Easy Leftover Chicken Soup
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 carrots
peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks
chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion
chopped
- 2 tsp minced garlic
about 4 cloves
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1.5 cups leftover cooked chicken
chopped or shredded
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp parsley
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- to tasteBlack pepper
- to tasteSea salt
Directions
- 1
Chop the chicken, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering, then add the carrots, celery, and onion.
- 3
Saute for five minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the garlic and continue to cook over medium heat for another two minutes.
- 4
Add the chicken broth, water, chicken, and spices to the pot. Stir, increase heat, and bring pot to a boil.
- 5
Skim, if necessary (if using chicken breast, you may not have to). Stir, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 6
Remove and discard the bay leaf, and serve.
Easy Leftover Chicken Soup
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Based on 17 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a comforting bowl of chicken soup but don't want the fuss of starting from scratch? This easy leftover chicken soup recipe transforms simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal that’s far fresher and tastier than anything from a can.
What makes this homemade chicken soup truly special is its clever use of leftover cooked chicken, turning potential waste into a hearty, flavorful foundation. By building on already cooked chicken, you unlock rich flavors quickly, making a delicious and naturally gluten-free meal that’s both nourishing and incredibly efficient.
What to Expect
You'll be treated to a classic, soul-warming experience with every spoonful. Expect tender, sweet carrots, crisp celery, and mellow onion, all swimming in an aromatic, savory broth infused with fragrant thyme, parsley, and a hint of warm turmeric and a subtle kick from cayenne. The hearty chunks of chicken ensure a satisfying texture, making this a substantial and comforting meal perfect for a chilly evening or whenever you need a boost. This naturally gluten-free dish offers pure, unadulterated comfort without any heavy fillers.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to adapt this versatile soup to your pantry. For a different flavor profile, you could experiment with other dried herbs like oregano or marjoram alongside the thyme and parsley. If you prefer less heat, simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. You can also increase the amount of chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion for an even more vegetable-forward bowl.
Serving & Context
This homemade chicken soup is the quintessential family meal, perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend lunch. Serve it simply on its own, perhaps with a sprinkle of fresh black pepper, for a wholesome and comforting experience that truly hits the spot.