Cozy Comfort Chicken Soup

$- 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 3 medium carrots, sliced - 2 celery stalks, chopped - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 6 cups chicken broth - 2 cups shredded cooked chicken - 1 cup frozen peas - Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role in your chicken soup. Olive oil helps cook the veggies and adds a rich taste. Onion and garlic bring depth and aroma to the soup. Carrots and celery add sweetness and crunch, while dried thyme and rosemary give it that cozy flavor. Chicken broth serves as the soup's base, making it warm and hearty. Using shredded cooked chicken, especially rotisserie, saves time and enhances flavor. Frozen peas add color and a sweet bite. Don't forget to season it well with salt and pepper. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds freshness. Having these ingredients ready helps you make a comforting chicken soup that warms the soul. {{ingredient_image_2}} In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes until it looks soft and clear. Next, stir in the minced garlic. Cook it for one more minute until it smells great. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Now, add the sliced carrots and chopped celery. Stir the mix occasionally. Cook for another 5 minutes. You want the veggies to soften and let out their natural flavors. Sprinkle in the dried thyme and rosemary. These herbs will add depth to your soup. Stir well to mix the spices with the vegetables. After that, carefully pour in the chicken broth. Increase the heat to bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Once the soup is simmering, add the shredded chicken and frozen peas. Let the soup cook for another 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend nicely. Before you serve, taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground pepper based on your liking. Enjoy your warm soup, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. For a great chicken soup, start with good chicken broth. A rich broth adds depth to your soup. You can use store-bought or homemade. If you choose store-bought, look for low-sodium options. This helps you control the salt in your dish. When it comes to vegetables, fresh is best. Fresh veggies bring bright flavors. However, frozen vegetables work well too. They are often picked at peak ripeness. This keeps their taste and nutrients intact. Adding a splash of acidity can brighten your soup. A squeeze of lemon juice works wonders. It balances the flavors and adds a fresh zing. You can also try vinegar for a different twist. Don't be afraid to experiment with spices. Besides thyme and rosemary, consider adding bay leaves or dill. Each herb brings a unique taste. Play around and find what you love! Using a heavy-bottomed pot is key. It distributes heat evenly and prevents burning. This ensures your soup cooks well without sticking. Maintain a gentle simmer as you cook. A rolling boil can make your soup cloudy. It also overcooks the chicken. Simmering allows flavors to blend beautifully. It creates that cozy comfort you crave in chicken soup. Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker meal, grab a rotisserie chicken from the store. It adds great flavor and saves you time on cooking the chicken from scratch. Fresh Herbs for Flavor: If available, use fresh thyme and rosemary instead of dried. Fresh herbs will enhance the aroma and taste of your soup significantly. Adjusting Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup and mix it back in. This will give your soup a creamy texture without adding dairy. Freezing Tips: This soup freezes well! Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Just reheat on the stove when you’re ready to enjoy it again. {{image_4}} You can swap the chicken for turkey. This change works well, especially during the holidays. Turkey adds a nice flavor, and the soup remains comforting. For a vegetarian option, try using beans or lentils. They provide protein and keep the soup hearty. You can also add tofu for a different texture. Adding lemon or lime can brighten your soup. Just a squeeze before serving can lift the taste. You can also experiment with fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. They add freshness and a unique twist to your soup. Try mixing in dill for a warm, cozy flavor. Including noodles or rice makes the soup more filling. Egg noodles cook quickly and soak up flavors. If you prefer rice, use cooked rice to avoid mushiness. You can also boost the soup with extra vegetables. Spinach or corn adds color and nutrients. Peas are great, but feel free to get creative! To store leftover chicken soup, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools before sealing. You can keep it in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. Chicken soup lasts up to 4 days in the fridge. It may lose flavor after a few days. Always check for any off smells or signs of spoilage before eating. To freeze chicken soup without losing flavor, let it cool first. Pour it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can also use freezer bags for easy storage. Just make sure to remove as much air as possible. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, place the container in cold water. Reheat it gently on the stove over low heat. Stir often to make sure it heats evenly. You can also use a microwave, but be careful not to overheat it. Enjoy your cozy soup again! The best way to make chicken soup from scratch is to use fresh ingredients. Start with good chicken broth for a rich base. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil for flavor. Then, add carrots and celery for sweetness and crunch. Let everything simmer together to meld the flavors. Yes, you can use raw chicken. If you use raw chicken, cook it first in the pot. Sauté it until it is browned. Then, add the broth and other ingredients. Let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through. Shred the chicken before serving. To make chicken soup healthier, use low-sodium broth. Add more vegetables, like spinach or kale, for extra nutrients. You can also use herbs like parsley for flavor without added salt. Lastly, opt for skinless chicken to reduce fat content. Absolutely! You can add vegetables like green beans, corn, or zucchini. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces. This way, they cook evenly and blend well with the soup. Feel free to get creative with your favorite veggies! Chicken soup pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with crusty bread or soft rolls. A fresh salad also complements the soup nicely. For a heartier meal, try it with a side of rice or quinoa. You learned how to make easy homemade chicken soup packed with flavor. From choosing fresh ingredients to adjusting spices, you can customize your soup to fit your taste. Remember, using high-quality broth and simmering gently makes a difference. You can even switch proteins or add extras like noodles. Always store your leftovers well for later enjoyment. With these tips, you can create a comforting meal that warms the heart, no matter the season. Happy cooking!$

A warm and hearty chicken soup perfect for chilly days.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup frozen peas
to taste salt
to taste freshly ground pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and soft.
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant but be careful not to burn it.
Add the sliced carrots and chopped celery to the pot, stirring occasionally. Cook for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften and release their natural juices.
Sprinkle the dried thyme and rosemary into the mixture, stirring well to ensure the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the vegetables.
Carefully pour in the chicken broth, raising the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Once simmering, add the shredded chicken and frozen peas to the pot. Let the soup simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully and the chicken to heat through.
Before serving, taste and season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
Serve the soup warm in bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor.

Notes

Rotisserie chicken works exceptionally well for this recipe.

Keyword chicken soup, comfort food, soup