35 Chicken Soup Recipes for a Hearty Meal (2024)

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35 Chicken Soup Recipes for a Hearty Meal (1)Molly AllenUpdated: Apr. 13, 2023

    Warm up cold nights with these chicken soup recipes made from scratch. We've got classic chicken noodle soup, zesty chicken tortilla soup, creamy chicken chowders and more.

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    The Ultimate Chicken Noodle Soup

    My first Wisconsin winter was so cold, all I wanted to eat was homemade chicken noodle soup. Of all the chicken noodle soup recipes out there, this one is my favorite, and is in heavy rotation from November to April. It has many incredibly devoted fans.—Gina Nistico, Denver, Colorado

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    2/52

    Chicken Veggie Soup

    This satisfying veggie soup hits the spot at lunch or dinner. Add a side salad and some whole grain bread for a delicious, nutritious meal. —Amy Cheatham, Sandusky, Ohio

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    Looking for more soup recipes? Find ’em here.

    3/52

    Taste of Home

    Grandma's Chicken 'n' Dumpling Soup

    I've enjoyed making this rich homemade chicken dumpling soup recipe for more than 40 years. Every time I serve it, I remember my southern grandma, who was very special to me and was known as an outstanding cook. —Paulette Balda, Prophetstown, Illinois

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    4/52

    Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder

    I like to make this smooth, creamy soup when company comes to visit. Its zippy flavor is full of southwestern flair. My family enjoys dipping slices of homemade bread in this chowder to soak up every bite! —Susan Garoutte, Georgetown, Texas

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    5/52

    Taste of Home

    Vietnamese Chicken Meatball Soup with Bok Choy

    Throughout Vietnam there are many kinds of soups, “canh,” served all year long. I particularly love enjoying this warm, flavorful bowl of Vietnamese chicken soup on laid-back weekends, but it's also great packed in a Thermos for lunch. It's the perfect bok choy soup, too! —Brenda Watts, Gaffney, South Carolina

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    6/52

    TMB studio

    Creamy Chicken Rice Soup

    I came up with this creamy chicken rice soup recipe while making some adjustments to a favorite stovetop chicken casserole. We like this soup for lunch with a crisp roll and fresh fruit. —Janice Mitchell, Aurora, Colorado

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    Don’t make a dangerous mistake when prepping your chicken. Here’s why you need two cutting boards.

    7/52

    Asian Chicken Noodle Soup

    One night I didn’t have any noodles for my chicken soup, so I gave it a twist with wonton wrappers. It was great! Don’t skip the celery leaves; they bring great flavor to this Asian chicken soup. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota

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    8/52

    Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

    I tasted a similar soup at Olive Garden and wanted to see if I could re-create it myself at home. Here's the delicious result! It's wonderful on a chilly evening. —Jaclynn Robinson, Shingletown, California

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    9/52

    TMB studio

    Spanish Chicken Soup

    A hearty soup that’s made from scratch is the perfect antidote for chilly weather. Save leftovers of this Spanish chicken soup for weekday lunches sent to work in a thermos or quickly reheated in the microwave. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    10/52

    Chicken Matzo Ball Soup

    The keys to this amazing chicken matzo ball soup are slow-cooking it and using boxed matzo ball mix. Some people swear by seltzer, but I find it’s not necessary—the mix makes perfect, fluffy matzo balls every time due to its baking powder. Add chicken fat (schmaltz) for extra-authentic flavor. The matzo balls will taste as if they came straight from Grandma's kitchen. —Shannon Sarna, South Orange, New Jersey

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    11/52

    Taste of Home

    Slow-Cooker Cordon Bleu Soup

    I've taken this creamy slow-cooker soup to potlucks and teacher luncheons, and I bring home an empty crock every time. When my son's school recently created a cookbook, this was the first recipe he asked me to submit, and his teachers were glad he did. —Erica Winkel, Ada, Michigan

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    Psst! These are the mistakes everyone makes when cooking chicken.

    12/52

    Taste of Home

    Ceylon Chicken Curry Noodle Soup

    This comforting chicken curry noodle soup is a take on a soup I ate during childhood. It is loaded with ingredients to boost your immune system and can easily be made vegan or vegetarian. —Sarita Gelner, Chesterfield, Missouri

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    13/52

    Spicy Chicken Tomato Soup

    Cumin, chili powder and cayenne pepper give my slow-cooked specialty its kick. I serve bowls of it with crunchy tortilla strips that bake in no time. Leftover soup freezes well for nights I don’t feel like cooking. —Margaret Bailey, Coffeeville, Mississippi

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    14/52

    White Bean Chicken Chili

    My sister shared this white bean chicken chili recipe with me. I usually double it and add one extra can of beans, then serve with cheddar biscuits or warmed tortillas. The jalapeno adds just enough heat to notice but not too much for my children. —Kristine Bowles, Albuquerque, New Mexico

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    15/52

    Taste of Home

    I love preparing dinner in a slow cooker because it's "carefree cooking." This chicken dish uses ingredients that I love, such as coconut milk, edamame and fresh ginger. The Asian-style entree is perfect for a potluck party. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

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    Hungry for more chicken recipes? Find tasty ideas here.

    16/52

    Chunky Creamy Chicken Soup

    I am a stay-at-home mom who relies on my slow cooker for fast, nutritious meals with minimal cleanup and prep time. I knew this recipe was a hit when I didn't have any leftovers and my husband asked me to make it again. —Nancy Clow, Mallorytown, Ontario

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    17/52

    Chicken Barley Soup

    No question—this is my favorite barley soup! It's so filling that I serve it as a hearty main dish, and I have given the recipe to many of our friends and relatives. It simply tastes too good to keep to yourself! —Diana Costello, Marion, Kansas

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    18/52

    Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

    This is a wonderful addition to potlucks, and it comes together so easily! Cauliflower makes a nice, extra creamy backdrop for the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu you can eat with a spoon. —Heidi Der, Stow, Ohio

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    19/52

    Mexican-Inspired Chicken Soup

    This zesty chicken taco soup is loaded with corn and black beans in a mildly spicy red broth. As a busy mom of three young children, I’m always looking for dinner recipes that can be prepared in the morning. The kids love the taste of this easy soup. —Marlene Kane, Lainesburg, Michigan

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    Cozy up with these winter soup recipes.

    20/52

    Anaheim Chicken Tortilla Soup

    Put a little spice in your menu with my favorite Anaheim pepper recipe. The peppers, jalapenos and cayenne heat up this full-flavored tortilla soup. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

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    21/52

    Taste of Home

    Lunch-Box Chicken Soup

    A friend gave me this recipe, and I tweaked a few things to make it healthier. It’s so delicious and quite easy to make! I use it for family gatherings, church functions, care packages ... just about anything. For shortcuts, I sometimes replace the celery and carrots with 2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables. The prepackaged rice saves time, too, so you can have the soup ready and waiting even when the kids are busy with activities. —Jean Ann Fairchild, Shelby, Ohio

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    22/52

    Chicken and Kale Tortellini Soup

    With tender tortellini, artichokes, greens and lots of herbs, this soup is so flavorful. The fact that it's easy to make is just a chilly-night bonus. —Emily Hobbs, Springfield, Missouri

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    23/52

    Buffalo Chicken Wing Soup

    My husband and I love buffalo chicken wings, so we created a soup with the same zippy flavor,. It's very popular with guests. Start with a small amount of hot sauce, then add more if needed to suit your family's tastes. —Pat Farmer, Falconer, New York

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    24/52

    Taste of Home

    Pressure Cooker Loaded Chicken Veggie Soup

    When someone at our house gets sick, I whip up this quick and easy chicken soup. It resembles chicken noodle, but uses a variety of veggies instead of noodles for even more nutrition. Plus, if you use a pressure cooker or slow cooker, it makes meal prep even simpler! — Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

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    25/52

    Amish Chicken Corn Soup

    Creamed corn and butter make my chicken corn soup homey and rich. This recipe makes a big batch, but the soup freezes well for future meals—one reason why soups are my favorite thing to make. —Beverly Hoffman, Sandy Lake, Pennsylvania

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    26/52

    Chicken Vegetable Soup

    I love eating a big bowl of this colorful, fresh-tasting soup on a winter’s day. What a great way to warm up! —Ruth Wimmer, Bland, Virginia

    27/52

    Taste of Home

    Cheesy Chicken Chowder

    I like to serve this hearty chowder as a meal with garlic bread and a salad. It's a wonderful dish to prepare for any occasion. The rich, mild flavor and the tender chicken and vegetables appeal even to children and picky eaters. —Hazel Fritchie, Palestine, Illinois

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    28/52

    Taste of Home

    Chicken Cassoulet Soup

    After my sister spent a year in France as an au pair, I created this lighter, easier version of traditional French cassoulet for her. It uses chicken instead of the usual duck.—Bridget M. Klusman, Otsego, Michigan

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    29/52

    Curried Chicken Soup

    My German mother would occasionally cook dishes that were not traditional German recipes. One of my favorites was her Curry Chicken Soup. I've added my own touches to it, such as the chickpeas, coconut milk and fresh cilantro.—Deanna Hindenach, Paw Paw, Michigan

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    30/52

    Green Chile Chicken Chili

    The prep work for this chili is easy thanks to several pantry staples. It’s loaded with shredded chicken and beans. The spicy heat can be tamed a bit with cool sour cream. —Fred Lockwood, Plano, Texas

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    31/52

    Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Soup

    My husband is Greek, so I'm always trying new Mediterranean recipes. This lemon chicken orzo soup is his favorite dish that I make. Serve it with a little feta or Parmesan and a side of toast. —Kristine Kosturos, Olympia, Washington.

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    Like this recipe? Then you’ll also like this authentic Greek avgolemono soup.

    32/52

    TMB Studio

    Chicken Potpie Soup

    My grandmother hand-wrote a cookbook. She included this amazing pie crust, and I added this delicious chicken potpie soup for it. —Karen LeMay, Seabrook, Texas

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    33/52

    Chicken Escarole Soup with Meatballs

    This is an old recipe from southern Italy. My mother gave it to me when I was first married. It started out as a holidays-only dish...but my children and grandchildren love it so much that we have it every chance we get!—Norma Manna, Hobe Sound, Florida

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    34/52

    Chicken Wild Rice Soup

    I'm originally from Minnesota, where wild rice grows in abundance and is very popular in recipes. This creamy chicken wild rice soup has been part of our Christmas Eve menu for years. To save time, I cook the chicken and wild rice and cut up the vegetables the day before. —Virginia Montmarquet, Riverside, California

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    35/52

    Coconut Curry Chicken Soup

    Similar to a Vietnamese pho rice noodle soup, this red coconut curry chicken soup packs big flavor and a bit of heat. The crisp raw vegetables help cool things down. —Monnie Norasing, Mansfield, Texas

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    36/52

    Cheese Chicken Soup

    Kids won’t think twice about eating their vegetables after tasting this cheesy soup. —LaVonne Lundgren, Sioux City, Iowa

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    37/52

    Taste of Home

    Curly Noodle Chicken Soup

    I created this recipe to serve at a dinner I hosted for a group of friends. The main course was Italian, and I needed a good soup, so I converted a favorite tortilla soup recipe by substituting pasta and adding different seasonings. —Maxine Pierson, San Ramon, California

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    38/52

    Taste of Home

    Best Ever Chicken Fajita Chowder

    Warm up weeknights with bowls of this thick, cheesy soup that captures the zippy flavors of the Southwest. —Beverly Matthews, Pasco, Washington

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    39/52

    Taste of Home

    Rave Review Chicken Soup

    Nice and warm on a cold winter's day, this hearty chicken soup gets rave reviews from my family and friends. It goes nicely with fresh-baked biscuits. —Caroline Simpson, Fredericton, New Brunswick

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    40/52

    Mexican Chicken Chili

    Corn and black beans give this satisfying chili a Mexican flair the whole family will love. Adjust the cayenne if you have small children or are looking for a little less zip. —Stephanie Rabbitt-Schappacher, West Chester, Ohio

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    41/52

    Lemony Chicken Soup

    While living in California, I enjoyed a delicious chicken-lemon soup at a local restaurant. When I returned to Texas, I experimented with many versions before landing on this one. —Brenda Tollett, San Antonio, Texas

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    42/52

    Chicken Corn Soup with Rivels

    Traditional chicken soup is rich with a dumplinglike soup stretcher called rivels. This healthy recipe is brimming with chicken, vegetables and herbs. You won't be able to resist it. —Elissa Armbruster, Medford, New Jersey

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    43/52

    Broccoli-Chicken Rice Soup

    I transformed leftover chicken and rice into this tasty soup. It even passed the company test. —Karen Reed, Middletown, Ohio

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    44/52

    Taste of Home

    Fiesta Chorizo-Chicken Soup

    Just place some crusty rolls on the table when you serve this soup and you'll have a hearty, comforting meal that will chase away winter's chill. The slightly spicy soup is chock-full of veggies.—Kathy Rodenbeck, Fort Wayne, Indiana

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    45/52

    Taste of Home

    Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup

    A good friend made us this rich, comforting soup after the birth of our son. It was such a help to have dinner taken care of until I was back on my feet. This yummy dish is so simple to fix that now I give a pot of it (along with the recipe) to other new mothers. —Joanna Sargent, Sandy, Utah

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    46/52

    Taste of Home

    Spicy Peanut Chicken Chili

    While spending time in the Southwest, I discovered Mexican peanut chicken and thought it would be fun to make it into a chili. Chipotle peppers give it a nice spice that's extra warming on a cold day. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, CO

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    47/52

    Chicken Gnocchi Pesto Soup

    After tasting a similar soup at a restaurant, I created this quick and tasty version. It’s rich and creamy, and couldn’t be easier to make! —Deanna Smith, Des Moines, Iowa

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    48/52

    Chicken Butternut Chili

    At our house, we just love a good comforting, hearty, tomato-based chili with bold flavors! This unique chili is loaded with veggies and flavor. You can also prepare the recipe in the slow cooker. Just add ingredients to the crock and cook over high heat for about 4 hours. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

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    49/52

    Taste of Home

    Italian Chicken Soup

    This satisfying soup gets its Italian flair from fennel, thyme, basil and orzo pasta. If you don't start with a low-sodium or sodium-free stock, you might want to decrease the amount of salt called for in the recipe. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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    50/52

    Taste of Home

    Chicken Chili with Black Beans

    Because it looks different than traditional chili, my family was a little hesitant to try this dish at first. Thanks to the full, hearty flavor, it's become a real favorite around our house. I like to serve it with warm cornbread. —Jeanette Urbom, Louisburg, Kansas

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    51/52

    Taste of Home

    Chicken and asparagus make a light, comforting soup that’s easy to do with common ingredients. If we have rotisserie chicken, it goes into this soup. —Jennifer Vo, Irvine, California

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    52/52

    Slow-Cooked Chicken Enchilada Soup

    This soup delivers a big bowl of fresh comfort—just ask my husband. Toppings like avocado, sour cream and tortilla strips are a must. —Heather Sewell, Harrisonville, Missouri

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    Originally Published: January 02, 2021

    35 Chicken Soup Recipes for a Hearty Meal (53)

    Molly Allen

    A former bakery owner and event planner, Molly is now a freelance writer and editor specializing in food and beverage, lifestyle and party planning. She brings her years of experience and industry knowledge to Taste of Home readers, drawing on her former life at the bakery to explain the difference between cake and yeast doughnuts, how to make blue velvet cake and how to salvage burnt cookies. When Molly isn’t baking, she keeps an eye on the latest food trends and kitchen gadgets, and enjoys cooking outdoors on smokers and pizza ovens.

    35 Chicken Soup Recipes for a Hearty Meal (2024)

    FAQs

    Can soup be a full meal? ›

    Hearty soups like Russian Borsch, Vietnamese pho, and Italian Minestrone are considered as main courses. They have an apt mix of vegetables, protein and carbohydrates in a single bowl. Thick soups that carry not only the broth, but also toppings that make them sumptuous, can be had as your dinner.

    How to make soup into a main meal? ›

    2- Add enough protein

    To be supportive and nourishing, a meal should contain at least 15g of protein. That way you'll feel full until your next snack. For example, you could add shrimp, leftover meat (beef, chicken, pork…), eggs, tofu or legumes (lentils, chickpeas, white beans…) to a vegetable soup.

    What is a thick hearty soup called? ›

    A potage is a category of thick soups, stews, or porridges, in some of which meat and vegetables are boiled together with water until they form a thick mush. Bisques are heavy cream soups traditionally prepared with shellfish, but can be made with any type of seafood or other base ingredients.

    How to add richness to chicken soup? ›

    "If your broth is lacking in savory richness, try adding roasted onion, tomato paste, mushrooms, seaweed, soy sauce, or miso. These ingredients add umami flavor and depth to broth," she says. The choice of ingredient depends on the recipe, though.

    Is soup enough to live on? ›

    What Experts Say. "The concept of eating soup to lose weight has spanned decades, but experts say an all-soup diet lacks nutrients and is not sustainable. They do agree it can be smart to eat vegetable-packed soups for some meals, though, as these are filling, nutrient-dense, and low in calories."

    Is it OK to have only soup for dinner? ›

    Soup is a good evening meal to have every day because it is typically low in calories and high in nutrients, making it a healthy option for weight management. It is also easy to make and can be customized with a variety of ingredients to suit personal taste preferences.

    How many cups of soup do I need for a meal? ›

    The average soup serving as a side dish is between 3/4 and 1 cup. When the soup is served as the main course, plan on about 1 1/2 cups per person.

    What goes with soup for dinner? ›

    25 Sides for Soup
    • 01 of 25. Simple Roasted Butternut Squash. View Recipe. ...
    • 02 of 25. Low-Carb Zucchini Pasta. View Recipe. ...
    • 03 of 25. Fried Brussels Sprouts. ...
    • 04 of 25. Roasted Green Beans. ...
    • 05 of 25. Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe. ...
    • 06 of 25. Butter-Roasted Cauliflower. ...
    • 07 of 25. Buttered Biscuits. ...
    • 08 of 25. Quick and Easy Grilled Potatoes.
    Dec 2, 2020

    What do you serve when soup is the main course? ›

    18 Perfect Side Dishes for Soup
    • 01 of 18. Grilled Cheese Sandwich. ...
    • 02 of 18. Potato and Green Bean Salad. ...
    • 03 of 18. Pear Salad With Walnuts and Gorgonzola. ...
    • 04 of 18. Fried Paneer Cheese Pakora. ...
    • 05 of 18. Wilted Spinach Salad With Bacon. ...
    • 06 of 18. Baked Stuffed Potatoes. ...
    • 07 of 18. Baked Cheese and Veggie Quesadillas. ...
    • 08 of 18.
    Feb 8, 2024

    What is the number one soup in the world? ›

    According to the Taste Atlas Awards, the international food database, the Filipino favorite, Sinigang, is hailed as the best soup in the world.

    What is a bisque vs soup? ›

    A "soup" can be labeled one of the following: Bisque is a rich, thick, smooth soup that's often made with shellfish, such as lobster, crab, or shrimp. Broth or Stock is a strained, thin, clear liquid in which meat, poultry, or fish has been simmered with vegetables and herbs.

    What type of soup is often considered a luxury soup? ›

    Bisque is considered a luxury soup and best served for dinner. They are prepared with a puree of vegetables, poultry, fish or meat and thickened with bechamel sauce or a cream finish. A French word which means velvety, it describes the texture and appearance of the soup.

    Why put lemon juice in chicken soup? ›

    Lemons are a chicken soup game changer. Why? They brighten up and balance the salty, rich flavors of the dish, and make all of the ingredients come into line. Like a vinaigrette on a salad, the pickle on a burger, and the sour cream in a coffee cake, a squeeze of lemon gives chicken soup a game-changing brightness.

    How to get depth of flavor in chicken soup? ›

    For a deeply flavorful chicken soup, get some boneless, skinless chicken thighs, season them, brown them in a skillet, then finish them in a 375 F oven. You can refrigerate them until you're ready to make the soup, then simply dice them up and add them to the soup at the very end.

    What seasoning makes soup taste better? ›

    Some of our favorites are Dried Shallots, Dehydrated Red Bell Pepper, Dehydrated Green Bell Pepper, Tomato Flakes, Minced Onion and Roasted Garlic Flakes.

    How do you set dinner with soup? ›

    Place the salad plate on top of the dinner plate. If you're starting with a soup course, place the soup bowl on top of the salad plate. Lay a napkin to the left of the charger. To the left of the plate, place the fork on the napkin.

    Is just soup enough for lunch? ›

    A brilliant option for a healthy lunch is to eat a well-balanced, nutritional soup. This is because they're a very creative, convenient and nutritious type of meal compared to fast food, unhealthy snacks and carbohydrate-dense lunches.

    Is a soup meal healthy? ›

    They're good for you. While some soups can devastate a diet (cream-based varieties can be particularly high in fat and calories), most serve as a great vehicle to meet your daily quota for veggies.

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