When you need a cozy, feel-good meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this Quick and Nourishing Chicken Soup is the answer. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, it’s packed with flavor, rich in nutrients, and perfect for busy days, meal prepping, or soothing your body when you need a little extra comfort.
I created this recipe because, as a busy homeschooling mama, I needed a go-to meal that was both nourishing and effortless. There’s something so grounding about a bowl of homemade chicken soup—especially when it’s made with rich bone broth, tender chicken, and buttery vegetables. This version is simple, satisfying, and the kind of meal that warms both your body and soul.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy days when you want something wholesome without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Nourishing & Comforting: Packed with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and rich bone broth to fuel your body and warm your soul.
Family-Friendly: A simple recipe that everyone can enjoy—both flavorful and easy to please even the pickiest eaters.
Versatile: Great for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers, this soup is perfect for lunch, dinner, or whenever you need comfort.
Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: A fuss-free, satisfying meal with ingredients you can feel good about.
Ingredients Breakdown
Boneless Chicken Thighs (or Breasts): Chicken is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and immune health. Thighs provide a richer flavor, while breasts offer a lighter, leaner option.
Carrots, Celery, and Onion: These classic soup vegetables add flavor, texture, and nutrients.
Garlic: Garlic is a powerful antioxidant and is known to help support immune health. Its bold flavor also enhances the overall taste of the soup.
Chicken Bone Broth: Bone broth is packed with collagen, amino acids, and minerals that support gut health, joint function, and the immune system. It’s a nourishing base that makes this soup extra hearty.
Butter: Butter adds richness and healthy fats to the soup. Sautéing the vegetables in butter brings out their flavors and adds a creamy depth to the broth.
Parmesan Rind: The rind of parmesan cheese is an easy way to add umami and richness to the soup. It melts down during cooking, infusing the broth with a delicious, cheesy flavor.
Salt & Pepper: These simple seasonings are essential to bring out the best in your ingredients. Adjust to taste as the soup cooks.
Tools
- Large Dutch Oven
How to Make This Quick and Nourishing Chicken Soup
1. Prep the Vegetables and Chicken
Slice the carrots, celery, and dice the onion. Mince the garlic. If using large chicken thighs or breasts, cut them into bite-sized pieces or leave them whole to shred later.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs (or breasts) in the pot with the vegetables. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Pour in the Bone Broth
Add the chicken bone broth to the pot, ensuring the chicken is submerged. Add the parmesan rind for added flavor. Bring the soup to a boil.
5. Simmer the Soup
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors meld together.
6. Shred or Chop the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks or chop into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the pot and stir.
7. Serve with Toppings
Remove and discard the parmesan rind. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley, some diced jalapeño, or a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Tips for the Best Chicken Soup
- Stir in cooked rice or pasta if you would like a heartier meal.
- Add some heavy cream to make the soup a bit richer and creamier.
- Add some hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you want an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the comforting soup with a delicious biscuit with honey and butter or a piece of sourdough bread for the perfect combination.
If you enjoyed this recipe, I’d be so grateful if you could take a moment to leave a 5-star rating below! Be sure to tag me @simplychelseahome on Instagram so I can see your delicious results!
Quick and Nourishing Chicken Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Slice the carrots, celery, and dice the onion. Mince the garlic. If using large chicken thighs or breasts, cut them into bite-sized pieces or leave them whole to shred later.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Place the chicken thighs (or breasts) in the pot with the vegetables. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the chicken bone broth to the pot, ensuring the chicken is submerged. Drop in the parmesan rind for extra depth of flavor. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors meld together.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred with two forks or chop into bite-sized pieces. Return to the pot and stir.
- Remove and discard the parmesan rind. Ladle into bowls and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley, diced jalapeño, or a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 day or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Add in some hot pepper flakes or hot sauce for an added kick.
Leave a Reply