Love chicken noodle soup but want something a little different? This homemade chicken soup recipe is perfect for those chilly nights when you want something a little more exotic. With bold aromatics, fresh chicken, vegetables, herbs, and rice, it’s something everyone will want to fill their bowl up with again and again!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy
Best Chicken Soup Recipe
If you love chicken, this is the best chicken soup recipe for you. It’s made with wholesome ingredients and comes together with ease. Even on a busy night, you can give your family the best!
Homemade Chicken Soup Ingredients
- Chicken breast – use fresh, boneless, and skinless, though if you have other fresh chicken you want to use like boneless, skinless chicken thighs, go for it!
- Chicken broth – this creates the base of the soup with more flavor than just water
- Celery, carrots, onions, and garlic cloves – these veggies flavor the broth and add more nutrients
- Fresh herbs and aromatics – fresh rosemary and thyme plus ginger garlic paste are the secret to a sublime flavor. Sometimes I also like to add a bay leaf or two and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. You’ll notice I do not include oregano on this recipe. I find the blend between rosemary and thyme with the ginger garlic paste to be perfect!
- Ground turmeric – gives it a bright color and more antioxidants
- Frozen peas – gives it more veggie protein
- Basmati rice – for a soup that really eats like a meal. Can substitute short pasta noodles, egg noodles, zucchini noodles, or even potatoes.
Easy Chicken Soup Recipe
I know the ingredient list is a little long, but it’s all stuff you should have around your kitchen. And guess what? It only takes 10 minutes to put this soup together. The rest of the time, it’s simmering on the stovetop. Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish, it doesn’t get easier than this simple chicken soup recipe!
Happiness is hot soup on a cold day.
Anonymous
How do you Make Chicken Soup from Scratch?
My mom has always said that everyone should know how to make chicken soup from scratch. Once you do, you’ll never open another can of it (unless there’s a storm that wipes out your power and you have no choice).
- In one pot, you heat oil and then add the onions, celery, carrots, and garlic.
- Then you’ll add ginger paste and turmeric.
- After that, everything but the rice and peas goes in.
- Let it boil, then add the rice. In the last few minutes, the frozen peas go in and voila! Chicken soup from scratch!
Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chicken Soup Every Time
- Don’t use water. Chicken broth adds much more flavor!
- Low Sodium – Cut down on sodium by using a reduced sodium broth or one with no added salt. You can add salt to taste without going overboard.
- Save time by using cooked chicken. If you have rotisserie chicken leftover, there’s no reason why you can’t use it in this recipe. Just be sure to add it at the end rather than at the beginning.
- Excess foam – feel free to skim any excess foam off of the top.
What kind of chicken makes the best soup?
Some say thighs and bone-in chicken is best, but I love using chicken breast. It makes it easier to shred into bite-size pieces and there’s no worry about errant pieces of bone.
Do you cook the chicken before putting it in soup?
In this chicken soup recipe, the chicken is cooked in the soup. It only takes 35 minutes of cooking time, but if you’d like to save time and use up any leftover cooked chicken, that’s fine too.
What can I add to my chicken soup for more flavor?
Herbs, spices, and aromatics given chicken soup flavor. This recipe includes plenty of fresh veggies, herbs, and seasonings so it won’t come out bland. The ginger garlic paste really takes it to the next level.
What can I add to bland soup?
If your soup still tastes bland to you, add a pinch or two more of salt to taste. The goal is to bring out the flavor rather than make it overly salty.
How do I make chicken soup better?
Be sure you cook the carrots, onions, celery, and garlic in the same pot. Sauté them first in oil which gives them more flavor than simply tossing them into broth.
What to Serve with Chicken Soup
A hearty bread goes great on the side of chicken soup. Sandwiches and salads are also a nice option. As there’s a bit of ginger garlic paste in here and the rice, anything with an Asian flavor will pair nicely like sticky Asian wings.
How to Store Chicken Soup
Chicken soup should be cooled completely before storing. Stick it in airtight containers or plastic zippered bags.
How Long Does Chicken Soup Last?
Chicken soup lasts in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. You should make sure you store it properly to get the most out of it.
Can You Freeze Chicken Soup?
Chicken soup freezes quite nicely. When properly confined in containers or bags, it will last up to 6 months in your freezer.
How to Reheat Chicken Soup
When it’s frozen, set it in your fridge overnight to thaw. By the next day, it’s easy to add to a pot and heat over the stove.
