Name: Hearty Rustic Chicken Soup for Cozy Winter Days
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1 bay leaf; 2 cups fresh spinach or kale; 1 cup diced potatoes; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Jump to Recipe

Rustic Chicken Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or cozy family gatherings. This hearty chicken soup is bursting with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs, creating a delightful blend of flavors that warms both the heart and soul. Whether you’re looking to nourish your family or simply enjoy a bowl of comforting goodness, this recipe promises to deliver satisfaction in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Rustic Chicken Soup

There are countless reasons why you’ll adore this hearty chicken soup. First, it’s packed with nutritious ingredients like chicken, vegetables, and herbs, making it a perfect choice for a wholesome meal. Second, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved ones. Third, this soup is versatile; you can customize it with your favorite veggies or noodles. Fourth, it’s gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs. Fifth, this homemade chicken soup recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. Sixth, it’s the best rustic chicken soup for winter, providing warmth and comfort during the cold months. Finally, this soup is an old-fashioned recipe that brings back memories of family dinners, making it both comforting and nostalgic.

Ingredients for Rustic Chicken Soup

Gather these items:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
2 cups fresh spinach or kale
1 cup diced potatoes
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make Rustic Chicken Soup Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, thyme, and rosemary; cook for an additional minute.
Step 2: Add chicken breasts and chicken broth along with the bay leaf. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer; cover and cook for about 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Step 3: Remove chicken from the pot and shred using two forks before returning it to the soup.
Step 4: Stir in diced potatoes; simmer for another 10–15 minutes until tender. Add spinach or kale until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Hearty Rustic Chicken Soup for Cozy Winter Days - Rustic Chicken Soup - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Perfect Rustic Chicken Soup

Keep these in mind:

Use low-sodium broth to control the salt content in your soup.
For added depth, sauté your vegetables longer to caramelize them slightly.
Let your soup sit for a few hours or overnight; it tastes even better the next day!
Consider adding a splash of lemon juice before serving for brightness.

Best Ways to Serve Rustic Chicken Soup

Enjoy your country-style chicken soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. This soup also pairs wonderfully with homemade biscuits or grilled cheese sandwiches, making for a comforting dinner option.

How to Store and Reheat Rustic Chicken Soup

To store your soup, let it cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place it in a pot over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in a safe bowl. This makes it an ideal choice for meal prep, ensuring you have a quick, nutritious meal ready at hand.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rustic Chicken Soup

What ingredients are in Rustic Chicken Soup?

This homemade chicken soup recipe features chicken, vegetables like carrots and celery, aromatic herbs, and spinach, making it both hearty and nutritious.

Can I make Rustic Chicken Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen and enhance, making it even more delicious when reheated.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Rustic Chicken Soup?

To avoid mistakes, ensure your chicken is fully cooked before shredding, and give your vegetables enough time to soften while sautéing. This will enhance the overall flavor of your soup.

Variations of Rustic Chicken Soup You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with variations of this soup! You might add noodles for a heartier dish or substitute the chicken with turkey for a different twist. For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes. You can also use different types of leafy greens or even try a rustic style chicken broth as a base to change the flavor profile. With so many options, this soup can easily become a family favorite!

Hearty Rustic Chicken Soup for Cozy Winter Days

Author: Jannet Lisa
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Warm up with a bowl of Rustic Chicken Soup, the perfect cozy comfort food for any occasion. This hearty soup is bursting with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs, creating a delightful blend of flavors that warms both the heart and soul.

Instructions

In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, thyme, and rosemary; cook for an additional minute.
Add chicken breasts and chicken broth along with the bay leaf. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer; cover and cook for about 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Remove chicken from the pot and shred using two forks before returning it to the soup.
Stir in diced potatoes; simmer for another 10–15 minutes until tender. Add spinach or kale until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.