Basic Chicken Soup Recipe: Simple Homemade Comfort Food

The simplest basic chicken soup recipe requires just chicken bones or a whole chicken, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and water. Simmer for 1-2 hours to create a flavorful broth, then add cooked chicken meat and vegetables. This foundational recipe yields approximately 8 cups of comforting soup ready in under 90 minutes with minimal prep work.

Nothing compares to a bowl of homemade chicken soup when you need comfort, nourishment, or a simple meal that pleases everyone. This basic chicken soup recipe has sustained families for generations because it's versatile, affordable, and packed with flavor. Whether you're making it for the first time or returning to the fundamentals, this guide provides everything you need for perfect results every time.

Why This Basic Chicken Soup Recipe Works

Unlike store-bought versions loaded with sodium and preservatives, this homemade chicken soup recipe gives you complete control over ingredients and flavor. The magic happens through slow simmering, which extracts collagen from bones and creates that signature rich texture. This easy basic chicken soup recipe for beginners uses common pantry items while delivering restaurant-quality results.

Essential Ingredients for Classic Chicken Soup

The beauty of traditional chicken soup lies in its simplicity. You likely have most ingredients already. Here's what you'll need for an authentic basic chicken soup recipe:

Ingredient	Amount	Preparation Notes
Chicken (whole or parts)	3-4 lbs	Use bone-in pieces for best flavor
Carrots	3 medium	Peeled and diced 1/2 inch
Celery stalks	3 stalks	Diced 1/2 inch
Yellow onion	1 large	Chopped
Garlic cloves	3	Minced
Water or broth	10 cups	Cold
Salt	1 tsp	Plus more to taste
Black pepper	1/2 tsp	Freshly ground

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Follow these straightforward instructions for a perfect basic chicken soup recipe every time. This simple chicken soup recipe with vegetables takes just 15 minutes of active preparation.

Building the Foundation

Place chicken pieces in a large stockpot and cover with cold water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat—never a rolling boil, which makes broth cloudy. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface during the first 10 minutes. Add onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. This traditional chicken soup cooking method extracts maximum flavor while keeping the broth clear.

Simmering to Perfection

Reduce heat to low and maintain a gentle simmer for 60-90 minutes. The longer you simmer, the richer the flavor becomes. After 45 minutes, check chicken for doneness—it should reach 165°F internally. Remove chicken, strain broth, then return deboned meat to the pot. This how to make chicken soup step by step approach ensures tender meat and clear broth.

Final Touches

Return all vegetables to the broth along with salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until vegetables reach desired tenderness. For a more substantial meal, add cooked egg noodles or rice during the last 10 minutes. This basic chicken soup ingredients list creates approximately 8 cups of soup serving 4-6 people.

Pro Tips for Better Chicken Soup

Elevate your basic chicken soup recipe with these professional techniques:

• Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme during the last 15 minutes of cooking
• Include a parmesan rind while simmering for umami depth
• Acid balance with a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar before serving
• Freeze portions for quick meals—homemade soup lasts 3 months frozen
• Use leftover roast chicken for faster preparation without sacrificing flavor

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes can go wrong. Steer clear of these pitfalls when making your basic chicken soup recipe:

• Boiling instead of simmering—causes cloudy broth and tough meat
• Overcooking vegetables—add delicate vegetables like peas or spinach at the end
• Underseasoning—taste and adjust salt levels after reducing broth
• Skipping the skimming step—results in less clear, slightly bitter broth
• Using only breast meat—dark meat and bones create richer flavor

Variations for Different Dietary Needs

This basic chicken soup recipe adapts beautifully to various preferences:

• Gluten-free: Naturally compliant—just ensure any added noodles are GF
• Low-sodium: Use unsalted broth and adjust seasoning at the end
• Keto-friendly: Increase healthy fats with extra olive oil or avocado
• Vegetable-packed: Add zucchini, green beans, or spinach for nutrition

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Proper storage maintains your homemade chicken soup's quality. Cool soup completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months. When reheating, warm gently over medium-low heat to preserve texture—avoid boiling which can make chicken tough. This basic chicken soup recipe actually improves in flavor after 24 hours as ingredients meld together.

Why Homemade Beats Canned Every Time

While convenient, canned chicken soup typically contains three times more sodium than homemade versions. Your basic chicken soup recipe from scratch lets you control ingredients, avoid preservatives, and customize flavors. The collagen-rich broth supports gut health and provides natural hydration—especially valuable when fighting colds. This classic comfort food chicken soup delivers both physical and emotional nourishment you simply can't get from processed alternatives.

Can I use chicken breast instead of a whole chicken for basic chicken soup?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken breast, but the broth will lack depth. For better flavor, use bone-in pieces or add chicken bones to extract collagen. If using breast meat only, simmer for 20-25 minutes to prevent drying out.

How long does homemade chicken soup last in the refrigerator?

Properly stored in an airtight container, homemade chicken soup stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Always cool completely before refrigerating. The flavor often improves after 24 hours as ingredients meld together.

Why is my chicken soup broth cloudy?

Cloudy broth usually results from boiling instead of simmering, or not skimming foam during initial cooking. To prevent this, maintain a gentle simmer and remove surface foam during the first 10 minutes. Straining through cheesecloth can clarify an already cloudy broth.

What vegetables can I add to basic chicken soup recipe?

Classic additions include carrots, celery, and onions. You can also add parsnips, turnips, leeks, or mushrooms for depth. Delicate vegetables like peas, spinach, or zucchini should be added during the last 10 minutes to maintain texture and color.

How do I make chicken soup without a whole chicken?

Use chicken bones (like backs and necks) with 2-3 lbs of bone-in chicken pieces. Simmer bones for 90 minutes to create rich broth, then add meat during the last 30 minutes. Rotisserie chicken works well too—use the meat and simmer the carcass for broth.