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This image shows a bowl of shredded chicken soup garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper, served warm and comforting.

Shredded Chicken Soup Recipe

Shredded chicken soup is a comforting, aromatic dish packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fragrant herbs. Slowly simmered in a rich broth, this soup delivers warmth and nourishment in every spoonful. Perfect for chilly nights, it’s easy to make, full of flavor, and incredibly satisfying.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 319 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot with lid
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Tongs
  • Wooden spoon
  • Two forks

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • ¼ cup roughly chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 parsnips, peeled and sliced
  • 1 leek, halved lengthwise, sliced, and rinsed
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 sprigs fresh tarragon
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ medium onion, diced
  • 3 celery ribs, sliced

Instructions
 

  • Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Add carrots, parsnips, celery, leek, and onion, stirring frequently for 4 to 5 minutes.
    This image shows onions, carrots, and celery being sautéed in a pot with hot oil, releasing their aroma and forming the base of the shredded chicken soup.
  • Stir in garlic, salt, and pepper, cooking for another minute.
    adding-minced-garlic-salt-and-black-pepper-to-sauteed-vegetables-for-flavor
  • Add thyme, tarragon, bay leaf, chicken, and broth, bringing it to a boil before reducing to low heat and covering.
    This image shows chicken pieces and fresh herbs being combined with a rich broth in a pot, preparing the soup for simmering and infusing flavors.
  • Simmer for 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
    This image shows a pot of chicken soup gently simmering with herbs and vegetables, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook until tender.
  • Using tongs, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and shred it with two forks.
    This image shows tender, cooked chicken being shredded with forks on a cutting board, preparing it to be added back into the soup.
  • Return the chicken to the pot.
    This image shows shredded chicken being returned to the pot of simmering soup, enriching the broth with its flavor and texture.
  • Simmer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, then remove thyme sprigs, tarragon, and bay leaf.
    This image shows a bay leaf and herb stems being removed from the pot of soup, ensuring a smooth and flavorful final dish.
  • Stir in parsley, garnishing with more parsley and black pepper before serving.
    This image shows freshly chopped parsley being stirred into the shredded chicken soup, adding a vibrant color and a fresh, herbal aroma before serving.

Notes

  • To enhance flavor, sauté vegetables until slightly caramelized before adding the broth.
  • For a richer broth, use bone-in chicken and remove the bones before shredding.
  • Add a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar at the end for a fresh, bright finish.