Simple Chicken Soup Recipes for Immune Support

Why chicken soup helps when you're sick: the ingredients that fight the flu

Chicken soup helps fight cold and flu because warm broth thins mucus, chicken provides immune-supporting protein and amino acids, and vegetables deliver vitamins C and K plus antioxidants — which together hydrate, calm inflammation, and speed recovery.

🍲 Broth

A clear broth is warm and soothing, making it a great source of hydration while you're sick — especially if you have a sore throat. You can even up the ante and use bone broth to give your belly the extra nutrients it needs.

🍗 Chicken

Chicken is full of protein that helps support the immune system. It's also a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, which boost immunity and help regulate digestion.

🥕 Vegetables

All those bits of carrot, celery, and onion commonly found in chicken noodle soup are a great source of vitamins C and K, as well as other antioxidants and minerals. Not only does this help build a healthy immune system to fight off viruses, it also helps your body recover from illness more quickly.

Additional healing ingredients like garlic, bay leaf (a natural expectorant), and oregano add even more immune-boosting properties to your soup.

🍝 Noodles or Rice

The noodles are packed with carbohydrates that help you feel full and satisfied. Carbs are the preferred source of energy for your body, helping you stay strong while recovering.

Recipe #1: Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients

• Carcass and bones from one 4- to 5-pound roast chicken (or a mild-flavored rotisserie chicken)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 medium carrots, sliced into ¼-inch-thick rounds
• 2 celery stalks, sliced into ¼-inch-thick slices
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• Kosher salt
• ½ cup white rice or noodles

Directions

1. Put the bones and carcass from a leftover chicken in a large pot. Cover with the broth and 4 cups water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes. Skim any foam or fat from the broth with a ladle as necessary.
2. Remove the bones and carcass with tongs or a slotted spoon; set aside to cool. Add the carrots, celery, onion and bay leaf to the broth, bring back to a simmer and cook until the vegetables are about half cooked, about 10 minutes. Stir in the rice and cook until the grains are just al dente, 10 to 12 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, when the carcass and bones are cool enough to handle, pick off the meat and shred it into bite-size pieces.
4. When the rice is done, add the meat to the broth and simmer until warmed through, about 1 minute. Stir in the parsley, and season with ½ teaspoon salt or more to taste. Serve hot.

Recipe #2: Asian Chicken Noodle Soup

Using the same basic first step from the classic recipe, you can easily change it up with this favorite variation. It's got a little bit of zing!

Key Ingredients

• Bone broth or regular broth base with chicken
• Onion, celery, carrot, and red pepper
• Red curry paste for spice
• Rice noodles
• Fresh scallion and cilantro for garnish

Recipe #3: Chicken Taco Soup

Same first step — different, bolder flavors. This Southwestern-inspired soup is hearty and satisfying.

Key Ingredients

• Bone broth or regular broth base with chicken
• Onion, celery, and carrot
• Black beans and corn
• Taco spice mix and chipotle spice
• Fresh cilantro and scallion for garnish