Garlic Chicken Soup: 7 Easy Steps to Comfort

Name: Garlic Chicken Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large yellow onion, chopped; 4 carrots, peeled and sliced; 3 celery stalks, sliced; 1 head garlic, minced (about 10-12 cloves); 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; Optional: ¼ cup small pasta or cooked rice (e.g., ditalini, orzo)

Rachael

January 1, 2026

Garlic Chicken Soup is the quintessential comfort food, a hearty and aromatic bowl that soothes the soul and invigorates the body. This classic dish, beloved for its simplicity and powerful flavors, is a staple in many households, especially when the weather turns chilly or a boost of wellness is needed. More than just a meal, it’s a warming embrace, brimming with tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and an abundance of immune-boosting garlic. Our recipe focuses on creating a rich, flavorful broth from scratch, making every spoonful a pure delight. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, you’ll find this Garlic Chicken Soup surprisingly easy to master.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

There’s something inherently nostalgic about a bowl of warm soup, and Garlic Chicken Soup takes that feeling to the next level. I remember my grandmother always preparing a big pot whenever anyone in the family felt under the weather, filling the house with an irresistible aroma. She swore by the healing power of garlic, and her secret was always to add a generous amount.

Beyond its comforting qualities, this soup is a powerhouse of nutrients, making it a go-to remedy for everything from a common cold to a stressful day. You might wonder, “How much garlic should I use in chicken soup for maximum benefits?” My grandma would say, “As much as your heart desires, but never less than a whole head!” This recipe takes her advice to heart, ensuring every spoonful is loaded with that pungent, delicious goodness.

Why You’ll Love This

It’s a truly comforting and nourishing Garlic Chicken Soup experience.
Packed with flavor from fresh ingredients and plenty of garlic.
Simple to make, perfect for any home cook.
An excellent meal for boosting wellness and fighting off colds.

What Makes Garlic Chicken Soup Special

What truly sets Garlic Chicken Soup apart is its robust flavor profile and its inherent versatility. Unlike many other chicken soups, it champions the distinct, pungent notes of garlic, transforming it from a mere seasoning into a star ingredient. The gentle simmering process allows the garlic’s flavors to mellow and integrate beautifully with the savory chicken broth and tender vegetables, creating a symphony of taste that is both comforting and invigorating. Another key element is the quality of the chicken itself.

For the most flavorful experience, “What’s the best chicken cut for garlic chicken soup?” Often, bone-in, skin-on thighs are preferred for the rich flavor they impart to the broth, though boneless cuts work well for convenience. This combination of robust ingredients and thoughtful preparation ensures that each bowl is deeply satisfying and incredibly restorative.

How to Make Garlic Chicken Soup: Step-by-Step

Step 1:: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté chopped onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 2:: Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and brown lightly for 5-7 minutes.
Step 3:: Pour in chicken broth, add dried thyme and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Step 4:: Remove bay leaf. Stir in fresh parsley. Season with more salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5:: Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley. Consider adding small pasta during the last 8-10 minutes of simmering for extra heartiness. One common question is, “What vegetables go well in garlic chicken soup?” Besides the classic carrots, celery, and onion, feel free to add spinach, kale, or potatoes for added nutrition and texture.

Storing Your Garlic Chicken Soup

Storing your homemade Garlic Chicken Soup correctly is key to enjoying its deliciousness for days to come. Once the soup has finished cooking, allow it to cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. Properly stored in the refrigerator, Garlic Chicken Soup will remain fresh and flavorful for 3-4 days. This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping throughout the week. When reheating, gently warm the desired portion on the stovetop over low to medium heat, or in the microwave. If the soup has thickened during storage, you might want to add a little extra chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Freezing is also an option, as discussed in our FAQs.

Garlic Chicken Soup Variations & Substitutions

Garlic Chicken Soup is incredibly adaptable, allowing for numerous variations and substitutions to suit your taste or dietary needs. For a heartier meal, you can easily add small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo, or even some cooked rice during the last few minutes of simmering. For an extra immune boost, consider adding a piece of fresh ginger, thinly sliced, or a pinch of turmeric.

If you’re short on time, “Can I use rotisserie chicken for garlic chicken soup?” Absolutely! Shred a cooked rotisserie chicken and add it during the last 10 minutes of simmering to heat through, skipping the browning step for raw chicken. For a creamy texture, stir in a splash of milk or heavy cream just before serving. Experiment with different vegetables like green beans, zucchini, or chopped potatoes for added texture and nutrients.

The History of Garlic Chicken Soup

The tradition of chicken soup as a comforting and healing food dates back centuries, with variations found in nearly every culture around the globe. While the exact origins of Garlic Chicken Soup are difficult to pinpoint, the combination of chicken, garlic, and broth has been revered for its medicinal and restorative properties for generations. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all recognized the therapeutic value of chicken broth, often prescribing it for ailments. Garlic, too, has a long history as a folk remedy and superfood, celebrated for its antimicrobial and immune-boosting qualities.

The simple, nourishing elements of this soup have likely been combined intuitively for as long as people have understood the benefits of these humble ingredients, making it a timeless remedy and a beloved dish.

In conclusion, Garlic Chicken Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re seeking comfort on a cold day, a nourishing boost for your immune system, or simply a delicious and satisfying dinner, this recipe delivers on all fronts. With its rich, aromatic broth, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables, every spoonful is a reminder of homemade goodness. We hope this guide inspires you to whip up a batch of this comforting Garlic Chicken Soup and share its warmth with your loved ones. Enjoy the simple pleasure of a truly classic dish!

Pro Tips

Roast Garlic: For a sweeter, milder garlic flavor, roast the garlic cloves whole before mincing and adding to the soup.
Fresh Herbs: Always add fresh herbs like parsley towards the end of cooking to preserve their vibrant flavor and color.
Deglaze the Pot: After browning the chicken, use a splash of broth or water to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—this adds incredible depth of flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd: Cook vegetables and chicken in batches if your pot is too small to ensure even cooking and proper browning.

FAQs

Is garlic chicken soup good for a cold?

Yes, Garlic Chicken Soup is often lauded for its cold-fighting properties. The chicken broth helps with hydration and provides essential electrolytes, while the lean protein from the chicken supports recovery. Most importantly, the generous amount of garlic contains allicin, a compound known for its immune-boosting and antimicrobial benefits, which can help alleviate symptoms and potentially shorten the duration of a cold. It’s a comforting and nutritious choice when you’re feeling unwell.

Can I freeze leftover garlic chicken soup?

Absolutely! Garlic Chicken Soup freezes beautifully. Allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight, freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. If using bags, lay them flat for easier storage. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3-4 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through. Add a splash of extra broth or water if it’s too thick.

How can I make my garlic chicken soup more flavorful?

To elevate the flavor of your Garlic Chicken Soup, start by sautéing the aromatics (onions, carrots, celery, and garlic) until deeply softened and fragrant, building a strong flavor base. Using homemade chicken broth or a good quality low-sodium store-bought broth is key. Don’t shy away from fresh herbs like thyme and parsley, added towards the end. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens all the flavors, and a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle warmth.

What’s the best chicken cut for garlic chicken soup?

For the most flavorful Garlic Chicken Soup, a combination of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks is often recommended. The bones and skin contribute rich flavor and collagen to the broth, resulting in a more robust and satisfying soup. If you prefer white meat, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used, but they might yield a slightly less rich broth. Cooking chicken on the bone and shredding it after it’s tender ensures moist and flavorful chicken pieces.

How do I thicken garlic chicken soup naturally?

There are several natural ways to thicken Garlic Chicken Soup. One popular method is to simmer the soup longer, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate, which concentrates the flavors and thickens the broth slightly. You can also blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender or by carefully transferring some to a regular blender, then returning it to the pot. The starch from cooked potatoes or a small amount of rice added to the soup will also naturally release starch and thicken the broth as it simmers.