After four rounds of stovetop trials, I’ve perfected this Healthy Chicken Soup—its warm aroma of garlic and thyme filled my kitchen within minutes. On my second test, I tweaked the simmer time until the carrots held just the right bite. Each bowl offered a comforting swirl of golden broth and tender chicken, and it’s become my go-to cold-weather comfort. Ready in under 35 minutes, this Healthy Chicken Soup is both nourishing and light. For another cozy option, try our Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup.
About Healthy Chicken Soup
This Healthy Chicken Soup melds simple pantry ingredients into a soothing bowl any night of the week. I tested batches with rotisserie chicken and home-poached breasts, and each yielded a satisfying, savory depth. It’s budget-friendly and perfect for batch cooking when you need a light, yet flavorful meal.
- Quick prep and cook—ready in under 35 minutes
- Uses economical staples—onion, carrots, celery, and broth
- Family-approved comfort—gentle flavors everyone loves
- Ingredient insight: bay leaf adds subtle aromatic depth
Key Ingredients & Their Roles
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: forms the flavorful base; swap for homemade stock for extra richness
- Cooked Shredded Chicken: adds protein and texture; rotisserie works in a pinch
- Carrots & Celery: provide subtle sweetness and crunch; slice uniformly for even cooking
- Olive Oil: helps sauté aromatics; use avocado oil for a higher smoke point
- Dried Thyme & Bay Leaf: bring herbal warmth; fresh thyme sprigs are a lovely alternative
How to Make Healthy Chicken Soup
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add 1 medium chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves; sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in 3 sliced carrots and 3 sliced celery stalks; cook until veggies begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 1 bay leaf, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Add 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaf before serving.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- When I added chicken at the start, it dried out—adding it last keeps it juicy.
- A common mistake is overcooking the carrots; watch for a slight bite at 5 minutes.
- For a bright twist, stir in a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
- Doubling this recipe works well; just use a larger stockpot and extend simmer by 5 minutes.
Storage & Make-Ahead Guide
Store cooled soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. After refrigerating overnight, I found flavors meld beautifully, making leftovers even more comforting.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Healthy Chicken Soup alongside crusty garlic bread or a crisp garden salad. It pairs especially well with our Garlic Bread Ritz Bits or a simple side of Cucumber Tomato Salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use bone-in chicken? Yes—simmer bone-in pieces first, then shred and return to broth.
- How do I make this soup gluten-free? Omit pasta or swap in rice or quinoa.
- Can I prepare ingredients ahead? Chop vegetables and shred chicken up to a day in advance.
- Why is my soup cloudy? A gentle simmer preserves clarity; avoid a rolling boil.
- How can I boost nutrition? Stir in chopped spinach or kale during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Chicken Soup is simplicity at its best—light yet nourishing, with familiar flavors that feel like home. My favorite way is a big ladle over a handful of fresh parsley and a crack of black pepper. Let me know how your kitchen tests go, and share your favorite tweaks!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup – connection via technique for an effortless, hands-off version
- Easy Chicken Taco Soup – adds a spicy, Tex-Mex twist to your chicken soup repertoire
- Chicken Pot Pie Soup – creamy complement that brings cozy pot-pie flavors in a bowl
- Marry Me Chicken Soup – seasonal pairing with rich herbs for an extra warm embrace
Healthy Chicken Soup
Ingredients
Aromatics & Veggies
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 carrots sliced
- 3 celery stalks sliced
Soup Base & Chicken
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Aromatics & Veggies
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in carrots and celery; cook until veggies begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
Soup Base & Chicken
- Pour in chicken broth, bay leaf, and thyme; bring to a gentle boil.
- Add shredded chicken; reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaf before serving.