Easy and Healthy Homemade Chicken Soup is a comforting classic that fills the soul and warms the belly. There’s something special about the combination of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fragrant herbs simmering together in a rich broth. This soup doesn’t just nourish; it brings families together, making it perfect for those chilly evenings or when someone needs a little extra love in a bowl. You’ll find that it’s not only wholesome and easy to prepare but also a delightful recipe for lunch or dinner any day of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When it comes to homestyle cooking, nothing beats a hearty bowl of homemade chicken soup. It’s quick to make, budget-friendly, and oh-so-cozy, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Plus, it’s loaded with nutritious veggies and lean protein, making it a kid-approved favorite.
“This soup is a hug in a bowl! So simple and it tastes fantastic! I’ll definitely keep it in my weekly rotation!”
How to Make Easy and Healthy Homemade Chicken Soup
Creating this comforting dish only takes a handful of ingredients and a little bit of time. The basic process involves simmering chicken in broth, adding fresh vegetables, and letting everything blend together beautifully. You’ll have a wholesome meal ready to enjoy before you know it!
Ingredients
To whip up this delightful chicken soup, gather the following items:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or dill) for garnish
A few quick tips: You can substitute chicken thighs for extra flavor, or use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Additionally, feel free to include other veggies such as corn or green beans based on your preference.
Directions
- In a large pot, place the chicken breasts and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Carefully remove the chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces, and set it aside.
- In the same pot, toss in the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until they soften up.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot along with the spinach or kale, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Allow everything to simmer together for another 10 minutes.
- Before serving, take out the bay leaf, garnish with fresh herbs, and enjoy hot!
Serving Suggestions
This chicken soup is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with various sides. Consider serving it with a crisp green salad for a fresh touch, or pair it with crusty bread, making each bite full of flavor. For added texture, top with crunchy croutons or a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese.
Storage & Reheating
To keep your remaining soup fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you’d like to save some for later, you can freeze it in portions. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Pro Tips
- For richer flavor, try browning the chicken slightly before boiling it.
- Feel free to customize the thickness of your soup by adding more or less broth as you cook.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can brighten the flavors wonderfully.
Variations
Don’t hesitate to experiment with your chicken soup! Consider incorporating spices like cumin or paprika for a kick, or tossing in diced potatoes for added heartiness. If you’re looking to keep it lighter, skip the noodles and add more greens instead.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Just add it to the pot in the final stages of cooking to heat through.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as the chicken broth you use is certified gluten-free.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce as it simmers for an extra kick!
To maintain a rich variety of comforting meals, check out our related articles on family-friendly dinner ideas and healthy soup recipes!
Print
Easy and Healthy Homemade Chicken Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A comforting classic chicken soup loaded with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fragrant herbs that warms the soul.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or dill) for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, place the chicken breasts and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Carefully remove the chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces, and set it aside.
- In the same pot, toss in the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until they soften up.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot along with the spinach or kale, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Allow everything to simmer together for another 10 minutes.
- Before serving, take out the bay leaf, garnish with fresh herbs, and enjoy hot!
Notes
For richer flavor, try browning the chicken slightly before boiling it. Feel free to customize the thickness of your soup by adding more or less broth. A squeeze of lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg