Easy Chicken Soup Recipe: Simple 35-Minute Homemade Soup

The easiest chicken soup recipe starts with sautéing onions, carrots, and celery, then simmering chicken breasts with broth, herbs, and vegetables for 25 minutes. This basic chicken soup requires just 8 ingredients, takes 35 minutes total, and delivers comforting flavor without complicated techniques or hard-to-find items.

Nothing beats a bowl of warm, homemade chicken soup when you need comfort or a quick meal. This easy chicken soup recipe proves you don't need hours of simmering or professional skills to create a flavorful broth with tender chicken and vegetables. Perfect for beginners or busy weeknights, this approach delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Why This Easy Chicken Soup Recipe Works

Many "simple" chicken soup recipes still require multiple steps or specialty ingredients. Our approach focuses on genuine simplicity without sacrificing flavor. By using boneless chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken, you eliminate hours of simmering time while still getting rich flavor from quality broth and fresh aromatics. This easy homemade chicken soup recipe balances convenience with authentic taste.

Ingredients for Simple Chicken Soup

Makes 4 servings | Total time: 35 minutes

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Chicken broth	4 cups	Low-sodium preferred
Chicken breasts	2 (about 1 lb)	Boneless, skinless
Carrots	2 medium	Peeled and diced
Celery	2 stalks	Diced
Yellow onion	1 medium	Diced
Garlic	2 cloves	Minced
Dried thyme	1 teaspoon	Or 1 tablespoon fresh
Salt and pepper	To taste

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Chicken Soup

1. Saute vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened but not browned.
2. Add garlic and herbs: Stir in minced garlic and dried thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in broth: Add chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook chicken: Place chicken breasts in the broth. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
5. Shred chicken: Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
6. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Soup Every Time

Follow these simple techniques to elevate your simple chicken soup for beginners from good to exceptional:

• Don't rush the vegetable saute: Taking 5-7 minutes to soften (not brown) the mirepoix builds flavor without bitterness
• Use a thermometer: Perfectly cooked chicken makes all the difference - 165°F is the safe internal temperature
• Resist boiling: Keep broth at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, for clearer soup and more tender chicken
• Season in layers: Add a pinch of salt when sauteing vegetables, then adjust at the end for balanced flavor

Easy Variations to Customize Your Soup

This quick chicken soup with few ingredients serves as a perfect base for customization:

• For extra richness: Add 1/4 cup white wine when sauteing vegetables and let it reduce before adding broth
• For more vegetables: Stir in 1 cup frozen peas or chopped spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking
• For heartier soup: Add 1/2 cup small pasta or cooked rice when returning shredded chicken to the pot
• For immune support: Increase garlic to 4 cloves and add 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

Storing and Reheating Your Chicken Soup

This comforting chicken soup recipe actually improves in flavor after sitting. Store properly for maximum freshness:

• Cool completely before storing (about 1 hour at room temperature)
• Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months
• Reheat gently on stove over medium-low heat until warmed through
• Add a splash of water or broth when reheating if soup has thickened

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this easy chicken soup recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe. Use boneless, skinless thighs and increase cooking time to 25-30 minutes until they reach 165°F. Thighs add richer flavor but may make the broth slightly cloudier.

How can I make chicken soup even quicker on busy days?

For the quickest version of this easy weeknight chicken soup, use pre-diced vegetables and rotisserie chicken. Skip the initial saute step by adding all ingredients except chicken to simmering broth, then stir in 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Why does my chicken soup taste bland?

Bland soup usually needs more seasoning layers. Try adding salt when sauteing vegetables, using high-quality broth, and finishing with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to brighten flavors. Fresh herbs added at the end also boost taste in this basic chicken soup recipe.

Can I make this chicken soup recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. For a healthy chicken soup recipe in a slow cooker, saute vegetables first, then transfer to slow cooker with broth, chicken, and thyme. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, remove chicken to shred, then return to pot. This method creates incredibly tender chicken with minimal hands-on time.

What's the best way to store leftover chicken soup?

Cool soup completely before storing in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When freezing, leave 1-inch space at the top of containers for expansion. Properly stored leftovers maintain quality for this easy chicken soup recipe remarkably well.