Simple Chicken Soup Recipe

If there’s ever a recipe that nails the ultimate comfort food while being soul-satisfying and nourishing, it’s this Simple Chicken Soup Recipe. Brimming with bright lemon, zesty ginger, and layers of aromas from garlic, onion, and fresh herbs, this is the kind of soup you reach for when you need warmth in a bowl—whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply wanting a healthy, hearty meal. What I love most is its flexibility: choose your favorite carbs or extra veggies, and make it on the stovetop, in the slow cooker, or the Instant Pot. This is my go-to bowl of goodness every chilly weeknight!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about the Simple Chicken Soup Recipe is just how honest and straightforward the ingredient list is. Each element is chosen not for fuss, but for the unbeatable way their flavors work together—making every spoonful taste like home.

• Olive Oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps gently sauté the aromatics for that first layer of flavor.
• Onion: Classic base for soups, bringing sweetness and body whether you use shallots or leeks instead.
• Celery: Gives a fresh zing and a little crunch, perfect for balancing richness.
• Fresh Ginger: Delivers a lovely warmth and brightness, making this soup especially soothing.
• Garlic: Eight cloves might sound like a lot, but trust me—this is what makes the broth incredible.
• Chicken Broth or Stock: The heart of any chicken soup! Use the best quality for the richest taste.
• Water: Helps mellow and stretch the broth while keeping it light.
• Salt: Essential for bringing the flavors together—adjust to your preference.
• Bay Leaves: Add a subtle earthiness and a classic aroma.
• White or Black Pepper: For a gentle heat and fragrant warmth; white pepper gives a more delicate touch.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs (or Breasts, or Bone-in Thighs): Thighs make the most tender, juicy shreddable chicken—though breasts or bone-in work just as well!
• Lemon Juice: The magic finishing touch—don’t skip it, it makes the soup vibrant and bright.
• Chili Flakes: Optional, but a pinch can provide a cozy hint of heat.
• Scallions, Cilantro, or Parsley: For fresh, herbal garnish and color.
• Toasted Sesame Oil (optional): Just a drizzle lifts the soup with a nutty fragrance.
• Optional Veggies (carrot, mushroom, extra celery): Toss in your favorites for heartiness and extra nutrition.
• Optional Starches (rice, noodles, beans): For turning your soup into a meal that sticks to your ribs.

How to Make Simple Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Heat up your olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the onion, celery, ginger, and garlic. Give everything a good stir and let it sauté for a few minutes, just until it’s fragrant and beginning to soften. This is where all that toasty, savory aroma starts wafting through the kitchen—enjoy it!

Step 2: Build the Broth

Lower the heat to medium-low, then continue sautéing the aromatics until they just begin to turn golden. Next, pour in the chicken broth and water, add salt, bay leaves, and white (or black) pepper, and nestle your chicken thighs (or breasts) into the pot. Bring the whole mixture up to a boil, then immediately cover and dial it back to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Cook and Shred the Chicken

Let the chicken poach in the bubbling broth—thighs need about 20 minutes, while breasts might be done in 15. If using bone-in thighs, give them up to 30 minutes for fall-off-the-bone tenderness. Once the chicken is fully opaque and shreds easily, take it out and shred with two forks. Return all those lovely shreds to the pot to finish cooking in the luscious broth.

Step 4: Brighten and Balance

Squeeze fresh lemon juice right into your pot. Don’t be shy—a generous splash makes all the flavors sing! Taste the broth and adjust with extra salt, lemon, or a splash of water if it’s just a little too bold for your palate. The Simple Chicken Soup Recipe is all about bold, bright flavors paired with soothing warmth.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Ladle your hot soup into bowls either solo or over a mound of cooked noodles, rice, or your favorite grain. Finish with scallions, cilantro, or parsley and, if you want, a drizzle of toasted sesame oil and chili flakes for a spicy kick. This last flourish makes every bowl as beautiful as it is delicious.

How to Serve Simple Chicken Soup Recipe

Garnishes

The best part about serving the Simple Chicken Soup Recipe is layering on those fresh, vibrant garnishes. Sprinkle with hand-torn cilantro, thinly sliced scallions, or a shower of parsley—whatever you have on hand. For a flavorful twist, a drizzle of toasted sesame oil or a pinch of chili flakes gives the soup restaurant-worthy flair.

Side Dishes

Pair your soup with a stack of warm, crusty bread or pillowy dinner rolls to soak up the last drops. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables make a lovely, balanced meal. If you want to make it extra hearty, serve with rice, noodles, or even a scoop of buttery mashed potatoes on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a gorgeous presentation, set out a “soup bar” with bowls of different toppings (think: herbs, lemon wedges, chili oil, crispy shallots). Let everyone customize their bowl of Simple Chicken Soup Recipe! You can also serve it in small mugs for lovely appetizers at parties or ladle it over rice in deep bowls for a comforting one-dish meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When cool, transfer any leftover Simple Chicken Soup Recipe to airtight containers. It’ll keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors seem to mingle and deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

This soup is a freezer superstar! Let it cool completely, portion into freezer-friendly containers, and freeze for up to three months. If you’re adding noodles or rice, freeze those separately for best texture—this way, you avoid mushiness upon thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your Simple Chicken Soup Recipe on the stove or in the microwave until steaming hot. If it’s too thick, splash in a little water or broth. Add any fresh garnishes just before serving, and don’t forget an extra squeeze of lemon!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken?

Absolutely! Just add shredded rotisserie chicken to the simmering broth after sautéing the aromatics, then let it warm through. You’ll save some time and still get wonderful flavor.

What if I want to add more veggies?

This Simple Chicken Soup Recipe is all about flexibility. Toss in diced carrots, mushrooms, zucchini, or even a handful of leafy greens during the simmer stage for extra color and nutrients—whatever your fridge yields!

Do I have to use fresh ginger?

Fresh ginger really does make a difference here, but if you only have ground ginger, start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to taste. The zingy kick is what sets this soup apart!

Is this soup keto or low-carb?

Yes, as written, this Simple Chicken Soup Recipe is naturally low in carbs. Just skip any rice or noodles if you’re watching carbs, or try adding cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly twist.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just use a larger pot and double every ingredient. Keep in mind that it may take a little longer for the broth to come up to temperature, but the process is the same and you’ll have plenty to go around.

Final Thoughts

I’m convinced that there’s nothing more comforting or simple to make than this Simple Chicken Soup Recipe. It’s warm, nourishing, and a true crowd-pleaser—whether you follow it to the letter or experiment with your favorite add-ins. Give it a try and make it your own; your kitchen will smell amazing, and your heart (and tummy) will thank you.

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