10 Best Chicken Soup Recipes to Warm You Up

When the weather turns chilly, few things are as comforting as a steaming bowl of chicken soup. This timeless dish has earned its place as a favorite comfort food for its warmth, versatility, and ability to soothe both body and soul. Whether you’re battling a cold or simply craving something hearty and delicious, chicken soup has got your back.

In this guide, we’re diving into the 10 best chicken soup recipes that promise to warm you up and satisfy your taste buds. From classic flavors to innovative twists, these recipes are perfect for every occasion. Let’s get started!

1. Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 ½ cups egg noodles
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and thyme, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions.
6. Stir in the shredded chicken, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips for a Perfect Bowl

• Use homemade chicken broth for the best flavor.
• Add a splash of lemon juice for a fresh, tangy twist.
• For extra heartiness, toss in some diced potatoes.

2. Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt, pepper, and thyme to taste

How to Prepare It

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened.
2. Add wild rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 40 minutes.
3. Stir in shredded chicken and heavy cream. Cook for another 10 minutes.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme before serving.

Substitutions for Dietary Preferences

• Swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
• Use vegetable broth and tofu to make it vegetarian.

3. Spicy Thai Chicken Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon red curry paste
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• Lime juice and cilantro for garnish

Cooking Directions

1. Heat coconut oil in a pot and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add red curry paste and cook for 2 minutes.
3. Pour in chicken broth and coconut milk. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add shredded chicken, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Garnish with lime juice and cilantro before serving.

Adjusting Spice Levels

• For a milder flavor, use less curry paste.
• Add chili flakes for extra heat if desired.

4. Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Tortilla strips, avocado, and cheese for garnish

How to Make It

1. Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onion and garlic.
2. Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and spices. Bring to a simmer.
3. Stir in shredded chicken and cook for 10 minutes.
4. Serve with tortilla strips, avocado, and cheese on top.

Garnishing Ideas for Extra Flavor

• Add a dollop of sour cream for creaminess.
• Sprinkle chopped jalapeños for an extra kick.

5. Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh dill for garnish

Preparation Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onion, carrots, and garlic.
2. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
3. Stir in orzo pasta and cook until al dente.
4. Add shredded chicken and lemon juice. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Garnish with fresh dill before serving.

Why Lemon and Orzo Make the Perfect Combination

• The tanginess of lemon complements the rich chicken flavor.
• Orzo adds a satisfying texture that’s lighter than noodles.

6. Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 onion (chopped), 2 carrots (sliced), 2 celery stalks (chopped), 1 zucchini (diced), 1 cup green beans (trimmed), 6 cups chicken broth, 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded), 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon oregano, Salt and pepper to taste.

Step-by-Step Guide

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery; cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in zucchini, green beans, basil, oregano, and salt. Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Add shredded chicken, cooking for another 10 minutes. Serve warm, paired with crusty bread for a comforting, nutrient-packed meal.

7. Mexican Chicken Pozole

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 onion (diced), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1 teaspoon chili powder, 4 cups chicken broth, 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded), 1 can hominy, 1 teaspoon cumin, Lime wedges, radishes, and cilantro for garnish.

Cooking Directions

Heat oil in a large pot and sauté onion and garlic. Add chili powder and cumin, stirring until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add hominy and shredded chicken. Simmer for 20 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve hot, topped with radishes, cilantro, and lime wedges for a vibrant, flavorful experience.

8. Creamy Chicken Mushroom Soup

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter, 1 onion (chopped), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 8 oz mushrooms (sliced), 4 cups chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded), Thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.

Cooking Instructions

Melt butter in a pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Toss in mushrooms and sauté until softened. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, stir in heavy cream and shredded chicken, and season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, then serve with fresh herbs or crusty bread.

9. Chicken and Corn Chowder

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 onion (diced), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 4 cups chicken broth, 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen), 2 potatoes (diced), 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded), 1 cup milk or cream, Salt, pepper, and parsley for garnish.

How to Make It

Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat and sauté onion and garlic. Add potatoes, chicken broth, and corn. Bring to a boil and simmer until the potatoes are tender. Stir in shredded chicken and milk, cooking until heated through. Garnish with parsley before serving. This hearty chowder is a perfect balance of sweetness and savory richness.

10. Instant Pot Chicken Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 onion (chopped), 2 carrots (chopped), 2 celery stalks (chopped), 4 cups chicken broth, 1 cup egg noodles, 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded), Salt and pepper to taste, Fresh parsley for garnish.

Quick Cooking Instructions

Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil. Add onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened. Pour in chicken broth, add egg noodles, and top with shredded chicken. Close the lid, set to pressure cook for 5 minutes, and let it naturally release for 10 minutes. Open the lid, stir, and season with salt and pepper. Serve garnished with parsley.

Tips for Storing and Reheating Chicken Soups

Store chicken soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, use a stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent uneven heating. Add a splash of broth or water if it becomes too thick after storage.

Additional Chicken Soup Variations to Try

11. Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 onion (chopped), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 2 cups spinach (chopped), 1 cup carrots (shredded), 4 cups chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 package gnocchi, 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded), Salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for garnish.

Cooking Directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add carrots and spinach, cooking until wilted. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and shredded chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot with fresh parsley for garnish. This soup is rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying.

12. Chicken Coconut Curry Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 1 onion (diced), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tablespoon curry powder, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 can coconut milk, 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded), 1 sweet potato (diced), 1 cup kale (chopped), Salt, pepper, and lime wedges for garnish.

How to Make It

Heat coconut oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Stir in curry powder and cook for 1 minute. Add chicken broth and coconut milk, bringing to a simmer. Toss in sweet potato and cook until tender. Add shredded chicken and kale, simmering for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, and serve with lime wedges for a tangy kick.

13. Mediterranean Chicken Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 onion (chopped), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 4 cups chicken broth, 1 cup diced tomatoes, 1 cup chickpeas (cooked), 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded), 1 cup spinach, 1 teaspoon oregano, Lemon slices for garnish.

Cooking Instructions

In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and chickpeas, bringing to a boil. Lower the heat, stir in shredded chicken, oregano, and spinach, and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve hot with lemon slices for a refreshing Mediterranean flavor.

14. Smoky Chipotle Chicken Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 onion (chopped), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (chopped), 4 cups chicken broth, 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded), 1 cup black beans, 1 cup corn, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, Lime wedges and cilantro for garnish.

How to Prepare It

Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onion and garlic until softened. Stir in chipotle pepper and smoked paprika, cooking for 2 minutes. Add chicken broth, black beans, corn, and shredded chicken. Simmer for 15 minutes. Serve with lime wedges and cilantro for a smoky, spicy delight.

15. Chicken Kale and Quinoa Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 onion (diced), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 4 cups chicken broth, 1 cup quinoa, 2 cups kale (chopped), 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded), Salt, pepper, and lemon zest for garnish.

Step-by-Step Guide

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add quinoa and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Stir in shredded chicken and kale, simmering until kale is wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest for a nutritious, energizing soup.

Pro Tips for Enhancing Chicken Soups

1. Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and cilantro brighten up the flavors.
2. Use High-Quality Broth: Opt for homemade broth or a quality store-bought one for richer flavors.
3. Play with Textures: Incorporate grains like barley, farro, or rice to add variety to your soups.
4. Try Roasting Chicken First: Roasted chicken adds a smoky depth to the broth.

Conclusion

These 15 chicken soup recipes cover everything from classic comfort food to creative twists. Whether you’re craving creamy, spicy, or light and healthy, there’s a chicken soup here for every palate. With these recipes, you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy this timeless dish. Go ahead and give them a try, and you’ll discover why chicken soup is the ultimate comfort food!

FAQs

1. How can I thicken chicken soup? Use a roux, heavy cream, or pureed vegetables like potatoes or squash.
2. What’s the healthiest chicken soup recipe? Soups with plenty of vegetables and lean chicken, like Chicken Kale and Quinoa Soup, are nutrient-packed.
3. Can I use rotisserie chicken in these recipes? Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option that adds great flavor.
4. How do I make chicken soup spicy? Add chili flakes, hot sauce, or chipotle peppers to your soup for an extra kick.
5. What’s a good vegetarian alternative to chicken in soup? Use tofu, chickpeas, or mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly option.