There’s nothing quite as heartwarming and restorative as a bowl of Homemade Chicken Soup. This timeless classic has been cherished through generations because it offers more than just flavor—each spoonful soothes the soul and supports healing, making it a beloved comfort food around the world. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving a cozy meal, this nourishing soup combines wholesome ingredients and simple techniques to create a dish that warms from the inside out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nostalgic comfort: Every bowl brings back memories of care and warmth, making it feel like a hug in a bowl.
Healing properties: Packed with immune-boosting ingredients that promote faster recovery and wellbeing.
Rich flavor with simple ingredients: The depth of taste comes from slow simmering, letting natural flavors shine.
Versatility: Easily adaptable for various dietary needs and personal flavor preferences.
Warmth and hydration: The broth helps keep you hydrated while gently nourishing the body.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to crafting a memorable Homemade Chicken Soup. Each ingredient plays a key role in balancing the soup’s flavor, texture, and color to create the perfect harmony of taste and nourishment.

Whole chicken or chicken parts: Opt for bone-in pieces to develop a rich, flavorful broth full of nutrients.
Carrots: Adding natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
Celery stalks: Bringing a fresh, slightly peppery note for complexity.
Onion: Provides depth and a mild savory base flavor.
Garlic: A natural immune booster that enhances aroma and flavor.
Bay leaves: Subtle earthiness that feels like an old-fashioned soup secret.
Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme): Brighten and lift the soup with herbal freshness.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors perfectly.
Water or chicken broth: The foundation that carries all the ingredients together.

Variations for Homemade Chicken Soup

One of the joys of Homemade Chicken Soup is how flexible it is. Whether you want to swap ingredients based on what’s in your pantry or customize it for your diet, this recipe welcomes creativity with open arms.

Gluten-free twist: Skip noodles or use gluten-free pasta or rice for a gluten-free version.
Vegetable-packed: Add zucchini, spinach, or peas for an extra nutrient boost and color.
Spicy kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh ginger to add warmth and zing.
Low-sodium option: Use homemade broth or reduce salt for a heart-healthy bowl.
Vegan adaptation: Replace chicken with hearty mushrooms and vegetable broth for a plant-based version.

Why Homemade Chicken Soup Heals and Comforts

How to Make Homemade Chicken Soup

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by washing and chopping your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry, then prepare your herbs and seasonings.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot, gently sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in a bit of oil or butter until softened and fragrant, setting the foundation for your soup’s rich flavor.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Liquid

Place the whole chicken or pieces into the pot, then cover with water or chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing the heat to a simmer.

Step 4: Simmer Slowly

Let the soup simmer for at least 1 to 2 hours, allowing the flavors to fully develop and the chicken to become tender. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.

Step 5: Remove Chicken and Add Herbs

Take out the chicken, shred the meat off the bones, discard the bones, and return the shredded chicken to the pot along with fresh herbs like parsley and thyme for a bright finish.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Additions

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then add any optional ingredients like noodles, rice, or extra veggies. Cook until these additions are tender but not overdone.

Pro Tips for Making Homemade Chicken Soup

Use bones for depth: Simmering bones creates a gelatin-rich broth that tastes richer and supports gut health.
Don’t rush the simmer: Slow cooking lets flavors meld and ensures tender chicken.
Skim frequently: Removing foam keeps your broth clear and clean-tasting.
Fresh herbs last: Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their bright flavor.
Save your broth: Freeze leftover broth to use later as a base for quick meals.

How to Serve Homemade Chicken Soup

Garnishes

Top your soup with fresh parsley, chives, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors and add a fresh pop just before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair with crusty bread, buttery crackers, or a light green salad to make a balanced and satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in rustic bowls with a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a touch of elegance and extra comfort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days, allowing flavors to deepen even more overnight.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully—portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion, and store for up to three months.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use leftover cooked chicken for homemade chicken soup?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken can be added during the last few minutes of cooking to warm through without overcooking the meat.

Is homemade chicken soup good for colds?

Yes, homemade chicken soup is known to help relieve cold symptoms by providing warmth, hydration, and nutrients that support the immune system.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Slow cooking enhances the flavors and tenderness, just add the ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is tender.

What’s the best cut of chicken for soup?

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or a whole chicken create the richest broth and most flavorful soup.

Can I freeze homemade chicken soup with noodles?

It’s best to freeze the soup without noodles, then add fresh noodles when reheating to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a pot of Homemade Chicken Soup. It’s more than just food—it’s comfort, healing, and love simmered into every comforting spoonful. If you haven’t made this classic yet, now is the perfect time to dive in and enjoy the warmth that only homemade soup can bring to your table.

Homemade Chicken Soup

Print Recipe

Homemade Chicken Soup is a timeless, heartwarming dish known for its comforting and healing properties. Made with nutrient-rich bone-in chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, it offers a flavorful broth that soothes the soul and supports recovery. Perfect for chilly days, colds, or whenever you crave a nourishing, cozy meal.

Author: Lina
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American / Classic
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1 whole chicken (3–4 lbs) or equivalent bone-in chicken parts

Vegetables

3 large carrots, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
3–4 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs & Seasonings

2 bay leaves
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Liquids

10 cups water or chicken broth

Optional Additions

Gluten-free noodles or rice (amount as desired)
Zucchini, spinach or peas for extra vegetables
Pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh ginger for spice
Butter or oil for sautéing (1-2 tbsp)

Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients: Wash and chop carrots, celery, and onion into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic. Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry. Prepare fresh herbs and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat butter or oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This builds the flavor base for your soup.
Add Chicken and Liquid: Place the whole chicken or chicken parts into the pot. Pour in water or chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is fully covered. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low for simmering.
Simmer Slowly: Allow the soup to simmer uncovered for 1 to 2 hours. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface to keep the broth clear and clean-tasting. This slow cooking extracts rich flavors and tenderizes the chicken.
Remove Chicken and Add Herbs: Carefully take the chicken out of the pot. Shred the meat off the bones and discard the bones. Return shredded chicken to the pot and stir in fresh parsley and thyme to add a bright herbal note.
Final Seasoning and Additions: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Add any optional ingredients like gluten-free noodles, rice, or extra vegetables. Cook until tenderness is achieved but avoid overcooking. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Use bone-in chicken for a richer, gelatinous broth that benefits gut health.
Slow simmering melds flavors and ensures tender chicken.
Skim foam frequently for a clear broth.
Add fresh herbs at the end to maintain bright flavors.
Freeze leftover broth separately for future use.
When freezing soup with noodles, omit noodles and add fresh ones when reheating.
For a vegan version, substitute chicken with mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
Adjust salt and sodium by using homemade or low-sodium broth.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 180
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: homemade chicken soup, comfort food, healing soup, bone-in chicken soup, gluten-free chicken soup, immune boosting soup