Ultimate Chicken Soup Recipe
This Ultimate Chicken Soup is a comforting and nutritious homemade soup packed with tender poached chicken, fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs. Perfect for a cozy meal, it balances savory flavors with fresh parsley garnish, making it both wholesome and delicious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 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
Herbs & Spices
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs fresh tarragon
- 1 bay leaf
- ¼ cup roughly chopped fresh parsley
Proteins
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Liquids & Oils
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Saute the veggies. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the carrots, parsnips, celery, leek, and onion. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, and stir continuously for another minute to release the garlic’s aroma.
- Poach the chicken. Add the fresh thyme, tarragon, bay leaf, chicken breasts, and low-sodium chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the chicken. Using tongs, transfer the chicken breasts to a cutting board. Gently shred the chicken with two forks into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and simmer the soup for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve. Remove the sprigs of thyme, tarragon, and the bay leaf from the soup. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and garnish with extra parsley and a light sprinkle of black pepper. Serve hot for a nourishing and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content for a healthier option.
- You can substitute the chicken breasts with thighs for a richer flavor and juicier texture.
- For added nutrients, consider adding chopped kale or spinach towards the end of cooking.
- This soup freezes well; store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving, especially the salt and pepper.
Find it online: https://bitezly.com/ultimate-chicken-soup-recipe/
