There’s nothing quite as comforting as a steaming bowl of old-fashioned chicken soup. This classic recipe is rich in flavor, brimming with nutritious ingredients, and perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a chilly evening or when you’re feeling under the weather. With fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs, this recipe is simple to prepare and deeply satisfying.

1. Old Fashioned Chicken Soup Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 3 parsnips, peeled and sliced
  • 3 celery ribs, sliced
  • ½ medium onion, diced
  • 1 leek, halved lengthwise, sliced, and rinsed
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 sprigs fresh tarragon
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • ¼ cup roughly chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Heat the Oil

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the carrots, parsnips, celery, onion, and leek. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Add Garlic and Seasonings

Add the minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir for 1 minute, allowing the garlic to release its aroma.

Add Chicken and Herbs

Place the chicken breasts into the pot, nestling them among the vegetables. Add the fresh thyme sprigs, tarragon sprigs, and bay leaf for flavor.

Pour in the Broth

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken and vegetables are fully submerged. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir well.

Add Fresh Parsley

Stir in the chopped parsley just before serving. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!

2. Tips to Perfect Chicken Soup

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs make all the difference in flavor and texture. Avoid using canned or pre-cut vegetables for the best results.

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Simmering the chicken gently ensures it stays tender and juicy. Overcooking can make it dry and rubbery.

Skim the Broth: If foam forms on the surface while simmering, skim it off with a spoon for a clearer soup.

Season Gradually: Start with a light hand on the salt and pepper, then adjust the seasoning after simmering for balanced flavor.

3. Recipe Variations

Add Noodles or Rice: For a heartier soup, stir in cooked egg noodles or rice just before serving.

Use Bone-In Chicken: Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks can be used instead of chicken breasts for extra flavor. Remove the bones after cooking and shred the meat.

Boost with Greens: Add a handful of baby spinach, kale, or Swiss chard during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra nutrients.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a subtle heat.

4. What to Eat with Chicken Soup

Pair this old-fashioned chicken soup with:

Crusty Bread: A warm slice of sourdough or baguette is perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.

Simple Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette balances the meal.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The creamy, cheesy sandwich complements the comforting soup beautifully.

Crackers: Serve with buttery crackers for a quick and easy side.

5. How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Storing: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing: For longer storage, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: Warm the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickened while stored.

This old-fashioned chicken soup recipe is a timeless classic, offering comfort and nourishment in every spoonful. Its versatility, simplicity, and delicious flavor make it a go-to meal for any time of the year. Enjoy it on its own or with your favorite side for a wholesome and satisfying experience!

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Julia Jane is a home cook inspired by her mother's cooking. With the desire to share my cooking experiences with everyone, she created this website

1 Comment

  1. 1/30/2025
    I’ve been looking for different soup recipes and as I searched, found this gem. I was excited how simple and flavorful it appeared to be, so I tried it yesterday and my family was delighted. The flavor, ease and the shredding of the chicken was fantastic. I didn’t have tarragon so I put in sage instead and it worked just fine.
    Once this flu has gotten out of our home, I plan on using more recipes on this site.
    Bravo!!!

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