10 Heartwarming Chicken Soup Recipes to Savor This Winter

You're looking for a way to warm up this winter, and chicken soup is a great place to start. You'll find a variety of recipes to suit your taste, from classic noodle soup to spicy tortilla soup. But which one will you try first? Will you opt for a comforting, creamy soup or something with a little more heat? You'll have to explore the options to find the perfect one to cozy up with.

1. Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Classic comfort food made with chicken and noodles.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces egg noodles

Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in a little bit of oil until the vegetables are tender.
2. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper, and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes or until the noodles are tender.
6. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
7. Return the chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
8. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.

2. Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a flavorful Mexican-inspired dish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 6 corn tortillas, cut into strips
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Shredded cheese, for serving
• Sour cream, for serving
• Chopped fresh cilantro, for serving

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the diced bell pepper and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Add the garlic, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper, and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and tortilla strips to the pot.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
8. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve the soup hot, topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped cilantro.

3. Creamy Chicken Rice Soup

Creamy Chicken Rice Soup is a hearty and comforting meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until softened.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Add the uncooked rice to the pot, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
7. Stir in the heavy cream and return the chicken to the pot.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.

4. Chicken Vegetable Soup

Hearty chicken vegetable soup made with fresh vegetables and tender chicken.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 large celery stalk, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped celery in a little bit of oil until the vegetables are tender.
2. Add the chopped carrots and potatoes, chicken broth, and dried thyme to the pot.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Add the chicken breast to the pot and continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool, then chop it into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot.
6. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.

5. Thai Chicken Coconut Soup

Thai Chicken Coconut Soup is a creamy and spicy soup.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1/2 cup milk or cream
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger, and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add curry paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add chicken broth, coconut milk, milk, fish sauce, lime juice, and cumin.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and let cook for 10-15 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro.

6. Chicken Gumbo Soup Recipe

Hearty and flavorful Chicken Gumbo Soup Recipe from Louisiana.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion
• 3 stalks celery
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 cup okra
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons filé powder
• 2 tablespoons chopped scallions

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, celery, and garlic and cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned.
4. Add okra, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Stir in filé powder and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Serve hot, garnished with scallions.

7. Italian Chicken Soup

Italian Chicken Soup is a hearty and flavorful twist on traditional chicken soup.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup small pasta shapes
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in a little bit of oil until softened.
2. Add the chopped carrot and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, dried basil, and dried oregano.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.
6. Add the small pasta shapes to the pot and cook until al dente.
7. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve the soup hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

8. Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Hearty chicken wild rice soup for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless chicken breast
• 2 cups mixed wild rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 large onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 carrot
• 1 celery stalk
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Rinse the wild rice and cook according to package instructions.
2. In a large pot, sauté the diced onion, garlic, carrot, and celery in a little oil until tender.
3. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Stir in the cooked wild rice and dried thyme.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot and enjoy.

9. Mexican Chicken Soup

Mexican Chicken Soup is a flavorful and spicy twist on traditional chicken soup.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 large onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper
• 8-10 tortilla chips
• Optional: avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese

Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper in a little bit of oil until tender.
2. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, cumin, and chili powder.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5. Add salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot with tortilla chips and desired toppings.
6. Garnish with optional ingredients such as avocado, sour cream, and shredded cheese.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy.

10. Chicken Egg Drop Soup

A classic Chinese soup made with eggs and chicken broth.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs and season with salt and pepper.
4. Stir the broth in a clockwise direction with a spoon.
5. Slowly pour the egg mixture into the broth while stirring.
6. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked through.
7. Stir in the chopped green onions, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
8. Serve the soup hot.

Conclusion

As you sip these soups, you're not just warming your belly, you're embracing a cozy haven, like a gentle winter's night by the fire, where comfort and peace entwine, soothing your soul, much like a masterful conductor leading an orchestra, harmonizing flavors to create a symphony of warmth, nourishing body and heart.