Description
This classic homemade chicken soup is a comforting and hearty main course, perfect for chilly days or when you need a nourishing meal. Made with tender shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs simmered in a flavorful chicken broth, it’s easy to prepare and customizable with optional noodles or lemon juice for added brightness.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Protein and Add-ins
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (such as rotisserie)
- 1 cup egg noodles or pasta of choice (optional)
- Juice of ½ lemon (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Continue cooking for about 1 minute to release the aromas and flavors.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add Chicken and Noodles: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and, if using, the egg noodles or pasta. Simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes or until the noodles are tender.
- Finish and Season: Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Stir in the lemon juice if desired to add brightness. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a heartier soup, add diced potatoes during the initial simmer.
- You can substitute rice for noodles to vary textures.
- Use homemade chicken broth for richer depth of flavor.
- For gluten-free needs, use gluten-free noodles or substitute rice.
