Ultimate Chicken Soup recipe

This ultimate chicken soup is a comforting blend of tender poached chicken, hearty root vegetables, and fragrant herbs, making every spoonful nourishing and deeply satisfying. Perfect for warming up chilly evenings or soothing the soul.

Rich, aromatic, and full of flavor, this soup balances sweet carrots, earthy parsnips, and savory garlic with the subtle notes of thyme, tarragon, and fresh parsley. Each ingredient contributes to a wholesome, home-cooked experience that’s both hearty and healing.

Easy to prepare yet impressive in taste, this soup is ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Simmered to perfection, it delivers a cozy, satisfying bowl that delights the senses and nourishes the body with every bite.

Ultimate Chicken Soup Ingredients Section

Chicken breasts – The heart of the soup, providing tender, juicy protein that soaks up the aromatic flavors of the broth.

Carrots and parsnips – Sweet, earthy root vegetables that add depth, color, and natural sweetness to every spoonful.

Celery and leek – Aromatic vegetables that bring subtle layers of flavor and a gentle crunch, balancing the richness of the chicken.

Garlic and onion – Flavor foundations that infuse the broth with warmth, savoriness, and a comforting aroma.

Fresh herbs (thyme, tarragon, parsley) – Bright, fragrant notes that elevate the soup, creating a fresh, herbal finish with every bite.

Chicken broth – The soothing base that ties all ingredients together, turning simple components into a nourishing, heartwarming meal.

Ultimate Chicken Soup Enhancements

Recipe Tips

1. Layer Flavors with Sautéed Veggies: Gently sautéing carrots, parsnips, celery, leek, and onion before adding the broth develops a richer, more complex flavor. Don’t rush this step; allowing the vegetables to soften slightly enhances the soup’s overall depth.
2. Poach Chicken to Perfection: To keep chicken moist, maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil. Remove the chicken once cooked and shred it carefully to prevent it from turning stringy. Return it to the pot just before serving.
3. Herb Timing Matters: Fresh herbs bring maximum aroma and flavor when added at the right time. Simmer thyme and tarragon with the broth but reserve parsley for the end to preserve its bright, fresh taste.

What to Serve with Ultimate Chicken Soup

1. Crusty Bread or Garlic Baguette: Warm, crunchy bread is ideal for dipping into this hearty soup. A lightly toasted baguette or garlic bread complements the rich broth while adding satisfying texture to each bite.
2. Simple Green Salad: Pairing the soup with a fresh salad balances the meal. A mix of arugula, baby spinach, or romaine with a light vinaigrette offers a crisp, refreshing contrast to the savory, warming soup.
3. Rice or Quinoa Side: Adding a small bowl of rice or quinoa elevates the meal and makes it more filling. The grains absorb the flavorful broth, creating a comforting and wholesome dish perfect for lunch or dinner.

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, Ultimate Chicken Soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain the perfect consistency.

Q2: Can I use bone-in chicken instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Bone-in chicken adds extra richness to the broth, but increase the simmering time slightly to ensure it is fully cooked before shredding.

Q3: Can this soup be frozen?
Yes, it freezes well. Remove fresh parsley before freezing, and add it fresh when reheating. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Q4: How can I make this soup more flavorful?
Roasting the carrots, parsnips, and onions before adding them to the pot enhances natural sweetness and adds depth. You can also add a splash of lemon juice at the end for brightness.

Ultimate Chicken Soup

This wholesome chicken soup brims with tender poached chicken, vibrant root vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a savory broth, offering a comforting and restorative dish ideal for colder days. Its balanced flavors and nourishing ingredients make it a classic, heartwarming choice.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 5 People

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 medium carrots peeled and sliced
• 3 parsnips peeled and sliced
• 3 celery ribs sliced
• 1 leek halved lengthwise, rinsed, and sliced
• ½ medium onion diced
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 sprigs fresh tarragon
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ cup roughly chopped fresh parsley

Method

 

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the carrots, parsnips, celery, leek, and onion, cooking for 4–5 minutes while stirring occasionally until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the garlic, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional minute to release their aroma.
2. Poach the Chicken: Introduce the thyme, tarragon, bay leaf, chicken breasts, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Allow the soup to simmer for 15 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
3. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken with tongs onto a cutting board and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and simmer for 1–2 more minutes to meld flavors.
4. Finish and Serve: Remove the thyme, tarragon, and bay leaf. Stir in the fresh parsley, then garnish with additional parsley and freshly ground black pepper before serving.