Looking for a comforting dish that warms the soul without taking up your entire evening? Meet the "Easy Weeknight Chicken Soup"—the perfect solution for busy nights when you crave something hearty yet simple to prepare! In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a delicious, homemade soup that serves 6, featuring tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and fragrant thyme. This recipe is not only quick but also packed with flavor, making it a favorite for families and friends alike. Ready to dive into a bowl of warmth? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of diced chicken breast, 6 cups of chicken broth, 2 sliced carrots, 2 sliced celery stalks, 1 chopped onion, 1 tsp of thyme, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the diced chicken breast to the pot and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside.
- Next, add the sliced carrots and celery to the pot. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
- Pour in the 6 cups of chicken broth, ensuring that all the ingredients are submerged. Add the 1 tsp of thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the soup to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.
- After simmering, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can use a ladle to remove some of the broth and blend it, then return it to the pot.
- Once ready, remove the pot from heat and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy your Easy Weeknight Chicken Soup!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time during the week, consider chopping your vegetables and dicing the chicken in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for quick access when you're ready to cook.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an even quicker option, substitute the diced chicken breast with shredded rotisserie chicken. Just add it to the pot after sautéing the onions for a few minutes.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans to the mix. This not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the nutritional value of your soup.
- Herb Variations: If you don’t have thyme on hand, try using other herbs such as rosemary or parsley for a different flavor profile. Fresh herbs can elevate the taste even more!
- Thicker Soup: For a heartier texture, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender or in a regular blender, then return it to the pot. This creates a creamy consistency without adding any cream!
- Freezing Leftovers: This soup freezes well, so make a double batch and store portions in the freezer for those nights when you need a quick meal. Just reheat and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 60mg
