Quick Chicken Soup

Quick Chicken Soup

There’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of hot chicken soup, especially when you need a fast and easy meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

This Quick Chicken Soup recipe is perfect for those busy days when you want a hearty, nourishing soup without hours of cooking.

With tender chicken, flavorful broth, and an assortment of vegetables, this soup is packed with nutrients and will satisfy your hunger in no time. The best part is, you can make it in under an hour, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a comforting lunch.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

1 medium onion, chopped

2 carrots, peeled and sliced

2 celery stalks, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

6 cups chicken broth

1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

1 cup frozen peas

1 cup egg noodles or small pasta (optional)

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

How to Make Quick Chicken Soup:

Prepare the Chicken:

If you are using whole chicken breasts or thighs, begin by cutting them into bite-sized cubes for faster cooking. If using pre-cooked chicken, shred or chop it into small pieces.

Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion turns translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Cook the Chicken:

Add the chicken pieces to the pot, stirring them into the vegetables. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink and is beginning to brown slightly.

Add the Broth and Seasonings:

Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), dried thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine, making sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat.

Simmer the Soup:

Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to fully soften. If you are adding pasta, add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Add Frozen Peas and Pasta (if using):

About 5 minutes before the soup is done cooking, add the frozen peas and the pasta (if using). Stir the soup to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Continue cooking until the pasta is tender and the peas are heated through.

Finish the Soup:

Once the soup is done, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or dried herbs as needed. If desired, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread or crackers.

Chef’s Note:

Quick Chicken Soup Variations: This soup is highly customizable. You can add other vegetables like corn, green beans, or spinach to boost the nutritional value. If you prefer a more substantial soup, you can substitute rice or quinoa for the pasta.

Using Rotisserie Chicken: For an even quicker version, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the soup in the final 5 minutes of simmering.

For a Creamier Soup: If you prefer a creamier chicken soup, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half in the final few minutes of cooking.

Add Heat: For some spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper along with the garlic.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):

Calories: 250

Protein: 26g

Carbohydrates: 20g

Fat: 8g

Fiber: 3g

Sugar: 6g

Sodium: 700mg

This Quick Chicken Soup is an excellent choice for a healthy, filling meal that’s rich in protein and low in calories. It’s a great way to get in a good serving of vegetables, and the lean chicken provides a substantial amount of protein to keep you full.

The soup is also flexible, allowing you to adjust it based on what you have available in your kitchen.

Whether you enjoy it as a comforting meal on a cold day or a nutritious option for lunch or dinner, this soup will be sure to hit the spot. Enjoy it with a warm crusty bread for dipping or alongside a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal!