Best Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe

There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of homemade chicken soup. It’s the kind of recipe that brings you right back to childhood — soothing, nourishing, and filled with simple, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re craving something cozy on a cold day, feeling under the weather, or just want a classic dinner that never disappoints, this chicken soup is the ultimate go-to.

Chicken soup has been a staple in kitchens around the world for generations. And for good reason: it’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and naturally healing. This version is everything homemade chicken soup should be — savory broth, tender shredded chicken, soft vegetables, and aromatic herbs that infuse every spoonful with warmth.

The secret to truly great chicken soup?
Slow simmering + bone-in chicken + classic aromatics.
These three steps guarantee a flavorful broth without needing bouillon cubes or complicated ingredients. The chicken tenderizes gently, the vegetables release their sweetness, and the herbs create that nostalgic aroma that tells you dinner is going to be amazing.

This is the Best Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe because it balances simplicity with depth of flavor. Nothing fancy — just clean ingredients cooked well, seasoned right, and layered into a bowl of pure comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Comfort food classic

Warm, soothing, and perfect any time of year.

✔ Naturally nutritious

Packed with protein, vegetables, and broth.

✔ One-pot recipe

Easy cleanup and minimal effort.

✔ Customizable

Add noodles, rice, potatoes, or keep it classic.

✔ Freezer-friendly

Perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp salt (adjust as needed)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 cup egg noodles
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1–2 potatoes, diced
• Lemon juice
• Crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Sauté the aromatics
   Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened.
2. Add garlic
   Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add chicken and broth
   Place whole bone-in chicken pieces into the pot. Pour broth over top.
4. Season and simmer
   Add bay leaves, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 45–60 minutes.
5. Shred the chicken
   Remove chicken from soup. Shred meat with two forks and discard the bones/skin.
6. Return chicken to pot
   Add shredded chicken back and stir to combine.
7. Adjust seasoning
   Taste and add more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
8. Finish and serve
   Stir in fresh parsley and serve warm.

Best Homemade Chicken Soup

A warm, comforting, classic chicken soup made with tender chicken, soft vegetables, and savory herbs simmered in rich broth.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Dinner, Soup

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 260

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion diced
• 3 carrots sliced
• 3 celery stalks sliced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tbsp parsley chopped

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 cup egg noodles optional
• 1 cup cooked rice optional
• 2 potatoes diced, optional

Equipment

• Large pot
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil for 5–7 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
3. Place chicken in pot and pour in broth.
4. Add bay leaves, salt, pepper, and thyme; simmer 45–60 minutes.
5. Remove chicken, shred it, and return to the pot.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning.
7. Stir in parsley and serve warm.

Notes

For chicken noodle soup, add egg noodles during last 10 minutes of cooking.

Broth Tips for the Best Flavor

✔ Use bone-in chicken

It naturally creates a richer, deeper broth.

✔ Simmer gently

Boiling can make soup cloudy — keep it low and slow.

✔ Taste as you go

Broths vary in saltiness, so adjust carefully.

Variations

Chicken Noodle Soup

Add 1 cup egg noodles during the last 10 minutes.

Chicken Rice Soup

Stir in cooked rice at the end.

Lemon Herb Soup

Add 2 tbsp lemon juice and extra parsley.

Spicy Version

Add crushed red pepper or diced jalapeño.

Vegetable-Loaded

Add peas, corn, zucchini, or spinach.

How to Make It Extra Cozy

• Serve with warm rolls or crusty bread.
• Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
• Drizzle a little olive oil on top.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Soup tastes even better the next day.
• Skim extra fat from the top once chilled.
• Store broth and noodles separately (if using).

Storage

• Refrigerator: 4–5 days
• Freezer: Up to 3 months
• Reheat: Low heat on stovetop