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The Best Hearty Garlic Chicken Soup Recipe


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  • Author: Michelle Davis
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A warm and comforting soup packed with tender chicken, roasted garlic, hearty vegetables, and fresh herbs. Perfect for chilly nights, family dinners, or whenever you need a nourishing and flavorful bowl of comfort.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)

  • 2 whole garlic bulbs (roasted) or 10 cloves minced

  • 1 large onion, diced

  • 3 carrots, peeled and chopped

  • 3 celery stalks, chopped

  • 2 medium potatoes, diced (optional)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 68 cups chicken broth (low sodium if store-bought)

  • 2 bay leaves

  • 1 tsp dried thyme (or 3 sprigs fresh thyme)

  • 1 lemon, juiced

  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste


Instructions

  • Roast garlic: Slice the tops off the garlic bulbs, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast at 400°F for 30–35 minutes until soft and caramelized. If short on time, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until lightly golden.

  • Sear chicken: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.

  • Cook vegetables: Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Squeeze roasted garlic cloves into the pot and stir to combine.

  • Add broth and simmer: Pour in chicken broth, return the chicken to the pot, and add bay leaves and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 25–30 minutes until the chicken is tender.

  • Shred chicken: Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return to the pot. Stir to mix well with the broth and vegetables.

  • Add potatoes: If using, stir in diced potatoes and simmer for 12–15 minutes until fork-tender.

  • Finish with freshness: Add lemon juice, parsley, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Notes

  • For extra richness, add a splash of cream or coconut milk at the end.

  • To make it spicy, stir in red pepper flakes, cayenne, or chili oil.

  • This soup freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

  • Substitute chicken with beans or chickpeas and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes