5 Easy Chicken Soup Recipes for Quick Comfort

With cold weather or just a bad day in mind, there's nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of chicken soup. Not only is it soul-soothing, but chicken soup also comes with numerous health benefits, especially when it's homemade. Here are five easy chicken soup recipes that you can whip up for quick comfort, no matter your culinary skills.

1. Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

The quintessential chicken soup, this classic recipe is an all-time favorite for its simplicity and soothing flavors. Here’s how to make it:

• 1 whole chicken or 2-3 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups of chicken broth
• 2 cups of water
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 oz of egg noodles or any pasta of your choice
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, cover the chicken with water and simmer until cooked. Remove the chicken and let it cool.
2. In the same pot, sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until soft.
3. Add the chicken broth, water, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Shred the cooked chicken and return it to the pot.
5. Add the noodles and cook until done.
6. Adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve.

2. Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

For those seeking a more substantial and creamy comfort soup, this recipe will be your go-to.

• 1 pound of boneless chicken breasts
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 2 cups of milk
• 1 cup of uncooked rice
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 teaspoon of dried dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot, heat butter and sauté the onion until translucent.
2. Add carrots and cook for a few more minutes.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, and add the rice. Cook for 10 minutes.
4. Add the chicken and simmer until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Remove chicken, shred, and return to the pot.
6. Stir in the milk, dill, salt, and pepper. Heat through without boiling.
7. Serve hot with a sprinkle of parsley or chives.

💡 Note: For extra creaminess, blend part of the soup and return it to the pot before serving.

3. Spicy Chicken and Vegetable Soup

If you like a bit of heat to your meals, this spicy chicken soup will be a perfect pick-me-up.

• 1.5 pounds of chicken thighs, cut into chunks
• 6 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon of chili flakes
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 2 bell peppers, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• Cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat some oil in a pot, and brown the chicken pieces. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, jalapeño, and bell peppers until soft.
3. Add the chili flakes, canned tomatoes, and broth. Bring to a simmer.
4. Return the chicken to the pot along with the zucchini.
5. Cook until all vegetables are tender and chicken is fully cooked.
6. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with cilantro before serving.

4. Lemon Garlic Chicken Soup

Light and refreshing, this lemon garlic chicken soup is perfect when you're looking for something less heavy.

• 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 8 cups of chicken stock
• Juice of 2 lemons
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 cup of orzo pasta or rice
• 1 bunch of spinach, roughly chopped

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add the chicken stock, lemon juice, and zest. Bring to a boil.
3. Add the orzo or rice, and cook until al dente.
4. Add the shredded chicken and spinach, cook until the spinach wilts.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and serve.

5. Tortilla Chicken Soup

This hearty Mexican-inspired soup is not only comforting but also has a wonderful combination of flavors.

• 1 pound of boneless chicken breasts
• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can of corn kernels, drained
• 1 can of crushed tomatoes
• 1 jalapeño, diced (remove seeds for less heat)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon of chili powder
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• Crushed tortilla chips, avocado, cheese, and cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a pot, heat some oil and sauté onions, garlic, and jalapeño.
2. Add the spices and cook until fragrant.
3. Pour in the tomatoes, beans, corn, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add the chicken breasts and poach until fully cooked. Remove, shred, and return to the pot.
5. Serve hot with toppings of tortilla chips, avocado, cheese, and cilantro.

In the realm of comfort food, chicken soup reigns supreme. Whether it's the healing properties of its rich broth, the comforting warmth it provides, or the nurturing memories it evokes, these recipes offer something for everyone. Each variation brings its own unique twist, providing a delightful range of flavors while still delivering that quintessential comfort we all crave. With ingredients readily available and preparations that are straightforward, these recipes ensure that comfort is never more than a soup away. So the next time you're feeling under the weather or in need of some culinary TLC, consider trying one of these chicken soup recipes for a bowl full of comfort and nourishment.

Can I freeze chicken soup?

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Yes, you can freeze chicken soup. However, it’s best to do so without pasta or noodles as they tend to become mushy when thawed and reheated. Make sure to let the soup cool completely before freezing, and leave some headspace in the container for expansion. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Can I use leftover chicken in these recipes?

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Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie or roasted chicken works great. Just shred or chop it and add it to the soup at the appropriate time as per the recipe.

How can I make the soup more nutritious?

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Incorporate more vegetables like spinach, kale, or sweet potatoes. Also, using homemade bone broth can increase the soup’s collagen and nutrient content.