Homestyle Chicken Soup
Cozy, easy chicken soup with herbs, veggies and simple swaps. Make it with rice, noodles, or freeze for later.
This soup is cozy and simple. Perfect for rainy day spent inside with a good book. See the tips for making it your own.
Yield: 8-10 servings
- Brown the chicken first for deeper flavor, then sweat the vegetables in the same pot.
- Use potatoes or 1/4 cup raw rice to add body, or swap in extras like mushrooms, peas, or smoked sausage.
- Store refrigerated for 3 to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months; adjust ingredients when reheating.
Spices
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Preparation Instructions:
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this soup take to make?
Plan about 40 to 50 minutes total. Prep 10 to 15 minutes, brown chicken 8 to 10 minutes, sweat vegetables 5 to 8 minutes, then simmer 15 to 20 minutes until potatoes or rice are tender.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes. Cut breasts into 1-inch pieces and brown the same way but cook a little less to avoid drying. Or simmer breasts whole in broth and shred them before serving to keep the meat tender.
Can I add raw rice instead of potato? How long does it cook?
Yes. Add 1/4 cup uncooked white rice with the broth and chicken. Simmer 15 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender. Note that rice will absorb liquid if stored, so it can thicken the soup later.
What are good add-ins or swaps for variety?
Try diced tomato, sliced mushrooms, fresh peas, spinach or kale, cooked smoked sausage, or cooked noodles. Add delicate greens near the end so they stay bright and tender.
How do I get a rich flavor when starting the soup?
Dry the chicken pieces, season, and brown them in hot oil without crowding the pot. That sear adds caramelized flavor. Use the browned bits left in the pot to sweat the vegetables for extra depth.
Is this soup gluten free?
Yes, if you use a gluten free chicken broth and confirm any added sausage or packaged seasonings are labeled gluten free. Serve with gluten free bread or crackers if needed.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and gently reheat on the stove. If rice or potatoes have absorbed too much liquid, add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
What can I use if I do not have the Homestyle Soup Herbs Blend?
Substitute 1 to 2 teaspoons each of dried thyme and parsley plus a pinch of rosemary or sage, or use 1 to 2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning. Taste and adjust to your preference.
How long does this soup take to make?
Plan about 40 to 50 minutes total. Prep 10 to 15 minutes, brown chicken 8 to 10 minutes, sweat vegetables 5 to 8 minutes, then simmer 15 to 20 minutes until potatoes or rice are tender.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes. Cut breasts into 1-inch pieces and brown the same way but cook a little less to avoid drying. Or simmer breasts whole in broth and shred them before serving to keep the meat tender.
Can I add raw rice instead of potato? How long does it cook?
Yes. Add 1/4 cup uncooked white rice with the broth and chicken. Simmer 15 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender. Note that rice will absorb liquid if stored, so it can thicken the soup later.
What are good add-ins or swaps for variety?
Try diced tomato, sliced mushrooms, fresh peas, spinach or kale, cooked smoked sausage, or cooked noodles. Add delicate greens near the end so they stay bright and tender.
How do I get a rich flavor when starting the soup?
Dry the chicken pieces, season, and brown them in hot oil without crowding the pot. That sear adds caramelized flavor. Use the browned bits left in the pot to sweat the vegetables for extra depth.
Is this soup gluten free?
Yes, if you use a gluten free chicken broth and confirm any added sausage or packaged seasonings are labeled gluten free. Serve with gluten free bread or crackers if needed.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and gently reheat on the stove. If rice or potatoes have absorbed too much liquid, add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
What can I use if I do not have the Homestyle Soup Herbs Blend?
Substitute 1 to 2 teaspoons each of dried thyme and parsley plus a pinch of rosemary or sage, or use 1 to 2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning. Taste and adjust to your preference.
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