When the days feel long and chilly, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, hearty bowl of homestyle chicken soup. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you need a nourishing meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and cozy pasta, it’s a crowd-pleaser that tastes like home with every spoonful.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Not all chicken soup recipes are created equal. This version is simple yet full of depth, thanks to the use of rich chicken broth and fresh herbs.
It’s perfect for when you want something wholesome and satisfying without unnecessary fuss. Plus, it comes together in about 45 minutes, making it ideal for when time is tight but the craving for comfort food strikes.
STOP BUYING GREENS: This Machine Grows $1000s Worth Automatically
✓ Set It & Forget It: Fully Automated Growing
✓ From Seed to Harvest in Days - No Experience Needed
✓ Grow Premium Microgreens Worth $50/lb Year-Round
Note: This is an affiliate link and we may earn a small commission if you purchase at no additional cost. This helps keep our website free to use.
This easy recipe also allows for flexibility. Whether you prefer chicken thighs for a richer flavor or lean chicken breasts, the choice is yours.
The addition of pasta adds just the right amount of heartiness to make this soup a complete meal.
Key Tips for Perfecting Your Soup
Even with an easy recipe like this, a few tips can help take your soup to the next level:
- Choose Quality Broth: If you have the time, homemade broth makes a noticeable difference in flavor. However, low-sodium store-bought options work just as well in a pinch.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta until it’s just tender to avoid it becoming mushy as the soup sits.
- Season Gradually: Start with smaller amounts of salt and pepper, then adjust to taste after the soup has simmered.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll create a bowl of chicken soup that’s perfectly seasoned and satisfying every time.
How to Make It Your Own
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ways to customize it:
- Make It Gluten-Free: Swap out the pasta for gluten-free options like rice or quinoa.
- Boost the Veggies: Add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or peas for more nutrition and color.
- Try Different Herbs: While dill and parsley add a fresh touch, thyme or rosemary can bring a more earthy, aromatic flavor.
These simple adjustments ensure this chicken soup recipe suits a variety of dietary preferences while keeping it delicious.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This soup is not only easy to make but also a fantastic option for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for up to four days, making it a go-to choice for busy weeks.
The flavors deepen over time, so you’ll enjoy it just as much, if not more, the next day. Just be sure to store the pasta separately if you plan to keep leftovers, as it can absorb too much liquid and lose its texture.
Pro Tips for the Best Soup Experience
- Use Ditalini Pasta: Its small size and shape pair beautifully with the soup’s other ingredients, but feel free to experiment with orzo or even broken spaghetti.
- Add the Pasta Just Before Serving: This keeps the pasta from becoming too soft as the soup cools.
- Finish with a Squeeze of Lemon: A touch of acidity can brighten the flavors and balance the richness of the broth.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Recipe
Homestyle chicken soup is more than just a meal—it’s a hug in a bowl. With its rich, flavorful broth, tender chicken, and vibrant veggies, it’s everything you want in a classic chicken soup.
So grab your ladle, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a dish that’s as easy as it is satisfying. One bowl, and you’ll understand why this recipe deserves a spot in your collection of favorite comfort food recipes.
Easy Homestyle Chicken Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Skillet
- Instant-read thermometer (optional)
Ingredients
- 8 cups homemade or store-bought low-sodium chicken broth
- 5 cups filtered water
- 2 skinless, bone-in chicken thighs or breasts (your choice of white or dark meat)
- 2 ½ teaspoons fine sea salt plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more to taste
- 1 dried bay leaf
- 3 tablespoons extra-light olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots sliced into ½-inch thick coins
- ¾ cup dry ditalini pasta or substitute with orzo or fideo pasta
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 large garlic clove pressed or grated
Instructions
- Prepare the Soup Base: Place the broth, water, chicken, salt, pepper, and bay leaf in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for about 25 minutes. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface. Check that the chicken is fully cooked by ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for thighs or 155°F for breasts.
- Cook the Vegetables: While the soup base is simmering, heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots, and sauté for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and develop a light golden color. Once cooked, transfer the vegetables into the soup pot.
- Shred the Chicken: After the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and allow it to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat into small pieces, discarding any skin or bones.
- Add the Pasta: Stir the pasta into the soup pot and cook for 5 minutes, or until the pasta is just tender. Add the shredded chicken back to the pot and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, ensuring the pasta is fully cooked but not overdone.
- Finish the Soup: Mix in the parsley, dill, and garlic. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed by adding more salt or pepper. Remove and discard the bay leaf before serving.
- Storage Instructions: Allow any leftovers to cool before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The soup will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Notes
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.