Cozy up with a bowl of our Homemade Chicken Soup, the perfect comfort food for any day. Loaded with fresh veggies and juicy chicken in a rich, tasty broth, it's the ideal dish for chilly days or when you're feeling a bit under the weather.
Start by heating oil in a large pan over medium heat. Toss in the onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté them until the onions soften and you can smell the lovely aroma of ginger and garlic. This step is key to building a flavorful base for your soup.
Next, add in your celery, carrots, parsnip, thyme, bay leaf, rosemary, and all your spice powders (leave out the black pepper for now) along with a pinch of salt. Give it all a good stir and sauté until the veggies start to soften up. Cooking the veggies with herbs and spices early on layers in deep, rich flavors.
After the veggies have softened, toss in the thinly sliced chicken breast and stir it into the mix. This step lets the chicken soak up all the wonderful flavors from the seasonings and herbs we've added earlier.
It's time for the chicken broth. Pour it over your chicken and veggie mix, and let it come to a boil. Keep it bubbling gently until the chicken is thoroughly cooked, which should take about 15-20 minutes. This method, known as poaching, makes the chicken wonderfully tender. It's a good idea to check the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it's reached 165°F, as recommended by FDA for safe eating.
Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the pan, shred it with a fork, and then add it back into the soup along with the black pepper powder and chopped parsley. Stir well, and taste to see if you need a bit more salt.
Let the whole pot simmer for another 5-10 minutes to let all those delicious flavors come together. And there you have it, a heartwarming Chicken Soup ready to warm you up from the inside out.
Serving
Enjoy this Chicken Soup by itself or with any of your favorite sides. For more inspiration on what to pair it with, take a peek at our Serving Suggestions section below.
Notes
Here are some useful tips to make the best Chicken Soup:
Sauté Veggies First: I like to start with veggies like carrots, celery, and parsnips because they take a bit longer to cook. Sautéing them first makes sure they cook just right. If you want to add soft veggies, put them in later so they don't get too mushy.
Poaching the Chicken: Cooking the chicken right in the broth adds tons of flavor to your soup. But if you have got some leftover grilled or baked chicken, shred it up and toss it in for a quick alternative.
Simmer for Taste: Letting your soup simmer for a while is key. It helps all the flavors come together and makes the soup taste even better.
Use Homemade Broth if Possible: While store-bought broth is convenient, homemade broth can significantly enhance the depth and richness of your soup. If you have the time, it's worth making your own.
Want a Creamier Soup?: This recipe is more on the light side, without cream or cheese. But if you're craving a creamier soup, go ahead and add some heavy cream or your favorite cheese to make it richer.