Better Than Bouillon Chicken Soup Recipe

Chicken soup-it’s more than just a dish. For many, it’s a comfort food that brings warmth and healing. Whether it’s a rainy day or you’re feeling a little under the weather, nothing beats a homemade bowl of chicken soup. But what if I told you that you could take the classic recipe up a notch with a magical ingredient? Enter Better Than Bouillon Chicken Soup-a game-changer in the world of broth-based recipes.

Better Than Bouillon, a concentrated paste made from real meat, vegetables, and spices, is a shortcut to achieving deep, rich flavor in a fraction of the time it would take to make a traditional stock from scratch. With this handy ingredient, you can create a flavorful, savory chicken soup without all the hassle. And trust me, this recipe is so easy to follow that you’ll want to make it on repeat.

So, whether you’re cooking for yourself or planning a family meal, this Better Than Bouillon Chicken Soup recipe will help you whip up something satisfying, comforting, and oh-so-delicious.

Better Than Bouillon Chicken Soup Recipe

If you’ve ever wondered how to make chicken soup that’s rich in flavor but doesn’t require hours of simmering, this recipe is for you. The secret ingredient, Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base, delivers robust taste with minimal time and effort. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this wonderfully comforting chicken soup.

Ingredients Needed

Before we get cooking, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to create this comforting masterpiece. There’s nothing too complicated here, just a few essentials and that magical Better Than Bouillon paste:

• Chicken (1 lb) – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. You can also use leftover roasted chicken for extra flavor.
• Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base (1 tablespoon) – The star of the show! It’s concentrated, so just a little bit goes a long way in adding deep flavor to your broth.
• Vegetables (carrots, celery, onions) – About 1 cup of each, diced. These veggies form the base of your soup and add both texture and freshness.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – To elevate the flavor. Garlic always brings an aromatic kick to any soup.
• Chicken broth (4 cups) – To help create a rich and savory base. If you want an extra depth of flavor, use low-sodium broth.
• Bay leaves (2) – For an earthy depth of flavor.
• Salt and pepper – To taste. Better Than Bouillon is already salty, so adjust accordingly.
• Egg noodles (1-2 cups) – These bring a comforting, hearty texture to your soup. You can swap them out for any other type of pasta or rice.
• Fresh parsley (optional) – For garnish, this adds a fresh pop of color and an aromatic touch.

Cooking Instructions

Now that we’ve got our ingredients lined up, let’s get cooking. This is where the magic happens, and it’s all relatively simple!

1. Prepare The Chicken

   • In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add your chicken breasts or thighs and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
   • Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and no longer pink. Once done, remove from the pot and set aside to cool for a few minutes.
   • Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks or chop it up, depending on your preference.

2. Sauté The Vegetables

   • In the same pot, add a bit more oil if necessary and toss in your diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the veggies are tender and fragrant.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

3. Add The Broth And Better Than Bouillon

   • Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine with the sautéed veggies.
   • Stir in 1 tablespoon of Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base. This is where the magic happens! Stir until the paste is fully dissolved.

4. Simmer And Add The Noodles

   • Add the bay leaves and bring the soup to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
   • Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes), or until al dente.

5. Finish Up

   • Once the noodles are cooked, add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Stir well, taste for seasoning, and add more salt or pepper as needed.
   • Remove the bay leaves and discard them.

6. Serve And Enjoy

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and serve hot.

Ingredient Insights

When it comes to creating a chicken soup that’s both flavorful and satisfying, each ingredient plays a crucial role. Let’s dive deeper into the star components of this recipe:

• Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base: This is the key ingredient that will save you time while still delivering top-notch flavor. Unlike traditional bouillon cubes or powders, this paste is made from real chicken, vegetables, and seasonings. It’s concentrated, meaning you only need a small amount to get a rich, deep broth. It’s perfect for those who want to skip the simmering process but still achieve a flavorful result.
• Chicken: Whether you’re using fresh chicken or leftover roast chicken, the protein adds richness and heartiness to the soup. Chicken thighs will give you more flavor due to their slightly higher fat content, while chicken breasts will make the soup leaner.
• Vegetables: Classic soup vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions (often referred to as mirepoix) form the base of the dish. Not only do they provide flavor, but they add texture and nutrients, making your soup more balanced.
• Egg Noodles: These are a classic addition to chicken soup, adding that comforting, familiar feel. The noodles absorb the broth, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.

Expert Tips

To make your chicken soup even better, here are a few tips from the pros:

• Use homemade chicken stock if possible: If you have some homemade chicken stock on hand, feel free to substitute it for the store-bought broth. It will add extra depth to the soup.
• Don’t skip the fresh herbs: Fresh parsley or even thyme can elevate the flavor. Adding them towards the end helps to keep their fragrance and taste intact.
• Let it rest: If you have the time, allow your soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking. This gives the flavors time to meld together.
• Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup. It’s a great way to add a subtle kick.
• Try different pasta: Egg noodles are classic, but feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes, like orzo, shells, or even rice.

Recipe Variations

This Better Than Bouillon Chicken Soup is quite versatile. Here are a few variations to suit different tastes or dietary preferences:

• Gluten-Free: Swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or rice to make the soup gluten-free.
• Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with tofu or just load up on extra vegetables. You could also add beans like white beans or chickpeas for added protein.
• Creamy Chicken Soup: If you prefer a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the soup once it’s done cooking. Stir it in for a velvety finish.
• Low-Sodium: Use a low-sodium broth or water and adjust the Better Than Bouillon amount to taste. You can control the saltiness this way while still getting a flavorful result.
• Spicy Chicken Soup: Add diced jalapeños or a tablespoon of sriracha to the broth for some extra heat.

Final Words

This Better Than Bouillon Chicken Soup is a crowd-pleaser that delivers comfort and flavor in every spoonful. Whether you’re making it for lunch, dinner, or just because you crave something cozy, this recipe is bound to become a regular in your kitchen. The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and the help of Better Than Bouillon, you can create a hearty and satisfying meal in no time.