Herbed Chicken Soup
Herbed chicken soup offers tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and hearty noodles, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family gatherings or cozy nights.
Ingredients
- 1 fryer (3 1/2 lb.) chicken, cut up ⓘ
- 2 1/2 qt. water ⓘ
- 4 medium carrots, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 5 chicken bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. dried parsley ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dried thyme ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sage ⓘ
- 1 tsp. poultry seasoning ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 1 large bay leaf ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 4-quart pan, place all ingredients except noodles. Cover and bring to a boil; skim fat off.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
- Remove chicken and let it cool. Debone the chicken.
- Skim fat from the broth again, then return chopped chicken to the boiling broth.
- Add cooked noodles and heat through.
- Remove the bay leaf and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider roasting the chicken before adding it to the soup. You can substitute fresh herbs for dried if you have them on hand; use three times the amount. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Additionally, feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes or green beans for extra nutrition. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted similar to other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the herbed chicken soup with a crusty bread or a side salad for a comforting meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top can brighten the flavor. For a heartier option, pair it with a slice of Best Ever Potato Casserole. This soup is perfect for chilly days or when you're feeling under the weather, offering warmth and nourishment.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup thickens too much. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it can unevenly heat the soup.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herbed Chicken Soup contains roughly 592 calories, with 11g protein, 123g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (38% of the Daily Value) and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken instead of a whole fryer chicken?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked, and consider adding them later in the cooking process to prevent overcooking.
What type of noodles work best in this soup?
Egg noodles are a classic choice for chicken soup, but you can use any pasta you prefer, such as rotini or shells. Just be sure to cook them separately and add them to the soup at the end to avoid them becoming mushy.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Just make sure to add the noodles when you're ready to serve it, especially if you plan to store it for more than a day.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).