, we’ll talk about how to prepare a flavorful, hearty chicken soup for just you. I’ll walk you through every detail-from choosing the right ingredients to some expert tips that will make this soup even better. Plus, we’ll explore a few variations to keep things fresh. Let’s get started!

Chicken Soup For 1 Person Recipe

Now, when we talk about chicken soup, it’s usually a big batch of broth, vegetables, and chicken all simmering away in harmony. But with a recipe for one person, we want to focus on the essentials-enough to fill you up without overwhelming your kitchen or your stomach. The key to this recipe is balance: enough chicken and veggies to create a rich flavor, but in just the right proportions. The beauty of this dish is its simplicity and customization potential. Ready to start?

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy, single-serving chicken soup:

• Chicken breast or thigh (skinless, boneless) – 4 oz

  (Chicken breast gives a lean, mild flavor, while thighs add a bit more richness and depth.)

• Carrots – 1 medium (sliced into rounds)
• Celery – 1 stalk (chopped)
• Yellow onion – 1/4 of a medium onion (diced)
• Garlic – 1 clove (minced)
• Chicken broth – 2 cups (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
• Olive oil – 1 teaspoon (for sautéing)
• Dried thyme – 1/4 teaspoon (for that classic herby taste)
• Dried parsley – 1/2 teaspoon (adds freshness)
• Bay leaf – 1 (for a subtle, earthy flavor)
• Salt and pepper – to taste
• Lemon juice – a squeeze (optional, but helps brighten the soup)
• Noodles or rice – optional, depending on your preference (about 1/4 cup of noodles or 1/4 cup rice)

This might seem like a lot of ingredients, but don’t be intimidated! It’s just the right mix for a comforting, flavorful soup. Plus, you can always tweak these based on what you have in your pantry.

Cooking Instructions

Let’s break it down step-by-step for making your single-serving chicken soup:

1. Prepare The Ingredients

   • Chop the carrots, celery, and onion into small, bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic.
   • Slice the chicken into small chunks or strips so it cooks faster.

2. Sauté The Vegetables

   • In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking them for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Throw in the chopped carrots and celery, sautéing them for another 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.

3. Add The Broth And Seasonings

   • Pour in the chicken broth, add the thyme, parsley, and bay leaf, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Cook The Chicken

   • Add the chicken pieces to the simmering broth, stirring them in. Allow the chicken to cook through for about 6-7 minutes, until it’s no longer pink and tender.

5. Add Noodles or Rice (Optional):

   • If you’re adding noodles or rice, this is the time to do it. Noodles will take about 8-10 minutes to cook, while rice will need around 15-20 minutes depending on the type you’re using. Keep an eye on your pot, making sure the soup doesn’t dry out. Add a little extra broth or water if needed.

6. Final Touches

   • Once everything’s cooked, remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice to bring out the flavors.

7. Serve And Enjoy

   • Pour your soup into a bowl, and enjoy! You can garnish with fresh parsley for added color and flavor if you like.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this recipe serves a specific purpose that contributes to the overall flavor and texture:

• Chicken: The chicken is the heart of this soup, providing protein and flavor. Using breast or thigh depends on your preference for leaner or richer meat.
• Carrots & Celery: These two vegetables are the classic base of any good chicken soup. They add sweetness (carrots) and a bit of crunch (celery) which helps balance the softer, savory elements.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatics create a deep, rich flavor base. They’re the foundation of almost every great soup!
• Herbs and Seasonings: Thyme and parsley add a fresh, earthy quality. The bay leaf, while subtle, gives a depth of flavor, and the lemon juice adds a touch of brightness that can really elevate the soup.
• Noodles/Rice: Adding noodles or rice makes the soup more filling and comforting, giving you something substantial to enjoy alongside the broth.

Expert Tips

If you want to take your chicken soup to the next level, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:

• Use homemade broth: If you have the time, homemade chicken broth will add richness and flavor that’s hard to beat. Store-bought broth works in a pinch, but nothing beats the depth of homemade.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Chicken breast can dry out quickly, so be mindful to cook it just until it’s no longer pink. If you’re using thighs, they’re more forgiving.
• Customize your veggies: While carrots and celery are the classic choices, don’t be afraid to toss in some peas, corn, or even spinach to change things up.
• Boost the flavor with umami: A dash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of Parmesan can give the soup a savory umami kick if you’re craving something more robust.
• Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, throw in some crushed red pepper flakes or a slice of fresh chili while cooking. It will add an interesting layer of flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Chicken Soup: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu to make a vegetarian version. You can also use vegetable broth for an entirely plant-based meal.
• Spicy Chicken Soup: Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick. The heat pairs wonderfully with the natural sweetness of the carrots and the savory chicken.
• Creamy Chicken Soup: Stir in a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of cooking to make the soup creamy and rich. You can also add a spoonful of sour cream as a garnish for extra tanginess.
• Lemon Chicken Soup: If you love a zesty twist, try adding more lemon juice or even some lemon zest. The citrus flavor will brighten up the entire soup and add a refreshing contrast to the richness.

Final Words

This single-serving chicken soup recipe is a game-changer when it comes to easy, comforting meals. Whether you’re feeling a bit under the weather or just want something simple to eat, this recipe brings all the warmth and nourishment of homemade soup without the hassle of cooking a giant pot. Plus, it’s completely customizable, so you can tweak it to fit your preferences perfectly.