Chicken breast soup is one of those meals that feels like comfort in a bowl. It’s warm, nourishing, and surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not a kitchen expert. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, craving something light, or just need a simple homemade meal after a long day, this chicken breast soup always delivers.
What makes chicken breast soup so special is its simplicity. Chicken breast is lean, tender, and cooks quickly, making it perfect for a light but satisfying soup. You don’t need fancy ingredients or advanced cooking skills to get it right. Just a few kitchen staples, a little patience, and you’ll end up with a pot of soup that tastes like it was made with genuine care, the kind of food that reminds you of home.
This recipe is great for beginners, busy people, or anyone who wants a healthy, comforting meal without stress. It’s also easy to customize, so you can add vegetables, spices, or grains depending on what you have in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 medium chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, sliced
- 1 stalk celery, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or mixed herbs
- 4–5 cups chicken stock or water
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
You can optionally add some side ingredients to complete the meal like; potatoes, sweet corn, noodles, rice, or fresh herbs like parsley.
Kitchen Tools
- Medium pot
- Knife and chopping board
- Wooden spoon
How to Prepare Chicken Breast Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by rinsing the chicken breasts under clean water and patting them dry. You can leave them whole or cut them into chunks if you prefer smaller pieces in your soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for about 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become soft and slightly translucent. Add the garlic and stir for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Toss in the carrots and celery. Stir everything together and let it cook for 2–3 minutes. This step helps bring out the flavor of the vegetables before adding liquid.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Stock
Place the chicken breasts into the pot and pour in the chicken stock or water. Add salt, black pepper, thyme, and the bay leaf. Stir gently and bring the soup to a light boil.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 20–25 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily.
Step 6: Shred and Finish
Remove the chicken breasts, shred them using a fork, and return them to the pot. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes so everything comes together.
Tips for the Best Chicken Breast Soup
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooking can make it dry. Once it shreds easily, it’s ready.
- Taste as you go: Adjust salt and spices gradually for the best flavor.
- Make it heartier: Add noodles, rice, or potatoes if you want something more filling.
- Storage: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and tastes even better the next day.
Easy Variations
- Spicy version: Add chili flakes or fresh pepper.
- Healthy boost: Add spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes.
- Creamy version: Stir in a splash of milk or cream.
Preparing chicken breast soup should be simple, comforting, and endlessly flexible. Once you master the base, you can tweak it to suit your taste, just like home cooking should be. Warm, filling, and made with care, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
