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When you’re craving comfort in a bowl and a nourishing boost for your body, nothing quite hits the spot like the Get Well Chicken Soup Recipe. This soup is the perfect blend of hearty, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a deeply flavorful broth, tender chicken, and just the right touch of herbs and spices. It’s a timeless classic that warms you from the inside out, offering not only delicious taste but also the kind of soothing care that makes you feel instantly better.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients are the heart of this Get Well Chicken Soup Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and creating the perfect texture and color that make this soup such a comforting classic.
- Olive oil or butter: Provides a rich base for sautéing vegetables and adds subtle depth to the broth.
- Diced yellow onion: Adds a natural sweetness and forms the aromatic backbone of the soup.
- Carrots sliced into half-moons: Bring a gentle sweetness and vibrant color.
- Diced celery: Offers a fresh, slightly crunchy texture and classic soup flavor.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the broth with savory warmth.
- Grated ginger or ginger paste: Adds a hint of earthy spice that livens up the soup.
- Dried marjoram: Brings a subtle herbal note to balance the other flavors.
- Kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors throughout.
- Low sodium chicken broth: The heart of the soup’s liquid base, keeping the broth light but flavorful.
- Fresh thyme sprigs: Contribute gentle, woody herbal tones.
- Bay leaf: Adds a delicate, slightly floral aroma as the soup simmers.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: The tender protein that makes this soup irresistibly satisfying.
- Dry short pasta or egg noodles: Provide comforting body and texture to the broth.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat and seasoning depth.
- Minced fresh parsley: Brings bright, fresh herbiness that awakens the soup.
- Lemon juice: Adds just the right touch of acidity to brighten every spoonful.
- Extra fresh parsley for serving: A fresh garnish that elevates the presentation and flavor.
How to Make Get Well Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating your olive oil or butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions, carrots, and celery, stirring occasionally. You’ll want to cook them gently until they begin to soften and their natural sweetness comes through, about 5 to 6 minutes—this forms a flavorful base for the soup that’ll fill your kitchen with comforting aromas.
Step 2: Add Garlic, Ginger, and Seasonings
Once the vegetables have softened, add in the minced garlic, grated ginger, dried marjoram, and kosher salt. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds just until fragrant, releasing those warmly spiced notes that make this Get Well Chicken Soup Recipe so inviting.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Herbs
Next, pour in your low sodium chicken broth, then tuck in the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Turn up the heat to bring your soup to a gentle simmer. The fresh herbs are key—they’ll slowly infuse the broth with earthy, aromatic flavors that make each spoonful feel like a hug.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs gently into the simmering broth. Lower the heat to maintain that slow bubble and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 20 to 35 minutes until the chicken is tender and ready for shredding or chopping. The slow cooking ensures juicy, melt-in-your-mouth chicken every time.
Step 5: Remove Herbs and Prepare for Noodles
Carefully transfer the tender chicken to a cutting board and take the pot off the heat. Remove the thyme stems and bay leaf—while the stems come out, most of those wonderful thyme leaves have mingled into the soup already, building flavor. Bring the broth back to a low simmer, ready for the final stages.
Step 6: Cook the Noodles
Add your dry short pasta or egg noodles to the simmering broth and cook according to the package instructions, usually between 6 to 11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the pasta to absorb the rich broth flavors. This is where the soup gains that classic, cozy texture we all love.
Step 7: Chop and Add the Chicken
While the noodles cook, chop the cooked chicken into bite-size pieces. Once the pasta is perfectly tender, remove the soup pot from heat and stir the chicken pieces back in along with the fresh minced parsley and a splash of zesty lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. Your comforting Get Well Chicken Soup Recipe is complete and ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Get Well Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving brings a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness that complements the rich broth perfectly. Sometimes a tiny dash of freshly ground black pepper or an extra squeeze of lemon juice can make each bowl feel extra special and personalized.
Side Dishes
Pairing this soup with warm crusty bread or soft dinner rolls is a fantastic way to soak up that flavorful broth. A simple side salad with crisp greens or light vinaigrette can offer a nice, fresh contrast to the soup’s richness if you’re looking for a fuller meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy gathering, serve the Get Well Chicken Soup Recipe in rustic bowls with a lemon wedge and a small pile of chopped parsley on the side for guests to add as they please. You can also ladle the soup into individual ramekins and top with a crisp herb crouton for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Get Well Chicken Soup Recipe keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the fresh flavors and prevent the noodles from soaking up too much liquid and becoming mushy.
Freezing
If you want to make this soup in larger batches, freezing is an option, but it’s best to freeze the soup without the pasta to maintain texture. Store the broth and chicken separately, and add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to avoid overcooking the chicken or noodles. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup seems too thick and stir in freshly cooked noodles or extra herbs for a revitalized flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra moisture and richness, which can make the soup even more comforting. Just be sure to cook them until tender and shred or chop before adding back into the soup.
What if I don’t have fresh thyme?
Dried thyme works as a substitute—just use about one-third of the amount and add it a little earlier in the cooking process to allow the flavors to develop fully.
Can I make this soup vegan or vegetarian?
You can swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and replace the chicken with hearty vegetables or plant-based protein options like tofu or chickpeas. The ginger and herbs will still make a delicious, soothing bowl.
Is there a substitute for the noodles?
Yes! You could try rice, quinoa, or even small grains like barley. Just keep in mind that cooking times and textures will vary, so adjust accordingly.
How can I make the soup more flavorful?
For an extra boost, you can sauté the garlic and ginger a little longer, add fresh herbs at the end, or finish with a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few drops of white vinegar to brighten the flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a warm bowl of soup that not only fills your belly but also comforts your soul. The Get Well Chicken Soup Recipe is exactly that kind of dish—simple, wholesome, and bursting with flavors that remind you of home. I truly hope you give it a try the next time you want to treat yourself or someone you love to a little extra care. Trust me, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
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Print
Get Well Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This comforting Get Well Chicken Soup recipe is a hearty and nourishing dish made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and delicate noodles simmered in a flavorful broth. Perfect for soothing the body and soul, this soup features a blend of ginger, garlic, and marjoram for added warmth and wellness support, making it ideal when you’re feeling under the weather or just craving a wholesome homemade meal.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 3 medium carrots, sliced into ¼-inch thick half-moons
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons grated ginger or ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
Broth and Herbs
- 7 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 to 3 fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 bay leaf
Protein
- ¾ to 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Pasta and Seasoning
- 5 ounces dry short pasta or egg noodles (about 1 ¼ to 1 ½ cups)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil or butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and diced celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, which should take about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, dried marjoram, and kosher salt. Cook for another 30 seconds until the mixture becomes fragrant.
- Simmer Broth with Herbs: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and add the fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Increase the heat and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
- Cook Chicken: Nestle the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into the simmering broth. Reduce the heat to maintain a low simmer, cover, and cook until the chicken is very tender and easy to chop, about 20 to 35 minutes. Thicker pieces may require additional time.
- Remove Chicken and Herbs: Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and remove the soup pot from heat. Remove and discard the woody stems from the thyme sprigs, leaving the leaves in the soup.
- Cook Noodles: Return the soup to a gentle simmer and add the dry pasta or egg noodles. Simmer uncovered for the cooking time indicated on the pasta package, usually 6 to 11 minutes, stirring occasionally. Egg noodles cook faster, while other pasta types may require longer.
- Chop Chicken: While the noodles cook, chop the cooked chicken into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Finish Soup: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the chopped chicken, minced fresh parsley, and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy a comforting, nourishing meal.
Notes
- Use low sodium chicken broth to control the salt content and allow for better seasoning adjustments.
- Chicken breasts or thighs can be used according to preference; thighs provide a richer flavor and more tenderness.
- Pasta choice affects cooking time—egg noodles cook quicker than most dry short pasta varieties.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute pasta with gluten-free noodles or omit noodles altogether.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
