Chicken soup is more than just a comfort food—it’s a nourishing, flavorful bowl of wellness that brings warmth, healing, and a whole lot of satisfaction. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just want a light, clean meal, this homemade chicken soup delivers everything you need. It’s made with poached chicken breast, wholesome root vegetables, and fresh herbs simmered together to create a broth that soothes and satisfies.
Unlike soups that rely on noodles or cream, this chicken soup stays refreshingly brothy while still filling you up with hearty veggies like parsnips, carrots, and leeks. Fresh thyme and tarragon bring in layers of herbal flavor that make every spoonful feel like a hug from the inside out.
Table of Contents
🥣 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic comfort, made clean: Light and nourishing, without pasta or added starches
- Healing and immune-boosting: Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and gut-friendly ingredients
- Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor: A simple lineup with powerful taste
- One-pot simplicity: No fancy tools or extra dishes
- Meal prep win: Great for leftovers, and freezer-friendly
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 parsnips, peeled and sliced (or substitute turnips/potatoes)
- 3 celery ribs, sliced
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 leek, halved, 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 chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
🔪 Instructions
1. Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add carrots, parsnips, celery, leek, and onion. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add garlic, salt, and pepper; stir for another minute until fragrant.
2. Poach the Chicken
Add the chicken breasts, thyme, tarragon, bay leaf, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
3. Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pot and place on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred it gently, then return the shredded meat to the soup.
4. Simmer and Serve
Let the soup simmer for another 1–2 minutes. Remove herb sprigs and bay leaf. Stir in chopped parsley and serve hot, garnished with extra parsley and black pepper.
⏱️ Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 bowls
- Difficulty: Easy
🔢 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 319
- Carbs: 38g
- Protein: 21g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 9g
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 822mg
- Vitamin A: 11098 IU
- Vitamin C: 36mg
💡 Tips & Variations
- Substitute options: Turnips or potatoes can replace parsnips (note: potatoes may take longer to cook)
- Use thighs if you prefer dark meat: Just adjust cooking time slightly
- Don’t skip the herbs: Fresh thyme and tarragon truly make the flavor
- Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper or a pinch of cayenne for a kick
- Use bone broth for added collagen and richness
❓ FAQs
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes! In fact, the flavors deepen after a day in the fridge. Store for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze chicken soup?
Absolutely. Portion into airtight containers or silicone trays and freeze for up to 3 months.
What if I only have dried herbs?
Use about 1 teaspoon dried thyme and ½ teaspoon dried tarragon instead of fresh. Add with the broth so they infuse well.
Can I add noodles or rice?
You can! Just add cooked noodles or rice at the end to keep them from getting soggy.
Chicken Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat oil in a large pot. Add carrots, parsnips, celery, leek, and onion. Sauté for 4–5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken, herbs, and broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 15 minutes.
- Remove and shred chicken. Return to pot and simmer 1–2 more minutes.
- Remove herbs, stir in parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
– Use fresh herbs for best flavor
– Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months
🏁 Conclusion
There’s a reason why chicken soup has been a classic for generations—it’s comforting, healing, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re warming up on a cold night or recovering from a long day, this recipe is your perfect companion. With clean ingredients and nourishing flavors, it’s a soup you’ll come back to again and again.