Homemade Chicken Soup

Few dishes hit the soul like a bowl of homemade chicken soup. Whether you’re battling a cold, looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or just craving something warm and satisfying, this recipe is designed to comfort and nourish with every spoonful. Unlike store-bought versions, this from-scratch soup is brimming with fresh ingredients, bold aromatics, and thoughtful seasonings that create a depth of flavor you won’t believe came from such simple steps.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Nourishing – Done in just over 30 minutes, but tastes like it simmered all day.
• Wholesome Ingredients – Packed with vegetables, herbs, and lean chicken.
• Comforting Classic – Ideal for sick days, chilly evenings, or family meals.
• Unbeatable Flavor – Ginger and turmeric give it a unique warm-earthy kick.
• Fuss-Free & Flexible – Easy to modify with grains, noodles, or extra veggies.

This soup doesn’t just check boxes—it wraps you in a blanket of home-cooked comfort. One bite and you’ll understand why it’s a go-to staple in so many kitchens.

Ingredients Needed

For the Flavor Base:

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil – for sautéing the aromatics
• 6 cloves of garlic – finely minced for a punch of flavor
• 1 yellow onion – diced small for even cooking
• 2 large carrots – thinly sliced for sweetness and texture
• 2 celery stalks – roughly chopped, brings a savory crunch

For the Aroma and Depth:

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger – finely grated for a warming spice
• 1 tablespoon fresh turmeric – grated (or 1 tsp ground if unavailable)

For the Body of the Soup:

• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth – opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – use thighs for richer flavor
• 1 teaspoon freshly chopped rosemary – earthy and fragrant
• 1 teaspoon freshly chopped thyme – remove stems

Seasoning & Add-ins:

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt – to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper – generous cracks for bold flavor
• 1 cup pearl couscous – adds a chewy, pasta-like element
• ⅔ cup frozen peas – optional, but they brighten the dish and add texture

How to Make Homemade Chicken Soup

1. Build the Flavor Base

Set a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the oil. Once hot, toss in the garlic, onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions turn soft and translucent—this creates your soup’s aromatic base.

2. Add Bold Aromatics

Mix in the grated ginger and turmeric. Stir for about 30 seconds to release their full flavor into the oil and vegetables. These ingredients bring an immune-boosting kick that elevates traditional chicken soup.

3. Simmer with Chicken and Herbs

Pour in the chicken broth and gently slide in the chicken pieces. Sprinkle in rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to ensure the chicken is submerged—this guarantees even cooking and a tender texture.

4. Introduce the Grains

Stir in the pearl couscous. Let the soup come to a gentle boil, then immediately lower the heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, allowing the chicken to fully cook and the couscous to absorb the broth’s flavor.

5. Shred and Finish

Once the chicken is cooked through (internal temp should hit 165°F), remove it and shred using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in frozen peas and allow them to warm through. If the soup looks too thick, add another cup of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving Ideas:
  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for brightness.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flair.
  • Pair with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.
• Storage:
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
• Freezing Tips:
  • Freeze soup without the couscous (it tends to get mushy). Add fresh when reheating.
  • Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space for expansion.

Helpful Notes

• Ingredient Swaps:
  • Swap couscous with rice, orzo, or small pasta shapes.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut—just reduce simmer time.
• Flavor Enhancers:
  • A splash of fish sauce or a pinch of chili flakes adds surprising depth.
  • Add a bay leaf during simmering for an herbaceous lift.
• Make It Vegetarian:
  • Use vegetable broth and replace chicken with canned chickpeas or tofu.
• Texture Tweaks:
  • Blend a portion of the soup for a thicker consistency.
  • Add extra broth for a lighter, brothier version.

Conclusion

If you’re craving comfort, warmth, and deep flavor in every spoonful, this homemade chicken soup is a no-fail classic. It’s nourishing, simple to prepare, and endlessly adaptable to your tastes and pantry staples. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, this is the kind of meal that soothes and satisfies.

Tried it? Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and a comment to tell us how it turned out.
Looking for inspiration? Try Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe and keep your bowl full all season long.
What variations did you try? Let us know below and share your photos on Facebook or Pinterest!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the ingredients for chicken soup?

The basics include garlic, onion, carrots, celery, broth, chicken, herbs, and seasoning. Our recipe adds couscous, ginger, and turmeric for extra depth and nutrition.

What makes chicken soup taste good?

Flavor is built in layers—sautéing the aromatics, using fresh herbs, and simmering the chicken in the broth infuses the dish with complexity. A touch of acid or spice at the end brings it all together.

What are the 7 steps to making soup?

1. Sauté aromatics
2. Add spices and herbs
3. Pour in broth
4. Add meat or protein
5. Introduce grains or pasta
6. Simmer and develop flavor
7. Finish with seasoning and optional add-ins

Is chicken soup actually healthy?

Yes! It’s loaded with lean protein, immune-supporting ingredients (like garlic and ginger), and hydrating broth. Just watch your sodium levels if you’re using store-bought broth.