The Best Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe to Fight Colds and Warm Your Soul

There’s nothing more comforting than a steaming bowl of chicken soup, but have you ever paired it with wine? This one turns a simple classic into something soulful and a little special, whether it’s a cozy night in or you’re feeding friends.

This recipe has been part of my regular rotation for years, whether I need a little comfort, something cozy after travel, or a simple meal that still feels special. Inspired by my grandma’s homemade stock, it’s nourishing, flavorful and easy to make with Trader Joe’s staples. Add the right wine, and suddenly, this comfort food feels like an experience.

Easy Chicken Soup Recipe (Trader Joe’s Friendly)

Here’s everything you need to make a big pot of flavorful soup:

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken (drumsticks and/or thighs for rich flavor, or feel free to use an entire chicken. Whatever is easiest for you)
• 2 packages (32 oz) low sodium chicken broth
• 1 mirepoix package (or chop onion, celery, and carrot yourself)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tbsp 21 Seasoning Salute. This is a proprietary salt-free spice blend at Trader Joe’s.
• 1 tbsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

For the chicken:

• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• Olive oil

Here’s everything you need to make a big pot of flavorful soup:

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken (drumsticks and/or thighs for rich flavor, or feel free to use an entire chicken. Whatever is easiest for you)
• 2 packages (32 oz) low sodium chicken broth
• 1 mirepoix package (or chop onion, celery, and carrot yourself)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tbsp 21 Seasoning Salute. This is a proprietary salt-free spice blend at Trader Joe’s.
• 1 tbsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

For the chicken:

• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• Olive oil

Optional add-in: grated ginger,
Optional garnish/finishing touches: squeeze of lemon, fresh parsley.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Build the Broth

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a stockpot over medium heat.
   
2. Add minced garlic, stir until fragrant (30 seconds).
   
3. Add mirepoix mix, season with salt and pepper, cook 4–6 minutes.
   
4. Pour in chicken broth, stir in seasoning blend, bay leaves, and red pepper flakes.
   
5. Bring to a boil.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. While the broth heats, sear seasoned chicken in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat.
   
2. Cook 1 minute per side for a flavorful crust.

Step 3: Simmer

Drop seared chicken into the boiling broth. Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours.

Chef’s Notes

I always use low-sodium broth so I can adjust it to my taste and others enjoying it can do so as well. 

This soup is flavorful on its own, but a bit of ginger or lemon adds brightness. Herbs like dill or parsley can also freshen the finish. This is your prerogative! If you have some herbs laying around, throw them in there. It’s only going to add some delicious character to the soup.

This isn’t just chicken soup for the soul — it’s comfort food you’ll want to make again and again when you feel like you need a bit of nourishment and to give your gut a break. 

Best Wine Pairings with Chicken Soup

Wine might not be the first thing that comes to mind with chicken soup, but the right pairing elevates this simple dish into something extraordinary. Here are the best options for a chicken soup wine pairing:

Chardonnay

• A lightly oaked Chardonnay brings buttery richness and apple/pear notes that complement the savory broth.

Sauvignon Blanc

• Bright, zesty, and citrusy — perfect if you finish your soup with lemon and herbs. The new Sauvignon Blanc from House of Brown would be great with this.

Pinot Noir

• A light red wine with soft tannins and earthy undertones. If you’re opting to add more black pepper to your soup, this is the one.

Riesling

• Slightly off-dry Riesling is excellent with a red pepper spiced-up soup.

Tips for Serving Chicken Soup with Wine

• Match intensity. A light soup calls for a light-bodied wine.
  
• Balance spice. If you love extra chili flakes/heat, pair with Riesling 

• Add herbs last. Fresh parsley or dill amplifies the brightness in Sauvignon Blanc.
  
• Serve hot + cool. Soup should be piping hot, while wine should be slightly chilled (but not too cold).
  

Why Comfort Food and Wine Work Together

Chicken soup is layered with flavor because of savory broth, tender chicken, aromatic vegetables and warming spice. Wine adds another dimension, either enhancing freshness, cutting through richness, or balancing spice.

Pairing wine with comfort food isn’t about rules; it’s about creating balance and elevating the everyday. Imagine curling up with a blanket, a steaming bowl of soup, and a glass of wine (especially on a rainy day). It’s a simple luxury that can make an average day special.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t your average chicken soup. It’s weeknight-easy but dinner-party chic, especially with the right wine. Pair it with Chardonnay for richness, Sauvignon Blanc for something bright, Pinot Noir if you want a red that plays nice, or Riesling to keep things balanced.

Serve it up, pour yourself a glass, and savor the cozy-meets-elevated kind of moment that makes home feel like the place to be.

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