5 Best Homemade Chicken Soup Recipes

delicious homemade chicken soups

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a bowl of homemade chicken soup, right? Whether you're feeling under the weather or just craving something warm, these five recipes are sure to hit the spot. From the classic Chicken Noodle Soup that warms your soul to the zesty Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup that'll spice up your day, there's a flavor for every mood. So, which one will you try first? Trust me, you won't want to miss these!

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting dish that warms the soul and satisfies the appetite. Perfect for chilly days or when you're feeling under the weather, this homemade version combines tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and egg noodles in a flavorful broth.

With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a nourishing soup that will become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 2 cups egg noodles
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent.

Stir in the sliced carrots and chopped celery, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.

Add the dried thyme and rosemary, followed by the chicken broth.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Add the shredded chicken and egg noodles, cooking for another 10 minutes or until the noodles are al dente.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Extra Tips:

For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth or adding a splash of white wine to the pot.

You can also customize your soup by adding other vegetables such as peas or corn, or even switching to whole wheat noodles for a healthier option.

If you're making the soup ahead of time, you may want to cook the noodles separately and add them just before serving to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Enjoy your homemade classic chicken noodle soup!

Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup

hearty spicy chicken soup

Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings a delightful kick to your traditional chicken soup. This recipe combines tender chicken, zesty tomatoes, and spices, all topped with crispy tortilla strips for a satisfying meal. Perfect for a chilly evening or when you're craving something hearty, this soup can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences.

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Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, diced (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Tortilla strips (for topping)
  • Avocado slices (optional)

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeño, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Add the cumin and chili powder, stirring for about a minute. Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the diced tomatoes, black beans, cooked chicken, and corn. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Season with salt, pepper, and lime juice to taste before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with crispy tortilla strips on top.

For the best results, consider using homemade chicken broth for a richer flavor. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño, or even incorporating a splash of hot sauce if you prefer an extra kick.

Feel free to customize the soup by adding your favorite toppings, such as diced avocado, cheese, or sour cream. This soup also stores well, so make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week!

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, hearty rice, and a luscious creamy broth. Perfect for chilly days or when you're feeling under the weather, this soup isn't only delicious but also easy to prepare.

With a mix of fresh vegetables and simple ingredients, you'll have a warm bowl of goodness ready in no time, making it an ideal meal for the whole family.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

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Next, add the chicken broth, uncooked rice, and dried thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Once the rice is cooked, stir in the chicken breasts and heavy cream, and let simmer until the chicken is fully cooked, about 10 more minutes.

Finally, shred the chicken with two forks, stir it back into the soup, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Extra Tips:

For added flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth or adding a splash of white wine while sautéing the vegetables.

You can also customize this soup by incorporating your favorite vegetables, such as peas or green beans. If you prefer a thicker soup, allow it to simmer a bit longer to reduce the liquid.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, and the soup can be reheated on the stove; just add a little extra broth or water if it thickens too much. Enjoy your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup!

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

lemon chicken orzo soup

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a bright and flavorful dish that brings comfort and warmth to any meal. This soup is perfect for chilly days or when you're feeling under the weather.

The combination of tender chicken, fresh herbs, and the zesty kick of lemon creates a delightful balance of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It's easy to prepare and can be made in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze!

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried oregano, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Stir in the shredded chicken, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

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Allow the soup to heat through for a few minutes before serving.

Extra Tips:

For added depth of flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth if you have it on hand.

You can also customize this soup by adding vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrition. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk just before serving.

To improve the lemon flavor, serve the soup with additional lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal!

Chicken and Vegetable Soup

Chicken and vegetable soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that's perfect for any time of the year, especially during colder months or when you're feeling under the weather. This recipe combines tender chicken with a variety of fresh vegetables, creating a hearty meal that isn't only delicious but also packed with vitamins and minerals.

The beauty of this soup is its versatility; you can customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs, making it a go-to recipe for using up leftovers.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 cups green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
  • 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until they're softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the chicken breasts to the pot and pour in the chicken broth, followed by the thyme, oregano, and bay leaf.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the chicken breasts, shred them using two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the pot.

Add the green beans and corn, and let the soup simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Extra Tips:

For added depth of flavor, consider roasting the chicken beforehand or using leftover rotisserie chicken.

You can also boost the nutritional value by adding more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or potatoes. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of it using an immersion blender.

Finally, this soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a great meal prep option. Enjoy your homemade chicken and vegetable soup!


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