35 Chicken Soup Recipes for a Hearty Meal (2024)

Home Recipes Soups Bean Soups White Bean Soups

35 Chicken Soup Recipes for a Hearty Meal (1)

ByMolly Allen

Taste of Home's Editorial Process

Updated: Apr. 05, 2024

    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.

    1/51

    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

    Get Recipe

    2/51

    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

    Go to Recipe

    Looking for more soup recipes? Find ’em here.

    3/51

    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

    Go to Recipe

    4/51

    Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    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

    Go to Recipe

    5/51

    Vietnamese Chicken Meatball Soup with Bok Choy Recipe photo by 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

    Go to Recipe

    6/51

    Creamy Chicken Rice Soup Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    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

    Go to Recipe

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

    7/51

    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

    Go to Recipe

    8/51

    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

    Go to Recipe

    9/51

    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

    Go to Recipe

    10/51

    Chicken Matzo Ball Soup Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    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

    Go to Recipe

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

    11/51

    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

    Go to Recipe

    12/51

    Taste of Home

    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

    Go to Recipe

    13/51

    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

    Go to Recipe

    14/51

    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

    Go to Recipe

    Hungry for more chicken recipes? Find tasty ideas here.

    15/51

    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

    Go to Recipe

    16/51

    Chicken Barley Soup Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    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

    Go to Recipe

    17/51

    Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    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

    Go to Recipe

    18/51

    Mexican-Inspired Chicken Soup Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    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

    Go to Recipe

    Cozy up with these winter soup recipes.

    19/51

    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

    Go to Recipe

    20/51

    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

    Go to Recipe

    21/51

    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

    Go to Recipe

    22/51

    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

    Go to Recipe

    23/51

    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

    Go to Recipe

    24/51

    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

    Go to Recipe

    25/51

    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

    Go to Recipe

    26/51

    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

    Go to Recipe

    27/51

    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

    Go to Recipe

    28/51

    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

    Go to Recipe

    29/51

    Green Chile Chicken Chili Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    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

    Go to Recipe

    30/51

    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.

    Go to Recipe

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

    31/51

    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

    Go to Recipe

    32/51

    Chicken Escarole Soup with Meatballs Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    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

    Go to Recipe

    33/51

    Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    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

    Go to Recipe

    34/51

    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

    Go to Recipe

    35/51

    Cheese Chicken Soup

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

    Go to Recipe

    36/51

    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

    Go to Recipe

    37/51

    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

    Go to Recipe

    38/51

    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

    Go to Recipe

    39/51

    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

    Go to Recipe

    40/51

    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

    Go to Recipe

    41/51

    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

    Go to Recipe

    42/51

    Broccoli-Chicken Rice Soup

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

    Go to Recipe

    43/51

    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

    Go to Recipe

    44/51

    Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe photo by 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

    Go to Recipe

    45/51

    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

    Go to Recipe

    46/51

    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

    Go to Recipe

    47/51

    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

    Go to Recipe

    48/51

    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

    Go to Recipe

    49/51

    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

    Go to Recipe

    50/51

    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

    Go to Recipe

    51/51

    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

    Go to Recipe

    Originally Published: January 02, 2021

    Author

    Molly Allen

    Now a freelance writer and photographer specializing in stories about food and drink, Molly is a former bakery owner who brings her years of first-hand expertise to Taste of Home and other food-centric publications. She is a pizza oven expert having tested nine different models. She also has a passion for grilling and cooking on smokers and fire pi...

    Read More

    35 Chicken Soup Recipes for a Hearty Meal (52)

    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.

    What adds depth to chicken soup? ›

    A splash of vinegar or wine can add depth and complexity to the flavors of your chicken noodle soup. Try adding a small amount of apple cider vinegar or a dry white wine for a delightful tangy note. Just remember to add it gradually, tasting as you go, to avoid overpowering the soup.

    How to make soup into a main meal? ›

    Pasta, barley, brown rice, quinoa, potatoes and sweet potatoes are just a few examples of wholegrain foods that can turn your soupy starter into a mouth-watering main.

    Is chicken soup good for elderly? ›

    Often overlooked, soup can be an excellent source of nutrients, hydration, and comfort as part of a regular healthy diet. Many people only think of soup as sustenance when sick, as they turn to the healing powers of chicken noodle soup, which is an age-old classic.

    What is the soup that eats like a meal? ›

    7 things you didn't know about Campbell's Chunky Soup: 'The soup that eats like a meal' Campbell's Chunky Soup has been filling bellies since the 1970s. 1. In the early 1960s, new research inspired Campbell's to create a hearty, ready-to-serve soup.

    Is it okay to just have soup for dinner? ›

    If soup is the only thing you are eating, it may not provide you with enough nutrients. It is best to eat soup as part of a balanced meal that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources.

    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 to have with soup instead of bread? ›

    Here are some of the best alternatives you can opt instead of bread for your lunch.
    • Corn Tortillas.
    • Rice.
    • Lettuce and Leafy Greens.
    • Sweet Potatoes toast / Vegetables.
    • Butternut Squash or Sweet Potato Flatbread.
    • Cauliflower Bread or Pizza Crust.
    • Eggs.
    • Oats.
    Feb 9, 2022

    What to eat chicken soup with? ›

    What can I serve this soup with?
    1. Cheese and Tomato Garlic Pizza Bread.
    2. Stuffed Cheesy Breads with Spinach and Bacon.
    3. Garlic Mushroom and Brie Toast.
    4. Broad Bean and Quinoa Caprese Salad.
    5. Prosciutto, Feta and Nectarine Salad with Griddled Courgette.
    Oct 10, 2019

    What is the best soup to eat everyday? ›

    6 delicious and healthy soups
    • Chicken Vietnamese Pho.
    • Green spring minestrone.
    • Herb and yoghurt-based soup.
    • Lamb shank and barley soup.
    • Pumpkin soup with star croutons.
    • Lentil and vegetable soup with crusty bread.
    Apr 26, 2020

    Is it OK to eat chicken soup everyday? ›

    Hence, a bowl of chicken soup can be a great addition in your daily diet. Other key ingredients in a chicken soup include onions, garlic and additional vegetables that add flavour and a healthy dose of important nutrients that is needed for a well-functioning immune system.

    Which part of chicken is best for chicken soup? ›

    Using the entire chicken, which once would have seemed impossibly extravagant for soup, provides the perfect balance of fat and flavor. It doesn't need to be cooked for very long, as the plentiful skin, meat and collagen quickly yield to the heat.

    Can you get full off of soup? ›

    And while some research suggests that form doesn't matter, one study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded that smooth soup (think: butternut squash) worked even better than a chunky version (such as chicken noodle) when it came to slowing stomach emptying and boosting satiety.

    Can soup replace a meal? ›

    On the other hand, if you are consuming a dense, vegetable-based soup, such as a cabbage soup, it may be enough to replace a meal. These types of soups are typically high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and can be very filling.

    Is it OK to only eat soup? ›

    "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 soup a solid meal? ›

    Soup is a primarily liquid food, generally served warm or hot (but may be cool or cold), that is made by combining ingredients of meat or vegetables with stock, milk, or water. Hot soups are additionally characterized by boiling solid ingredients in liquids in a pot until the flavors are extracted, forming a broth.

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Jonah Leffler

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6230

    Rating: 4.4 / 5 (45 voted)

    Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Jonah Leffler

    Birthday: 1997-10-27

    Address: 8987 Kieth Ports, Luettgenland, CT 54657-9808

    Phone: +2611128251586

    Job: Mining Supervisor

    Hobby: Worldbuilding, Electronics, Amateur radio, Skiing, Cycling, Jogging, Taxidermy

    Introduction: My name is Jonah Leffler, I am a determined, faithful, outstanding, inexpensive, cheerful, determined, smiling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.