Name: The Best Chicken Soup Ever: A Classic Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Cook the Chicken:In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked through, remove the chicken and set it aside. Shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces once cooled.; Sauté the Vegetables:In the same pot, add diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.; Add the Broth and Seasonings:Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.; Shred the Chicken and Add It Back to the Pot:Once the soup base is ready and the vegetables are tender, add the shredded chicken back to the pot. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes. If adding rice or noodles, stir them in at this point and cook until heated through.; Optional Creamy Version:For a creamy version, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the soup is smooth and velvety.; Blend for Smoothness (Optional):If you’re using a Vitamix blender or any high-speed blender, you can blend half of the soup in batches until smooth and then return it to the pot for a silky texture. This step is optional but gives the soup a creamy consistency without any actual cream.; Serve:Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread or crackers on the side for the perfect meal.

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Introduction

Looking for the best chicken soup ever? This classic chicken soup recipe is exactly what you need! It’s the ultimate comfort food, packed with tender chicken, flavorful broth, and a satisfying blend of vegetables. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or just for yourself, this recipe delivers a warm, hearty bowl of soup that’s perfect for any occasion. The addition of a Vitamix blender makes this version even more delightful, creating a smooth, creamy texture that elevates the soup to a whole new level. This soup is ideal for when you’re craving something soothing and nourishing, and it’s an easy recipe that you can whip up in no time. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal to fight off a cold or simply craving something delicious and cozy, this chicken soup will become your go-to recipe. So, grab your Vitamix and get ready to make the best chicken soup ever!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Ultimate Comfort Food

This classic chicken soup is the epitome of comfort food. With tender chicken, flavorful broth, and comforting vegetables, it’s a dish that’s guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out.

2. Smooth and Creamy

Thanks to the Vitamix, this soup comes out perfectly smooth and creamy, providing a velvety texture that adds richness and depth to the flavors.

3. Simple and Easy to Make

You don’t need a lot of complicated ingredients or special skills to make this recipe. With a few simple steps and basic ingredients, you’ll have a delicious bowl of chicken soup in no time.

4. Healthy and Nourishing

Packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the vegetables, this soup is not only comforting but also a great way to nourish your body with wholesome ingredients.

5. Versatile and Customizable

This chicken soup recipe is highly customizable. You can adjust the seasoning, add extra vegetables, or even throw in some pasta or rice to make it more hearty. Plus, it’s great for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Olive oil or butter
Onion, diced
Carrots, chopped
Celery, chopped
Garlic, minced
Chicken broth or stock
Fresh thyme or dried thyme
Bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
Heavy cream or milk (optional, for creaminess)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Variations

Add Pasta or Rice: For a heartier soup, add some small pasta or rice. Both work well with this recipe and make the soup more filling.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a chopped jalapeño to give your soup a spicy kick.
Dairy-Free Option: Skip the heavy cream or milk for a lighter version, or substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
Vegetable Options: Add additional vegetables like potatoes, spinach, or peas for extra flavor and texture.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a shortcut, you can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for fresh chicken. Simply shred it and add it to the soup towards the end.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become aromatic. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Chicken and Broth

Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs to the pot, followed by the chicken broth. Add the thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.

Step 4: Blend the Soup

For a smooth, creamy texture, transfer the soup (in batches if needed) to a Vitamix blender. Blend until smooth, adding the cream or milk if desired for extra richness. If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only part of the soup and leave some vegetables intact.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or thyme as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Serve hot, and enjoy your delicious, creamy chicken soup.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Bone-In Chicken: If you prefer extra flavor, use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. The bones will add more depth to the broth. Simply remove the bones before shredding the chicken.
Blend to Your Liking: You can blend the entire soup for a super creamy consistency, or just blend part of the soup for a bit more texture.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to add additional vegetables, like corn, peas, or spinach, for extra flavor and nutrients.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Be sure to remove the chicken from the pot as soon as it’s cooked through to avoid it becoming dry and tough.

How to Serve

Chicken soup is a meal on its own, but it’s even better with a side of warm, crusty bread or a light salad. You can also serve it with crackers or cheese toast for an extra touch of comfort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This chicken soup stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Allow it to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove, adding extra broth or water if needed.

Freezing

Chicken soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the soup over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. Add more broth or water if the soup has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to cook the soup for an extra 10-15 minutes to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Add all the ingredients (except the cream or milk) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the cream at the end and blend as desired.

3. Can I make this soup without a Vitamix?

Yes, you can. If you don’t have a Vitamix, simply use an immersion blender or a regular blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency.

4. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day.

5. Can I add pasta to the soup?

Yes, you can add small pasta to the soup. Add it during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to avoid it becoming mushy.

6. How can I make the soup spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a chopped jalapeño to the soup for a spicy kick.

7. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut! Just shred the chicken and add it to the soup once the broth and vegetables are ready.

8. Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure the broth is also gluten-free.

9. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

10. Can I add more vegetables to the soup?

Yes, feel free to add extra vegetables like peas, spinach, or corn to make the soup even more hearty and nutritious.

Conclusion

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, this classic Chicken Soup recipe is exactly what you need. With its smooth, creamy texture, tender chicken, and flavorful broth, it’s the perfect bowl of comfort on any day. Whether you’re using a Vitamix or just a regular blender, this soup is simple, nourishing, and customizable to fit your taste. It’s an easy recipe that will soon become a staple in your home. Enjoy every spoonful of this delicious homemade chicken soup!