Cheap Chicken Soup Recipe

Chicken soup, the quintessential comfort food, is as much a warm hug in a bowl as it is a staple in kitchens around the world. Whether you’re fighting off a cold, seeking a nourishing meal, or just craving something simple yet satisfying, chicken soup is the answer. But what if you could make it without breaking the bank?

In today’s recipe, we’re diving deep into a cheap chicken soup that is both hearty and flavorful, yet affordable. Imagine a rich, savory broth with tender chicken, vegetables, and a satisfying array of flavors-all without costing a fortune. The key is choosing the right ingredients and knowing a few tricks to maximize flavor without the need for pricey cuts of meat or fancy seasonings. Ready to learn how to make a budget-friendly bowl of comfort? Let’s get started!

Here’s a delicious and easy recipe for a cheap chicken soup that doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for a cozy dinner or a meal prep for the week. This simple recipe uses ingredients that are easy to find and won’t hurt your wallet.

Ingredients Needed

Let’s break down the essentials. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this inexpensive yet satisfying chicken soup:

1 Lb Of Chicken Thighs (bone-in, Skinless)

Chicken thighs are much cheaper than breasts and provide a rich flavor that is perfect for a soup base.
1 Medium Onion, Chopped

Onions are a staple in many dishes because they add depth and umami. A great budget-friendly flavor booster!
2 Carrots, Peeled And Sliced

Carrots bring natural sweetness and a pop of color, making them an essential addition to this soup.
2 Celery Stalks, Chopped

Celery provides a crisp texture and a subtle earthy taste, balancing out the richness of the chicken.
3 Cloves Garlic, Minced

Garlic adds an aromatic depth and slight pungency that enhances the overall flavor profile of the soup.
6 Cups Of Chicken Broth (store-bought Or Homemade)

Broth is the backbone of this soup. While homemade is ideal, store-bought options can be quite affordable and still give a great base.
1 Bay Leaf

The bay leaf introduces a fragrant, herbal essence that adds complexity to the soup.
Salt And Pepper To Taste

Essential for seasoning, salt and pepper bring all the flavors together and allow the natural ingredients to shine.
1/2 Cup Of Frozen Peas

Frozen peas are a great way to add some additional nutrition and color without spending much.
1/2 Cup Of Pasta (optional)

For extra heartiness, adding pasta gives the soup some texture and makes it more filling.
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

For sautéing the vegetables and chicken. A little oil goes a long way in making sure your ingredients don’t stick.

Cooking Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s walk through the cooking process. This recipe is straightforward, and the steps are easy to follow.

Prepare The Chicken

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs (bone-in, skinless) and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until browned. This step is crucial for developing flavor in the soup base. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside to cool slightly.
Sauté The Vegetables

In the same pot, add your chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Stir the vegetables around for about 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften and develop a nice aromatic fragrance. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Build The Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Add in the bay leaf, salt, and pepper to taste. While the broth is heating up, shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it back into the pot.
Cook The Pasta (optional)

If you’re adding pasta, this is the time to do it. Add the pasta to the soup and cook for the amount of time specified on the pasta package. Stir occasionally to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick.
Final Touches

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the frozen peas. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes to ensure the peas are heated through and the flavors meld together.
Taste And Adjust

Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
Serve And Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls, and enjoy a cozy, hearty meal.

Ingredient Insights

Understanding your ingredients can help you make the most of them. Let’s take a deeper look at the key components:

Chicken Thighs Vs Chicken Breasts

While chicken breasts are lean and white, thighs are darker, richer, and have more fat, which makes them ideal for soup. The fat renders down into the broth, creating a richer, more flavorful base. Additionally, chicken thighs are usually much cheaper than breasts, making them a fantastic budget-friendly choice.
Frozen Vegetables

Frozen peas, carrots, and other veggies are not only affordable, but they’re also convenient. They’re pre-chopped, meaning you save time and effort in the kitchen. Plus, they often retain their nutrients just as well as fresh vegetables, so you’re not sacrificing health for savings.
Homemade Vs. Store-Bought Broth

Homemade broth is the ultimate luxury, but store-bought options are a quick, cost-effective solution. Some low-sodium broths will give you a cleaner taste, allowing you to control the amount of salt in the soup. Always check for sales on broth to stock up and save!

Expert Tips

Go For Bone-in Chicken Thighs

Not only do they cost less than boneless options, but cooking with bones adds more flavor to the broth. You can also make your own homemade broth afterward by simmering the leftover bones!
Enhance The Flavor With Herbs

If you have fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary) or even dried herbs, throw them into the mix! A sprig of fresh thyme or a teaspoon of dried rosemary can elevate the soup with little effort or extra cost.
Low And Slow Cooking

Let the soup simmer for a while to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the richer and deeper the flavor becomes. If you have time, consider letting it cook on low for 30 minutes or more.
Use Leftover Chicken

If you’ve roasted a chicken earlier in the week, throw those leftovers into your soup. This will give the soup extra flavor and help you reduce food waste.

Recipe Variations

Chicken soup is so versatile. Here are a few ways you can change it up depending on what you have on hand:

Add Beans

To make the soup even heartier, add a can of beans like white beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas. They’ll help stretch the soup further and provide added protein and fiber.
Spicy Twist

If you like a bit of heat, toss in a chopped jalapeño or some crushed red pepper flakes. It’ll give the soup a kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Swap Out The Pasta For Rice

If you prefer rice over pasta, feel free to swap them. Adding some cooked rice will give the soup a slightly different texture and make it just as satisfying.
Make It Creamy

For a creamy version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end of cooking. This adds richness and a luxurious texture to the soup.

Final Words

Making a cheap chicken soup is more than just about saving money-it’s about creating a meal that nourishes you and your loved ones. With a few simple ingredients, some patience, and a little creativity, you can transform basic pantry staples into a comforting and hearty dish. And the best part? You don’t need to be a professional chef to master this recipe. It’s all about taking your time to build layers of flavor and savoring the process.

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