Recipe

Homemade Chicken Soup

A cozy, classic chicken soup with tender chicken, soft veggies, and a bright lemon finish. Simple ingredients, clear steps, and big comfort in every bowl.

By Matt Campbell

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4.8

A steaming bowl of homemade chicken soup with shredded chicken, carrots, celery, and noodles on a wooden table with a spoon beside it

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Some recipes are loud and flashy. Chicken soup is not one of them. It is the quiet friend that shows up on time, brings blankets, and somehow makes your whole day feel less dramatic.

This homemade chicken soup recipe is my go-to when I want real comfort without babysitting a pot all afternoon. We build a quick flavor base with onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, simmer chicken until it is fall-apart tender, then finish with a little lemon to wake the whole thing up. It tastes like you worked harder than you did, which is kind of the dream.

A large pot of chicken soup simmering on a stovetop with carrots, celery, and herbs visible in the broth

Why It Works

Deep, savory broth without extra fuss: A steady simmer plus a bay leaf and thyme does the heavy lifting.
Tender chicken that stays juicy: We poach it gently, then shred it and return it to the pot.
Vegetables that taste sweet, not mushy: Sauté first for flavor, then simmer until just right.
Bright finish that makes it pop: Lemon juice at the end keeps the soup from tasting flat.
Flexible for your kitchen: Noodles, rice, or potatoes all work, and you can make it gluten-free easily.

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

Refrigerate: Cool soup to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Freeze for best quality up to 3 months. If you are using noodles, consider freezing the soup without noodles and cooking fresh noodles when reheating. Noodles love to drink all your broth while they sit.

Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over medium-low until steaming. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickened. Taste, then refresh with a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of salt.

Common Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, and it is a weeknight lifesaver. Make the broth and veggies as written, then stir in shredded rotisserie chicken at the end and warm it through for 5 to 10 minutes. If you want extra flavor, simmer the rotisserie carcass in the broth for 30 to 60 minutes (longer if you have time), then strain.

How do I keep chicken soup from tasting bland?

Three things: salt in layers, a gentle simmer (not a hard boil), and a bright finish. Taste the broth before serving and adjust with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. If it still feels flat, a tiny splash of apple cider vinegar works too.

Do I have to skim the foam?

If you see a little foam early on, skim it for a cleaner broth. It is not mandatory, but it helps the soup look and taste clearer.

What noodles work best?

Egg noodles are classic. Ditalini, small shells, or broken spaghetti also work. Cook noodles separately if you want leftovers that do not turn extra thick.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Add everything except noodles, lemon, and parsley. Cook on low 6 to 7 hours or high 3 to 4 hours. Shred chicken, then add cooked noodles and finish with lemon and herbs.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottom soup pot (6 to 8 quart)
Cutting board and chef’s knife
Wooden spoon
Tongs
Fine-mesh strainer (optional, for extra-clear broth)
Ladle

Chicken soup is the first thing I make when life feels a little too loud. I like how it gives you something to do with your hands that is not complicated: chop, stir, simmer, taste. The smell alone is basically a reset button. And every time I finish it with lemon, I remember that comfort food does not have to be heavy to be serious comfort.