Chicken Soup For 2 Persons Recipe

A warm bowl of chicken soup can heal not only the body but also the soul. Whether it’s a chilly evening, a sick day, or just a craving for something comforting, chicken soup has long been the ultimate go-to remedy. Today, we’re crafting the perfect recipe for two people, so no more worrying about leftovers! This smaller batch means you get the fresh, homemade goodness without any waste. So, let’s dive into the world of chicken soup, where rich flavors, tender chicken, and aromatic vegetables come together for a cozy experience.

Chicken Soup For 2 Persons Recipe

This recipe is designed for two servings, perfect for a romantic dinner, a light meal, or an intimate evening when you don’t need a ton of soup. The flavor profile is soothing yet full of depth, with the chicken perfectly complemented by the vegetables and herbs. It’s simple but incredibly flavorful, making it the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need for your Chicken Soup for 2:

For The Broth

• 2 skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for a richer flavor)
• 4 cups chicken stock (preferably homemade or low-sodium)
• 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 1-2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)

For The Soup

• ½ cup egg noodles (or any other pasta like orzo or rice if you prefer)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Juice of ½ lemon (for a slight tang, optional)
• A dash of hot sauce or chili flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Cooking Instructions

Making this chicken soup involves a few simple steps, but the result is nothing short of magical. Here’s how to get it done:

1. Prepare The Chicken

   • Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat.
   • Add the chicken breasts and brown them slightly on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side). You don’t need to cook them all the way through yet; we just want to seal in those juices.
   • Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly.

2. Build The Broth

   • In the same pot, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
   • Pour in the chicken stock, and add the bay leaf and thyme. Bring it to a simmer.
   • Shred the chicken: While the broth is simmering, use two forks to shred the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Add the shredded chicken back to the pot.
   • Let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.

3. Add The Noodles

   • Once the soup base is simmering nicely, throw in the egg noodles. Let the soup cook for another 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.

4. Finishing Touches

   • Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes if you like a bit of spice.
   • Add the lemon juice for a fresh zing. This helps balance the flavors and enhances the overall taste.

5. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. The soup is now ready to be served!

Ingredient Insights

To make the best chicken soup, it’s essential to understand why each ingredient matters. Let’s break down some key components:

• Chicken Breasts (or Thighs)

  • Breasts give a leaner, subtler taste, while thighs offer a richer, more flavorful experience due to their higher fat content. For extra richness, go with thighs.

• Chicken Stock

  • Homemade stock provides a deep, hearty base, but if you don’t have time, store-bought low-sodium chicken stock is a great alternative.

• Carrots And Celery

  • These vegetables form the classic mirepoix base, providing a natural sweetness and earthiness to the broth. They also contribute to the soup’s healthy nutrients.

• Thyme & Bay Leaf

  • Herbs like thyme add an earthy, herbal fragrance, and bay leaves infuse a mild, aromatic flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.

• Egg Noodles

  • The curly texture of egg noodles soaks up the broth and gives that quintessential comforting feel. You could swap these for rice, quinoa, or even dumplings depending on your preference.

• Lemon Juice

  • A squeeze of lemon at the end of cooking brightens up the whole dish, adding a fresh contrast to the savory broth. It’s a small touch, but it makes all the difference.

Expert Tips

1. Homemade Stock Makes A Difference

   • If you have the time, homemade chicken stock is a game-changer. It’s richer, more flavorful, and doesn’t contain the excess sodium that store-bought versions sometimes do.

2. Shred The Chicken While It’s Warm

   • Shredding the chicken while it’s warm makes it easier to pull apart and helps it soak up more of the soup’s flavor.

3. Don’t Overcook The Noodles

   • Noodles can easily overcook and turn mushy. Keep an eye on them, especially since they’ll continue to soften after you take the soup off the heat.

4. Customize The Vegetables

   • If you’re not a fan of carrots or celery, you can swap them for other veggies like parsnips, sweet potatoes, or even spinach for a more diverse flavor profile.

5. Make It Ahead

   • Chicken soup is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge.

Recipe Variations

• Creamy Chicken Soup: Add a splash of cream or milk towards the end of cooking for a creamy, velvety texture. This is especially comforting on colder days.
• Spicy Chicken Soup: Add fresh chilies or a spoonful of chili paste for a fiery kick. You can even throw in a little curry powder for a more exotic twist.
• Herb-Infused: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, dill, or oregano to create a more aromatic flavor profile.
• Chicken & Rice Soup: Instead of noodles, cook up a bit of rice to add to the soup. This gives it a heartier texture and adds a slight nuttiness.

Final Words

Chicken soup is more than just a meal – it’s a ritual of comfort. The combination of tender chicken, savory broth, and vegetables creates a dish that is as therapeutic as it is delicious. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving something simple yet nourishing, this Chicken Soup for 2 is sure to hit the spot. The best part? It’s easy to make and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients, just simple, wholesome goodness.