If you’ve ever craved a comforting, warm bowl of goodness that feels light yet deeply satisfying, this Chicken Clear Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. With tender chunks of chicken mingling with vibrant vegetables and fragrant herbs, this soup strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. It’s a dish that soothes the soul while delivering a delicate, clear broth that’s rich with natural tastes. Whether you’re nursing a cold, feeding a family, or just wanting a wholesome meal, this recipe is your new go-to for effortless homemade comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken Clear Soup Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor without overpowering the broth’s delicate clarity. Here’s everything you need to bring this classic to life:
- 10 ounce skinless bone-in chicken: Bone-in pieces add a depth of flavor and natural richness to your broth, making it extra savory.
- ¼ cup chopped onion: Adds a subtle sweetness that gently infuses the broth.
- 3-4 whole garlic cloves (peeled and smashed): Bring aromatic warmth and hint of pungency that rounds out the soup’s profile.
- ¼ cup chopped carrot: Provides a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to keep the broth inviting.
- 2 whole bay leaves: Adds an earthy, slightly floral complexity that enhances the overall aroma.
- 2-3 sprigs thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme): Contributes a gentle herbal note that complements the chicken beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste): Essential for balancing and elevating every flavor in the soup.
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (or to taste): Adds just enough heat and depth without overwhelming the clear broth.
How to Make Chicken Clear Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
Start by cutting your skinless bone-in chicken into roughly 1 to 1½ inch pieces. This size ensures the meat stays tender but releases plenty of flavor into the broth. Chop your onion and carrot evenly so they cook uniformly, while smashing the garlic cloves just enough to release their fragrant oils without breaking them apart completely.
Step 2: Build the Broth Base
Place the chicken pieces in a large pot and cover them with cold water, about 4 cups. This gentle start helps extract a clean and clear broth. Add the chopped onion, carrot, smashed garlic, bay leaves, and thyme sprigs to the pot. Using fresh herbs here can elevate the soup’s aroma, but dried thyme works perfectly as well.
Step 3: Simmer for Flavor
Bring everything to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low so the soup simmers lightly. Avoid a rolling boil as it can cloud your broth. Let it simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally and skimming off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface. This step is the heart of the Chicken Clear Soup Recipe because it lets the flavors develop slowly and the broth stay crystal clear.
Step 4: Season and Strain
After simmering, season the soup with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs, and then strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into a clean pot. This ensures you get that signature clear appearance and a silky smooth texture that makes this soup so comforting.
Step 5: Final Touch
If you want, you can gently shred any of the chicken flesh off the bones and add it back to the strained broth for extra heartiness. At this point, the Chicken Clear Soup Recipe is ready to enjoy or customize with your favorite garnishes.
How to Serve Chicken Clear Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing beats the fresh brightness of a handful of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro sprinkled over your soup just before serving. Thinly sliced green onions add a pop of mild onion flavor and a splash of color, while a few drops of lemon juice can elevate the broth with a subtle tang that wakes up the palate.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls—you’ll find yourself dipping each bite into the flavorful broth. Light, fluffy rice is also a classic companion that turns the soup into a more filling meal. For something fresh, a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette balances the warmth of the soup perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the soup in clear glass bowls so your guests can admire the golden clarity while the aroma rises gently from the surface. You might also float thinly sliced veggies or delicate edible flowers on top for a chic, inviting look. If hosting, consider offering a small plate of crunchy herb croutons or a swirl of chili oil for those who like a little kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Clear Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The clear broth and tender chicken pieces maintain their texture well, making it easy to enjoy a quick warm-up whenever you need some comfort food.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer the broth and chicken into a leak-proof container or freezer bags. It will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to avoid boiling and clouding your clear broth. Stir occasionally to warm the chicken evenly and bring back that fresh, inviting aroma. Add any fresh garnishes after reheating for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I make this Chicken Clear Soup Recipe using boneless chicken?
While you can use boneless chicken, bone-in pieces are recommended because they enrich the broth with more flavor and collagen, making it tastier and giving it a lovely mouthfeel. Boneless chicken will still work but expect a slightly lighter broth.
Is it necessary to strain the soup?
Straining is key to achieving the signature clarity of this soup. It removes vegetable bits, herbs, and any impurities, leaving you with a beautifully clear and smooth broth that’s both visually appealing and refined in texture.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add celery, parsnips, or even a few mushrooms to deepen the flavor profile. Just remember to keep the additions subtle so the broth remains light and clear rather than heavy or cloudy.
How can I make the soup more filling?
To make the Chicken Clear Soup Recipe more substantial, add small cooked noodles, rice, or shredded leftover chicken back into the broth. You could also incorporate a soft-boiled egg or some finely chopped greens for added nutrition and texture.
What herbs work best with this soup?
Fresh thyme and bay leaves are classic, but you can also experiment with rosemary or a small sprig of sage for subtle variations. Just use herbs sparingly to keep the broth delicate, which is the true charm of this Chicken Clear Soup Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Clear Soup Recipe is like a warm hug after a long day—it’s simple, nourishing, and packed with comforting flavors that feel effortlessly elegant. Once you make it, you’ll see how such humble ingredients come together to create something truly special. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe and savor each spoonful that brings a little bit of calm, warmth, and goodness to your table.
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Chicken Clear Soup Recipe
This Chicken Clear Soup is a light, flavorful broth made by simmering bone-in chicken pieces with aromatic vegetables and herbs. Perfect for a comforting meal or as a soothing dish when feeling under the weather, it offers a clean and wholesome taste with natural ingredients that blend beautifully to create a warm and nutritious soup.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth
- 10 ounce skinless bone-in chicken, cut into 1½ inch pieces (300 g)
- 2 whole bay leaves
- 2–3 sprigs thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (or to taste)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- 3–4 whole garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
- ¼ cup chopped carrot
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by cutting the chicken into roughly 1½ inch pieces to ensure even cooking and good flavor extraction. Chop the onion and carrot into small pieces and peel and lightly smash the garlic cloves to release their aroma.
- Combine Ingredients in a Pot: Place the chicken pieces, chopped onion, carrot, smashed garlic cloves, bay leaves, and thyme into a large pot or stockpot. Add salt and freshly cracked black pepper to season the broth.
- Add Water and Simmer: Pour enough cold water into the pot to fully cover the ingredients (about 6 cups suggested). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer gently, uncovered, for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. This slow simmering will extract the flavors and create a clear, flavorful broth.
- Strain and Serve: After simmering, remove the pot from heat. Take out the chicken pieces and vegetables, and strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve to achieve a clear soup. Discard the solids or reserve chicken meat for other uses. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Enjoy Warm: Serve the clear chicken soup warm as a light and comforting meal, optionally garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Using bone-in chicken enhances the broth’s flavor and gives a richer taste.
- You can add other vegetables like celery or parsley for additional flavor if desired.
- Simmer gently to avoid cloudy broth and maintain clarity.
- This soup is naturally gluten-free and low in fat, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
- For a heartier version, shredded cooked chicken can be added back into the soup before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
