Delicious & Nourishing Chicken Bone Broth Soup Recipe

Introduction

Welcome to your new favorite comforting bowl of warmth! This chicken bone broth soup recipe combines wholesome ingredients with the incredible health benefits of bone broth for a truly nourishing meal. Research published in PubMed highlights how bone broth’s nutrients fortify the gut barrier, contributing to overall health. It is surprisingly simple to make, perfect for beginners, and promises rich flavor in every spoonful. Get ready to enjoy a satisfying dish that warms you from the inside out.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Bone Broth Soup

You will adore this easy chicken and bone broth soup for many fantastic reasons.

• It is packed with immune-boosting nutrients, helping you feel your best.
• This soup is simple, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying, ideal for any day.
• It offers perfect comfort for chilly days or when you are feeling unwell.
• Customize this chicken bone broth soup easily with your favorite additions.
• This recipe is also great for meal prepping, saving you time later in the week.

Ingredients

• 10 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 small yellow onion (or half of a large onion), chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1.5 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cups high-quality chicken bone broth (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for subtle heat)
• 1 cup cooked brown rice, farro, orzo, or egg noodles (optional)
• Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish)

Notes & Substitutions

For the chicken, feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; both work wonderfully. Good quality bone broth is key to a rich chicken bone broth soup; choose organic or make your own for the best results. You can vary the vegetables by adding leeks, spinach, or chopped bell peppers. Fresh rosemary or a bay leaf can replace dried thyme for a different herbal note. If using grains or pasta, ensure they are cooked separately before adding to avoid absorbing too much liquid. For a gluten-free option, use brown rice or gluten-free pasta.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools for this warming chicken bone broth soup. Gather a large Dutch oven or a sturdy stockpot with a thick bottom. You will also need a sharp knife and a cutting board for preparing your ingredients. Measuring cups and spoons are essential for accuracy, along with a stirring spoon. Finally, keep two forks handy for easily shredding the cooked chicken.

Instructions

Start by preparing your vegetables; dice the carrots, chop the celery, and finely chop the yellow onion. Mince the garlic cloves.

Heat 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium Dutch oven or a stockpot over medium heat. Add the diced carrots, chopped celery, and chopped onions to the pot. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables soften.

Stir in the minced garlic cloves, salt, dried thyme, ground black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant.

Pour in the 4 cups of chicken bone broth and 2 cups of water. Place the raw boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs directly into the pot with the broth and vegetables.

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Partially cover the pot and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is completely tender and cooked through.

Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the pot. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, or simply dice it with a knife. Return the shredded or diced chicken back into the soup.

If using, stir in 1 cup of pre-cooked brown rice, farro, orzo, or egg noodles. This adds more substance to your delicious chicken bone broth soup.

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper to your preference.

Serve the soup hot, garnished generously with fresh chopped parsley or dill.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Sautéing Veggies: Do not rush this initial step. Sautéing the carrots, celery, and onion slowly in a bit of fat until they are truly softened and lightly golden builds a fantastic flavor base for your chicken bone broth soup and creates a deeper, richer aroma.​

Chicken Doneness: Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and stringy. Once it is opaque, tender, and shreds easily with a fork, remove it from the heat so it stays juicy in your comforting homemade soup.​

Seasoning: Always taste and adjust the salt and pepper at the end of cooking. Because different bone broths vary widely in sodium content, you may need to add more seasoning, a squeeze of lemon, or a pinch of herbs to brighten the final flavor.​

Broth Quality: The quality of your bone broth significantly impacts the final taste and nutrition of the soup. Choose a rich, gelatinous broth or a high-quality store-bought option labeled as slow-simmered, or use homemade chicken bone broth for the most savory, well-rounded flavor.​

Troubleshooting: If your soup seems too thin, let it simmer uncovered a bit longer (without the chicken) to reduce and concentrate the flavors. If it tastes too salty, add a splash of water or unsalted broth, or briefly simmer a peeled raw potato in the pot to help absorb some of the excess salt before removing it and serving.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Serving Suggestions: This comforting chicken bone broth soup is delicious on its own. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a slice of crusty bread, warm biscuits, or your favorite crackers.

Storage: Store any leftover chicken bone broth soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid boiling to maintain the best texture.

Variations: For added nutrition and color, stir in a handful of fresh greens like spinach or chopped kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens the flavors beautifully. If you like a little heat, spice it up further with a dash of sriracha or extra red pepper flakes.

Nutrition Highlights

This nourishing chicken bone broth soup offers several health benefits. Bone broth supports gut health and provides beneficial collagen. As AARP notes, bone broth may improve overall health, including gut health and immune system support. The chicken contributes lean protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety. Carrots, celery, and onion supply a range of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This makes it a low-calorie, nutrient-dense meal perfect for promoting overall wellness.

Note: Nutrition facts are approximate and vary based on ingredients and serving size.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked shredded chicken. Add it during the last 5–10 minutes of simmering so it warms through without drying out.​

What if I do not have bone broth?
If you do not have bone broth, you can use regular chicken broth or stock instead; the soup will still be delicious, but the collagen content and depth of flavor will be slightly lower than a true chicken bone broth soup.​

How can I make this soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, whisk together a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water, then stir it into the simmering soup at the end and cook for a few minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.​

Is this chicken bone broth soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, this chicken bone broth soup freezes very well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers, leaving a little headspace for expansion, then freeze for later meals.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can absolutely make this chicken bone broth soup in a slow cooker. Sauté the vegetables first for deeper flavor, then transfer them to the slow cooker along with the chicken, bone broth, and seasonings, and cook on low for 4–6 hours until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.

Conclusion

This delicious chicken bone broth soup is more than just a meal; it is a warm embrace in a bowl. Simple to prepare, incredibly nourishing, and bursting with flavor, it is truly a recipe that will become a staple in your home. We encourage you to try this comforting dish soon and experience the ease and health benefits it brings. Enjoy every satisfying spoonful!

Delicious & Nourishing Chicken Bone Broth Soup

A comforting and health-boosting chicken bone broth soup made with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and immune-supporting bone broth. Perfect for cold days or wellness boosts.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 4 bowls

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 230

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 10 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1.5 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cups chicken bone broth
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 cup cooked brown rice, farro, or noodles (optional)
• to taste fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

• Dutch oven or stockpot For simmering soup
• Sharp knife
• Cutting Board
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• wooden spoon or spatula
• forks (for shredding)

Method

 

1. Dice carrots, chop celery and onion, and mince garlic.
2. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté carrots, celery, and onion for 5–6 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in garlic, salt, thyme, pepper, and optional cayenne. Cook 1 more minute.
4. Pour in bone broth and water. Add raw chicken to the pot.
5. Bring to boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover partially and cook 30–40 minutes until chicken is tender.
6. Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return to pot.
7. Stir in pre-cooked rice, farro, or noodles if using.
8. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or dill.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for richer flavor or chicken breasts for a leaner soup. Brown rice, gluten-free pasta, or farro can be added for a heartier bowl. Stir in fresh greens like spinach or kale at the end for more nutrients. Use pre-cooked chicken for a faster version.

Taya Bennett

Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com