35 Chicken Soup Recipes for a Hearty Meal (2024)

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35 Chicken Soup Recipes for a Hearty Meal (1)Molly AllenUpdated: Apr. 13, 2023

    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.

    The Ultimate Chicken Noodle Soup

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    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

    Chicken Veggie Soup

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    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

    Looking for more soup recipes? Find ’em here.

    Grandma's Chicken 'n' Dumpling Soup

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    Taste of Home

    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

    Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder

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    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

    Vietnamese Chicken Meatball Soup with Bok Choy

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    Taste of Home

    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

    Creamy Chicken Rice Soup

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    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

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

    Asian Chicken Noodle Soup

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    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

    Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

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    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

    Spanish Chicken Soup

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    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

    Chicken Matzo Ball Soup

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    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

    Slow-Cooker Cordon Bleu Soup

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    Taste of Home

    I've taken this creamy slow-cooker soup to potlucks and teacher luncheons, and I bring home an empty crock every time. When my son's school recently created a cookbook, this was the first recipe he asked me to submit, and his teachers were glad he did. —Erica Winkel, Ada, Michigan

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

    Ceylon Chicken Curry Noodle Soup

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    Taste of Home

    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

    Spicy Chicken Tomato Soup

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    Taste of Home

    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

    White Bean Chicken Chili

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    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

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    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

    Hungry for more chicken recipes? Find tasty ideas here.

    Chunky Creamy Chicken Soup

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    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

    Chicken Barley Soup

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    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

    Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

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    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

    Mexican-Inspired Chicken Soup

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    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

    Cozy up with these winter soup recipes.

    Anaheim Chicken Tortilla Soup

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    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

    Lunch-Box Chicken Soup

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    Taste of Home

    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

    Chicken and Kale Tortellini Soup

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    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

    Buffalo Chicken Wing Soup

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    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

    Pressure Cooker Loaded Chicken Veggie Soup

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    Taste of Home

    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

    Amish Chicken Corn Soup

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    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

    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

    Cheesy Chicken Chowder

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    Taste of Home

    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

    Chicken Cassoulet Soup

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    Taste of Home

    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

    Curried Chicken Soup

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    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

    Green Chile Chicken Chili

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    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

    Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Soup

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    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.

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

    Chicken Potpie Soup

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    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

    Chicken Escarole Soup with Meatballs

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    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

    Chicken Wild Rice Soup

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    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

    Coconut Curry Chicken Soup

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    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

    Cheese Chicken Soup

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

    Curly Noodle Chicken Soup

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    Taste of Home

    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

    Best Ever Chicken Fajita Chowder

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    Taste of Home

    Warm up weeknights with bowls of this thick, cheesy soup that captures the zippy flavors of the Southwest. —Beverly Matthews, Pasco, Washington

    Rave Review Chicken Soup

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    Taste of Home

    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

    Mexican Chicken Chili

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    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

    Lemony Chicken Soup

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    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

    Chicken Corn Soup with Rivels

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    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

    Broccoli-Chicken Rice Soup

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

    Fiesta Chorizo-Chicken Soup

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    Taste of Home

    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

    Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup

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    Taste of Home

    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

    Spicy Peanut Chicken Chili

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    Taste of Home

    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

    Chicken Gnocchi Pesto Soup

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    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

    Chicken Butternut Chili

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    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

    Italian Chicken Soup

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    Taste of Home

    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

    Chicken Chili with Black Beans

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    Taste of Home

    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

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    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

    Slow-Cooked Chicken Enchilada Soup

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    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

    Originally Published: January 02, 2021

    35 Chicken Soup Recipes for a Hearty Meal (53)

    Molly Allen

    A former bakery owner and event planner, Molly is now a freelance writer and editor specializing in food and beverage, lifestyle and party planning. She brings her years of experience and industry knowledge to Taste of Home readers, drawing on her former life at the bakery to explain the difference between cake and yeast doughnuts, how to make blue velvet cake and how to salvage burnt cookies. When Molly isn’t baking, she keeps an eye on the latest food trends and kitchen gadgets, and enjoys cooking outdoors on smokers and pizza ovens.

    35 Chicken Soup Recipes for a Hearty Meal (2024)

    FAQs

    Is chicken soup a full meal? ›

    Soup can be a fitting meal. If it is made to be hearty, by using a rich broth, filled with vegetables and meat, served with a bread bowl…. Bam!

    How to make soup into a main meal? ›

    Whole grain products, or starchy ones, contain fibers and other nutrients that promote satiety. You could boost your soup with brown rice, pasta, potatoes, sweet potatoes or barley, for example. If you can't add these to your soup, you could supplement your meal with a slice of whole grain bread, or a few crackers.

    How to add extra flavor to chicken soup? ›

    Fresh Herbs:Add fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or cilantro just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor. Citrus Zest:Grate the zest of a lemon or lime into the soup just before serving to add brightness. Ginger and Turmeric:Add grated ginger and a touch of ground turmeric for warmth and depth of flavor.

    Is chicken soup good for elderly? ›

    A lifesaver during cold and flu season, chicken soup is valuable in a senior's diet due to the broth. Made from bones, the broth is high in minerals such as phosphorous, magnesium and calcium.

    Is it OK to have only soup for dinner? ›

    Yes, soup is a versatile and healthy meal option. It can be made with a variety of ingredients, allowing for a range of flavours and nutritional benefits. Additionally, it is an inexpensive meal option as it can be made with items already on hand.

    Is soup enough for dinner alone? ›

    To rightly be considered as dinner, a soup must not only be filling, but must also be correct on the calorie chart. 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.

    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 goes good with chicken soup? ›

    Sandwiches – Grilled cheese sandwiches or any type of sandwich such as a vegetable panini pairs perfectly. Vegetables – Just about any veggie acts as the perfect side dish. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, zucchini, collard greens, carrots, cauliflower, green beans and bell peppers are great choices.

    What can I eat with soup instead of bread? ›

    22 Healthy Sides to Pair with a Bowl of Soup
    • 01 of 22. Kale Salad with Balsamic & Parmesan. ...
    • 02 of 22. Pear & Camembert Crostini. ...
    • 03 of 22. Basic Green Salad with Vinaigrette. ...
    • 04 of 22. Pea, Pancetta & Tarragon Crostini. ...
    • 05 of 22. Apple & Cheddar Side Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette. ...
    • 06 of 22. ...
    • 07 of 22. ...
    • 08 of 22.
    Mar 4, 2021

    How to jazz up chicken soup? ›

    Change up the usual chicken noodle soup completely by adding frozen corn, tortilla chips and avocados to make Mexican chicken noodle soup. You can even add a can of stewed tomatoes to really enhance the flavor.

    Why do you put lemon juice in chicken soup? ›

    Lemons are a chicken soup game changer. Why? They brighten up and balance the salty, rich flavors of the dish, and make all of the ingredients come into line. Like a vinaigrette on a salad, the pickle on a burger, and the sour cream in a coffee cake, a squeeze of lemon gives chicken soup a game-changing brightness.

    What spice adds flavor to soup? ›

    "Use fresh or dried basil in tomato-based recipes or fresh parsley to add freshness to clear broth soups," says Sofia Norton, RD. You can also go with more heat and spices. "Ground paprika, turmeric, nutmeg, ground ginger, and other powdered spices add a touch of color and spiciness to broths," she says.

    Why does Grandma's chicken soup work when you are sick? ›

    The salt in the soup and its warmth can soothe a sore throat. A 2000 study claimed to have shown that it also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can relieve congestion too, although this is still uncertain. Eating chicken soup when you have a cold helps because you're breathing steam, which loosens up congestion.

    What effect does chicken soup have on blood pressure? ›

    Chicken soup can contribute to lower blood pressure through its nutrient content and hydration properties. The broth provides essential minerals, and the overall warmth and comfort of soup can have a positive impact on stress levels.

    Does chicken soup lower blood pressure? ›

    Japanese researchers have found that collagen proteins found in chicken may actually lower blood pressure. These collagens appear to act like the blood pressure medications called ACE inhibitors. One caveat, though: it's the chicken, not the rest of the stuff in the soup, that may be medicinal.

    Is soup considered a full meal? ›

    Soup is commonly a starter in a three-course meal or a tasty lunch served with crusty bread on a cold winter's day. That may be so, , but did you know it is perfectly acceptable to eat soup as a main course? As unlikely as it sounds, it is completely true and most definitely scrumptious.

    Can you eat chicken soup for dinner? ›

    Chicken soup can be enjoyed at any time of the day, depending on personal preference and dietary needs. It is commonly consumed as a comforting and nourishing meal during colder seasons or when someone is feeling unwell. Many people find chicken soup particularly satisfying and soothing for lunch or dinner.

    Does soup count as eating? ›

    It depends. If you take a spoonful and put it in your mouth, you're eating it. If you sip it from the spoon or drink it out the bowl, you're drinking it. Some soups have solid food in them.

    Is chicken soup a healthy meal? ›

    Rich in nutrients

    The chicken itself delivers protein, which is an important nutrient for satisfaction, immunity and your muscles. Chicken also delivers zinc, a key immunity nutrient. Most chicken soup recipes starts with onion, carrots, celery; but any vegetables you add will deliver fiber, vitamins and minerals.

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