Chicken Soup Recipes

FAQs

How Much Soup Should I Plan for a Dinner Party?

• If serving the soup as a meal, plan for 1½ cups per person. When serving soup as an appetizer, plan 1 cup per person.

Chicken Broth vs Chicken Stock?

• Chicken broth is made from simmering water with chicken and vegetables. Homemade chicken stock also uses chicken and vegetables but includes the bone in the simmer. That is why chicken stock is also called bone broth.
• Stock requires a longer cooking time and is typically thicker in texture than broth. They can be used interchangeably.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Soup?

• Many of the chicken soups call for precooked chicken. I have a great Shredded Chicken recipe. You can also use canned chicken, leftover chicken, or rotisserie chicken for an easy protein option.
• Some recipes call for adding raw chicken and others call for cooked chicken. It’s important to follow what the recipe asks for so the chicken cooks properly and the overall soup turns out well.
• Boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used in place of boneless skinless chicken breasts.

How Should I Prepare Veggies to Add to Soup?

• Aromatics are used to flavor soups. Ignite the flavors of onions, bell peppers, garlic, and celery by sautéing them on medium-high heat with a bit of oil and butter before adding to the soup.
• Veggies. Be mindful that different veggies cook at different rates. Add thicker vegetables, like carrots and potatoes first and wait to add smaller tender vegetables, like peas, until later in the cooking time.
• Chopping. Make sure when chopping that you make all the ingredients spoon/bite-sized.

When Should I Add Cream to Soup?

• Room-temperature cream should be added toward the end of the cooking time. Avoid adding cold cream to the hot soup as it may curdle.

How to Adjust the Soup Texture?

• To thin. Simply add a little more liquid like water or broth until you get your desired texture.
• To thicken.
  • Add more cream.
  • Add more cheese.
  • Make a roux with flour. In a separate bowl, add 1-2 tablespoons of soup and an equal amount of flour. Stir and then add back to the soup. Repeat if necessary.
  • Add cornstarch. In a separate bowl add 1 tablespoon cold water and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Mix until smooth and then add to the soup. Repeat if necessary.

Add an Added Depth of FLavor?

• Spices. Homemade chicken soup recipes tend to go well with basil, bay leaf, curry powder, dill, garlic, mace, marjoram, onions, paprika, parsley, rosemary, saffron, sage, thyme, allspice, cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg.
• Using fresh herbs. If a recipe calls for dried herbs and you are lucky enough to be growing fresh parsley, fresh dill, or any other fresh herb in a kitchen garden you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried herbs with 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs. 
• Spice. If your soup gets too spicy or acidic add brown sugar or coconut cream to help cut through the harsh flavor and add a hint of sweetness.
• Acidity. Lemon juice and lime juice are spices but they can be added to brighten up the flavor.

Why is My Soup Always Too Salty?

• Add the amount of salt a recipe calls for. At first, the soup may not taste salty enough, but some of the liquid will evaporate while simmering and the flavors will become more pronounced. If it needs more salt, then go ahead and add a bit more.
• If your soup is too salty, add a bit more liquid such as water or broth. You can also add potatoes, rice, or pasta which will help absorb the salt.

How to Store Leftover Chicken Soup?

• Each recipe will have specific notes on how to store the soup, in general, leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop over medium heat.