If you’re looking for a comforting dish that warms your soul, you’ve come to the right place. This Ultimate Chicken Soup is my go-to recipe for chilly evenings and busy weeknights. It’s packed with nourishing ingredients that not only satisfy your hunger but also provide a sense of coziness and care. Whenever I make this soup, it feels like giving a warm hug to everyone at the table.

What I love most about this soup is its versatility. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need something simple after a long day, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s easy to whip up, and the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen is just the cherry on top!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This soup comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights.
Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a hearty bowl of chicken soup! It’s a meal that brings smiles all around.
Make-Ahead Convenience: You can easily prepare this soup in advance and store it for later. It’s great for meal prep!
Wholesome Ingredients: With fresh vegetables and herbs, it’s not just delicious but packed with nutrients too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create our Ultimate Chicken Soup! These are items you might already have in your kitchen, making it even easier to get started.

For the Soup

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 medium carrots (peeled and sliced)
3 parsnips (peeled and sliced)
3 celery ribs (sliced)
½ medium onion (diced)
1 leek (halved lengthwise, sliced, and rinsed)
4 garlic cloves (minced)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 sprigs fresh tarragon
1 bay leaf
5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
¼ cup roughly chopped fresh parsley

Variations

One of the best things about this Ultimate Chicken Soup is how flexible it can be! Feel free to customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences.

Add More Veggies: Toss in some spinach or kale for an extra nutrient boost!
Swap the Protein: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, use that instead of poaching fresh chicken.
Change Up the Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like dill or basil for new flavor profiles.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat in your soup!

How to Make Ultimate Chicken Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the carrots, parsnips, celery, leek, and onion. Sauté these veggies for about 4 to 5 minutes until they begin to soften. This step is important because cooking them first allows their natural flavors to develop beautifully. Then stir in the minced garlic, salt, and pepper for another minute; this will infuse your soup with an aromatic base!

Step 2: Poach the Chicken

Next, add the thyme, tarragon, bay leaf, chicken breasts, and chicken broth into the pot. Bring everything to a boil before reducing the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. It’s crucial not to rush this step; allowing time for poaching helps keep the chicken tender and juicy while enriching the broth with flavor.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is fully cooked—check that it’s no longer pink inside—carefully remove it from the pot using tongs. Place it on a cutting board and shred using two forks. Adding shredded chicken back into the pot makes each spoonful hearty and satisfying. Let everything simmer together for an additional minute or two so that those lovely flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Serve

Finally, remove those fragrant sprigs of thyme and tarragon along with the bay leaf from your soup. Stir in freshly chopped parsley for that pop of color and freshness right before serving! Don’t forget to garnish each bowl with extra parsley or black pepper if desired. Your Ultimate Chicken Soup is now ready to enjoy—a cozy bowl full of love!

Pro Tips for Making Ultimate Chicken Soup

Making the perfect chicken soup is all about the details, and I’m here to help you get it just right!

Use fresh herbs: Fresh thyme and tarragon add a vibrant flavor that dried herbs simply can’t match. Their aroma will elevate your soup to a whole new level!
Don’t skip the sautéing: Cooking the vegetables before adding the broth releases their natural sweetness and deepens the overall flavor of your soup.
Poach slowly: Allowing the chicken to simmer gently ensures it stays tender and juicy, rather than becoming tough or dry. Patience pays off here!
Adjust seasoning at the end: After cooking, taste your soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. This ensures you achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
Make it ahead: This soup keeps well in the fridge for a few days and can also be frozen for later use. It’s a great meal prep option that only gets better with time!

How to Serve Ultimate Chicken Soup

Serving your Ultimate Chicken Soup can be as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to make it a meal everyone will love.

Garnishes

Fresh parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up each bowl.
Lemon wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving enhances the flavors and adds a delightful zing.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread: A warm, crusty loaf is perfect for dipping into your soup, making every bite even more comforting.
Green salad: A light, refreshing green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the hearty nature of chicken soup, balancing flavors nicely.
Cheesy quesadillas: These easy-to-make quesadillas filled with cheese and veggies add a fun twist alongside your soup—perfect for dipping!
Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring additional nutrients to your meal while providing a delicious contrast to the warmth of your soup.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll not only enjoy a satisfying bowl of Ultimate Chicken Soup but also impress your family and friends! Enjoy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Ultimate Chicken Soup is not only comforting and delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your soup:

Storing Leftovers

Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature.
Transfer it into an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

Let the soup cool completely before freezing.
Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
Label with the date and type of soup.
Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Heat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help you while cooking!

What makes this the Ultimate Chicken Soup?

The combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and tender poached chicken creates a deeply satisfying flavor profile that warms your heart and nourishes your body.

Can I use leftover chicken for this Ultimate Chicken Soup?

Absolutely! Using leftover chicken can save time. Just add it towards the end of cooking to warm through without drying it out.

How long does Ultimate Chicken Soup last in the fridge?

Your Ultimate Chicken Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Enjoy it as leftovers during a busy week!

Can I customize the vegetables in my Ultimate Chicken Soup?

Definitely! Feel free to add or substitute any vegetables like green beans or sweet potatoes based on what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Ultimate Chicken Soup as much as I do! It’s a cozy dish that brings comfort on chilly days and is packed with nourishing ingredients. Enjoy each bowl with your loved ones, and don’t forget to add your personal touch. Happy cooking!