Comfort in a Bowl: The Ultimate Ground Chicken Soup Recipe

There’s something inherently soothing about a warm bowl of soup. Whether it’s the chilly winds of winter or a gray, rainy afternoon, soup has the power to warm you from the inside out. This Ground Chicken Soup is more than just a cozy meal—it’s a nourishing, wholesome dish perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or when you’re feeling under the weather. It’s light enough for summer evenings yet hearty enough for colder months, making it a versatile staple to add to your recipe rotation.

I first discovered the magic of ground chicken soup while trying to clean out the fridge one weekend. With some leftover ground chicken, odds and ends of vegetables, and a lone container of broth, I whipped up what I assumed would be a throwaway meal. But to my surprise, the result was deeply satisfying, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. This inspired a new tradition in our home—Sunday Soup Night, and this recipe quickly became the star of the show.

Why Ground Chicken Soup?
Ground chicken offers several benefits over other proteins:

Lean and Healthy: Lower in fat than ground beef or pork.

Mild Flavor: Absorbs seasoning and complements a variety of spices and herbs.

Quick Cooking: No need for long simmering to tenderize meat.

Additionally, using ground chicken allows for an even distribution of protein throughout the soup, ensuring each spoonful is packed with flavor and texture.

Ingredients for Ground Chicken Soup
Here’s everything you need to create a nourishing pot of soup that serves 6–8 people.

Main Ingredients:
1 lb ground chicken

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large onion, finely diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 carrots, sliced into coins

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 zucchini, diced (optional)

1 cup chopped green beans or peas

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 bay leaf

1/2 cup small pasta (like orzo or ditalini) or rice (optional)

Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional but brightens flavor)

Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make Ground Chicken Soup
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Add Aromatics
Add the diced onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
Toss in the carrots, celery, and zucchini. Sauté for 5–6 minutes to allow the vegetables to soften slightly.

Step 4: Build the Flavor
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir in thyme, basil, smoked paprika, and the bay leaf. Bring the soup to a simmer.

Step 5: Simmer and Add Pasta (If Using)
Let the soup simmer for 15–20 minutes. If adding pasta or rice, add it during the last 10–12 minutes of cooking so it cooks through without becoming mushy.

Step 6: Final Touches
Remove the bay leaf. Stir in lemon juice for a hint of brightness. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve with crusty bread or a light salad.

Variations to Try
1. Spicy Ground Chicken Soup
Add a diced jalapeño along with the onions, and finish with red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a fiery kick.

2. Creamy Ground Chicken Soup
Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk after simmering for a creamy twist. You can also add a bit of shredded cheese just before serving.

3. Asian-Inspired Ground Chicken Soup
Use ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and a splash of sesame oil. Add bok choy, mushrooms, and rice noodles instead of pasta.

4. Mexican-Style Ground Chicken Soup
Season with cumin, coriander, and a pinch of chili powder. Add corn, black beans, and top with avocado, lime juice, and fresh cilantro.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips
This ground chicken soup is meal-prep friendly and freezes beautifully.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Cool completely before freezing. Store in portions for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Reheat on the stove or in the microwave. If you added pasta or rice, you might need to add more broth when reheating to thin the soup.

Health Benefits of Ground Chicken Soup
This soup is not just comforting—it’s good for you too.

High in Protein: Ground chicken provides lean, muscle-supporting protein.

Packed with Veggies: Carrots, celery, zucchini, and tomatoes contribute essential vitamins and fiber.

Low in Fat and Calories: Especially if you skip cream and cheese.

Hydrating and Filling: The broth base helps you stay hydrated while keeping you full longer.

This makes it an ideal meal for those on a weight-loss journey, recovering from illness, or simply trying to eat more whole foods.

Perfect Pairings for Ground Chicken Soup
Here are some serving ideas to turn this soup into a complete meal:

Crusty Artisan Bread: Ideal for dipping and soaking up broth.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic partner for soup, especially if you’re serving kids.

Simple Garden Salad: Adds a refreshing, crisp texture to contrast the warm soup.

Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: For a more indulgent option.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely. Frozen carrots, peas, corn, and green beans work well and cut down on prep time.

Is this soup keto-friendly?
If you skip the pasta or rice and limit starchy vegetables, it can be keto-compliant. Swap in cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the ground chicken first, then add all ingredients (except pasta/rice) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Add pasta in the final 30 minutes.

How can I make it vegetarian?
Swap the ground chicken for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple Ingredients: No fancy tools or ingredients required.

Quick and Easy: Comes together in under 45 minutes.

Customizable: Adjust spices, add your favorite vegetables, or swap in grains.

Kid-Friendly: Mild, comforting flavors that even picky eaters will enjoy.

Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and one pound of meat to stretch several servings.

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