When I first started making chicken soup from scratch, I was obsessed with the idea of layering flavors without fussing. This recipe came from a pot I cooked in a chaos of ingredients and a need for comfort. It’s not fancy, but it’s honest, and it’s become a go-to for those cold afternoons or when someone needs a little care.
Why This Soup Calls Me Back Again and Again
It’s a straightforward dish that reminds me of family dinners, but it’s also endlessly customizable. The way the lemon brightens up the broth is a little miracle in a bowl, especially on cold days. I keep coming back to it because it’s honest, filling, and always tastes like a little piece of home.
Inside the Pot: Key Ingredients & Their Magic
- Chicken breast: I prefer boneless, skinless—lean and quick to cook, but you can swap for thighs if you want more flavor.: It cooks quickly and shreds easily, becoming tender and juicy.
- Carrots: Sweet and bright, they add a subtle earthiness—use organic for a deeper flavor.: Slice thin for quicker cooking and a better texture.
- Celery: Crunchy and aromatic, it grounds the soup with a fresh, herbal note.: Chop small to distribute evenly.
- Lemon juice: Brightens everything—don’t skip, even a splash makes a difference.: Use fresh lemon for maximum zing.
- Herbs: Dried oregano and bay leaf—herbaceous and fragrant, they add depth.: Add herbs early to infuse the broth.
- Broth: Store-bought works fine, but homemade adds a richer, more layered flavor.: Look for low-sodium to control salt.
- Olive oil: For sautéing veggies—go for good quality, fruity extra virgin.: It creates a flavorful base.
Tools of the Trade for a Good Soup
- Heavy-bottomed pot: Ensures even heat and prevents sticking.
- Chef’s knife: Chops vegetables and chicken efficiently.
- Wooden spoon: Stirs gently without scratching the pot.
- Ladle: Serves the soup without splashing.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Comfort in a Pot
Step 1: Start by heating a generous splash of olive oil in a big, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat—around 180°C (356°F).
Step 2: Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery—cook until they soften and smell sweet, about 8 minutes.
Step 3: Throw in diced chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the outside turns opaque, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Pour in chicken broth, add a pinch of oregano and a bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer, around 90°C (194°F).
Step 5: Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.
Step 6: Remove the chicken, shred it, and return to the soup. Check seasoning, add lemon juice for brightness, and serve hot.
Comfort Chicken Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until shimmering and fragrant.
- Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and release their sweet aroma, about 8 minutes.
- Stir in small cubes of chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the outside turns opaque, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add dried oregano and a bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, just below boiling, around 90°C (194°F).
- Let the soup simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the pot, shred them with two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the soup.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice from half of the lemon into the soup, stirring to brighten the flavors.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon if desired.
- Remove the bay leaf, ladle the hot soup into bowls, and serve immediately, enjoying the comforting warmth and vibrant flavors.
Cooking Checkpoints & Tips to Keep in Mind
- Watch for the veggies to soften and release their sweet aroma.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked—no pink in the center, juices run clear.
- Taste and adjust seasoning—more lemon or salt as needed for brightness.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
- Underseasoned soup.? Add more salt and lemon juice to brighten flavors if soup tastes dull.
- Chicken remains tough.? Reduce heat and simmer longer if chicken isn’t tender.
- Soup sticking or burning.? Stir more often to avoid sticking if the bottom begins to brown unevenly.
- Excess foam.? Skim foam off the top if it gets too foamy.
This soup is about embracing the simple yet soulful act of cooking. It’s imperfect, warm, and forgiving—perfect for those busy days or when you need a meal that feels like a hug. Feel free to toss in your favorite greens or swap out the herbs to make it uniquely yours. Every spoonful is a small victory—enjoy the process and the flavors.
Hi, I’m Katie Dawson, a paediatric speech-language pathologist by day and a passionate food storyteller by night. Based in Seattle but with a love for global flavours (and a soft spot for Indian chai), I created this blog to bridge the gap between therapeutic nutrition and the simple joy of eating.
