Name: Ultimate Chicken Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This Ultimate Chicken Soup recipe is a warm, comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Packed with tender poached chicken and an array of fresh vegetables, this soup not only nourishes but also delights your taste buds. It’s an ideal choice for chilly days or when you need a little extra warmth and care. With its flavorful broth and wholesome ingredients, this soup makes for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nourishing Ingredients: This soup is loaded with healthy veggies and herbs, providing essential nutrients for your body.
Quick and Easy: In just 30 minutes, you can prepare a delicious homemade chicken soup without complicated steps.
Versatile Flavor: Customize the flavors by adding your favorite herbs or spices to make it truly your own.
Perfect for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.
Comfort Food Classic: There’s nothing like a bowl of warm chicken soup to soothe the soul and lift your spirits.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make the preparation smooth. Having the right equipment on hand can streamline your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Cutting board
Knife
Tongs
Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Ideal for simmering the soup so all flavors meld beautifully without overflowing.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop your vegetables, ensuring safety while preparing ingredients.
Tongs: Perfect for handling hot chicken easily when shredding it and mixing ingredients without getting burned.

Ingredients

This nourishing and healing chicken soup recipe is loaded with poached chicken, carrots, parsnips, celery, leek, onion, garlic, and fresh herbs. It’s a great cold weather soup! Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen.

Vegetables

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)

Seasoning

1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Chicken & Broth

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 sprigs fresh tarragon
1 bay leaf
5 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Garnish

¼ cup roughly chopped fresh parsley

How to Make Ultimate Chicken Soup

Step 1: Saute the Veggies

Heat the oil in a large pot on medium heat. Add the carrots, parsnips, celery, leek, and onion to the pot. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes while stirring frequently. Add the garlic along with salt and pepper; stir for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Poach the Chicken

Add the thyme, tarragon, bay leaf, chicken breasts, and broth into the pot. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Using tongs, carefully remove the cooked chicken from the pot onto a cutting board. Gently shred it using two forks before placing it back into the pot. Allow it to simmer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 4: Serve

Remove the sprigs of thyme, tarragon, and bay leaf from your soup. Stir in freshly chopped parsley as you prepare to serve. Garnish with more parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper if desired before enjoying this nourishing ultimate chicken soup!

How to Serve Ultimate Chicken Soup

Serving Ultimate Chicken Soup can be a delightful experience that warms both the body and soul. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this comforting dish.

Classic Garnishes

Fresh Herbs: Top your soup with chopped parsley or dill for a burst of flavor.
Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of lemon adds brightness and enhances the soup’s taste.

Bread Pairings

Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of warm, crusty baguette on the side for dipping.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A melty grilled cheese complements the soup perfectly.

Salad Suggestions

Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and creamy dressing contrast wonderfully with the warm soup.
Mixed Greens: A light salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance to the hearty soup.

Additional Toppings

Croutons: Add crunchy croutons for texture and an extra layer of flavor.
Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top for added richness.

How to Perfect Ultimate Chicken Soup

To make your Ultimate Chicken Soup truly special, consider these helpful tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor and nutrition.
Control the Heat: Keep the heat low while simmering to avoid overcooking the chicken.
Customize Your Broth: Use homemade broth for deeper flavor; store-bought works well too.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini for variety.
Season Gradually: Taste as you go; adjust salt and pepper at each stage for perfect seasoning.

Best Side Dishes for Ultimate Chicken Soup

Complementing your Ultimate Chicken Soup with side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some delicious options to consider.

Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted garlic bread is great for dipping into the soup.
Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add a delightful contrast to savory flavors.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide additional nutrients and flavors.
Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad can add a cool texture alongside hot soup.
Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw offers a refreshing bite that pairs well with rich soups.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad serves as a sweet, refreshing end to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking the Ultimate Chicken Soup can be simple, but small mistakes can impact the flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing your vegetables enhances their flavor. Always start by cooking them in oil before adding other ingredients.
Not seasoning enough: Insufficient seasoning can lead to bland soup. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken becomes dry and tough. Poach it just until fully cooked for tender meat.
Ignoring fresh herbs: Fresh herbs add depth. Don’t skip them! Ensure you include thyme and tarragon for the best flavor.
Using low-quality broth: The broth is the soup’s base. Choose low-sodium, high-quality chicken broth for a delicious outcome.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Let it cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing Ultimate Chicken Soup

Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
Leave some space at the top of the container as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating Ultimate Chicken Soup

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this recipe that may help clarify your cooking process.

What makes this the Ultimate Chicken Soup?

This soup combines poached chicken with fresh vegetables and herbs, creating a comforting dish perfect for any season.

Can I customize my Ultimate Chicken Soup?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like potatoes or greens. Adjust herbs based on what you have on hand.

How do I ensure my chicken is tender?

Poach your chicken gently in low-sodium broth. Remove it from heat as soon as it’s cooked through to keep it moist.

What type of broth should I use for Ultimate Chicken Soup?

Use low-sodium chicken broth for better control over seasoning. Homemade broth adds even more flavor if available.

How long does it take to prepare Ultimate Chicken Soup?

The total time is about 30 minutes, making it a quick yet satisfying meal option.

Final Thoughts

The Ultimate Chicken Soup is not just nourishing; it’s also versatile and customizable to suit personal tastes. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with different vegetables and spices, this soup will surely warm your heart and soul. Give it a try!