Easy Garlic Chicken Soup – A Cozy Bowl of Comfort You Can Make Anytime

There’s something about a steaming bowl of Easy Garlic Chicken Soup that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. Maybe it’s the soothing aroma of garlic simmering in broth or the way the first spoonful instantly melts away stress. If you’ve ever had one of those evenings where you just need comfort without fuss, this is that recipe. It’s simple, hearty, and packed with deep, savory flavor—perfect for when you want to nourish your body and soul without spending hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re battling a cold, craving something wholesome, or just want a quick homemade meal that actually tastes like it simmered all day, this Easy Garlic Chicken Soup checks every box.

What Is Garlic Chicken Soup?

At its core, garlic chicken soup is all about warmth, simplicity, and bold flavor. It combines the richness of tender chicken, the sharp bite of fresh garlic, and the comfort of a light, golden broth. Unlike classic chicken noodle soup, this version highlights garlic as the star—adding both depth and immune-boosting power.

If you’ve ever had a traditional chicken soup and thought, “This could use a little kick,” that’s exactly where this soup shines. The garlic gets gently sautéed until fragrant, infusing the broth with layers of savory aroma. You can keep it minimal and rustic, or load it up with vegetables, rice, or even noodles for a heartier meal.

Many home cooks love roasting the garlic first, which brings out a nutty sweetness. Others prefer to keep it raw and sharp for that therapeutic, “feel-better-fast” flavor. Either way, it’s a dish that delivers comfort in every spoonful.

Easy Garlic Chicken Soup

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• Author: Rasha Annan
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Easy Garlic Chicken Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish made with tender chicken, fresh garlic, and a golden, aromatic broth. Perfect for chilly nights or when you need a soothing, immune-boosting meal that’s simple to prepare and satisfying from the first spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into small pieces

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

• 1 medium onion, finely diced

• 6–8 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon salt (add more to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon turmeric (optional)

• Juice of ½ lemon

• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or dill (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened.

2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

3. Add chicken pieces and cook until they begin to turn opaque, about 4–5 minutes.

4. Pour in chicken broth, then season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and turmeric (if using). Bring to a gentle boil.

5. Reduce heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the broth is rich and aromatic.

6. Stir in lemon juice and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For a creamy variation, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk.

Roasting the garlic before adding gives a milder, sweeter flavor.

Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors develop.

Skip noodles if freezing the soup to maintain the best texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 2 cups)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg

Ingredients You’ll Need (and Why They Matter)

Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting bowl of soup. These ingredients are simple, but each plays an important role in building flavor and texture:

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 6–8 garlic cloves, minced (adjust based on your love for garlic)
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt (add more to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color and warmth)
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or dill (for garnish)

You can also toss in a handful of noodles, rice, or even small pasta if you want something more filling. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary give the soup a fragrant lift, while a squeeze of lemon right before serving brightens the entire bowl.

How to Make It Step-by-Step

1. Sauté the aromatics
Start by heating olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add your onions, carrots, and celery. Stir until they begin to soften—around 5 minutes.

2. Add the garlic
Once the vegetables are tender, add the minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, but don’t let it brown. Burnt garlic can make the soup taste bitter.

3. Cook the chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the pot. Stir and cook until the chicken starts to turn opaque, about 4–5 minutes.

4. Build the broth
Pour in the chicken broth, then season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and turmeric (if using). Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the broth tastes rich.

5. Finish and serve
Right before serving, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and sprinkle chopped parsley on top. The citrus brightens the soup, balancing the earthy garlic flavor beautifully.

Dietary Variations & Substitutions

One of the best things about Easy Garlic Chicken Soup is how flexible it is. You can easily adapt it to fit your dietary needs without sacrificing taste.

Vegan Version:
Replace chicken with cubed tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. A touch of nutritional yeast adds depth and umami similar to poultry broth.

Gluten-Free Option:
Stick with rice, quinoa, or gluten-free noodles. Just make sure your broth and seasonings are labeled gluten-free.

Low-Calorie Adaptation:
Use lean chicken breast, skip any added starches, and limit the olive oil. The result is a light, protein-packed soup that’s still full of flavor.

Halal or Kosher:
Use certified halal or kosher chicken and broth. The recipe itself naturally fits within both guidelines when sourced properly.

Low-Sodium:
Opt for unsalted broth and season gradually. Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and dill will boost flavor naturally.

With just a few tweaks, you can enjoy this soup no matter your diet or preferences.

Optional Add-Ins & Flavor Twists

Once you’ve nailed the base, it’s fun to experiment with creative additions. Think of this recipe as your blank canvas.

Noodle or Rice Options:
Add cooked rice, orzo, or egg noodles to make it heartier. Drop them in during the last 10 minutes of cooking so they don’t get mushy.

Vegetable Upgrades:
Spinach, kale, mushrooms, or zucchini make great additions. They add nutrients and color without overpowering the garlic.

Flavor Enhancers:
For a deeper taste, add roasted garlic instead of raw, a splash of soy sauce for umami, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.

Toppings:
Try topping your soup with fried garlic slices, grated Parmesan, or crispy croutons for texture and flavor contrast.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips

This soup stores beautifully, which makes it ideal for meal prep.

Refrigerate:
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freeze:
For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Skip adding noodles if you plan to freeze; they can become too soft when reheated.

Reheat:
Warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat until just hot. Avoid boiling—especially if you’ve added noodles—to keep the texture right.

The garlic flavor tends to deepen after a day or two, making leftovers even more delicious.

There’s no denying the simple magic of Easy Garlic Chicken Soup. It’s the kind of meal that feels healing, nourishing, and completely satisfying—without requiring much effort. Whether you’re under the weather, need something soothing after a long day, or just want to fill your home with that cozy garlic aroma, this recipe delivers every time. Keep it classic or make it your own—it’s comfort in its purest form, one spoonful at a time.

FAQ

How many garlic cloves should I use for garlic chicken soup?

It depends on how bold you want the flavor. For most people, 6–8 cloves strike a perfect balance between comfort and flavor, but you can always go heavier if you love garlic-forward soups.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken instead of raw?

Absolutely. Leftover rotisserie chicken works great for this Easy Garlic Chicken Soup. Just add it near the end of cooking so it stays tender and juicy.

What can I add to make it creamy?

You can stir in a splash of heavy cream, half-and-half, or even coconut milk for a silky, creamy garlic chicken soup without changing the flavor too much.

Can I make this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes, both methods work perfectly. For the slow cooker, cook on low for 4–6 hours; for the Instant Pot, pressure cook for about 10 minutes and use a quick release.

Is garlic chicken soup good for colds?

Yes! The combination of garlic, warm broth, and tender chicken can soothe sore throats, help you stay hydrated, and give your immune system a comforting boost.