Ina Garten Leftover Chicken Soup Recipe

Ina Garten’s Leftover Chicken Soup is a comforting, clean-tasting soup that turns leftover roast or poached chicken into something warm and nourishing. It’s light yet satisfying, with tender chicken, classic vegetables, and a gently simmered broth. This soup feels familiar and soothing—ideal for busy weeknights, chilly days, or anytime you want a simple bowl of comfort.

What is Ina Garten’s Leftover Chicken Soup?

Ina Garten’s Leftover Chicken Soup is a broth-based soup made with cooked chicken, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, herbs, and good-quality stock. Everything simmers gently to keep the chicken tender and the broth clear, resulting in a balanced soup that tastes intentional, not like an afterthought.

Other Popular Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Leftover Turkey Soup
• Ina Garten Leftover Turkey Casserole

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Leftover Chicken Soup

• Great use of leftovers – Turns cooked chicken into a fresh meal.
• Light but filling – Comforting without heaviness.
• Simple ingredients – Mostly pantry and fridge staples.
• Quick preparation – Ready in under an hour.
• Freezer-friendly – Easy to store for later meals.
• Clean, classic flavor – Familiar and soothing.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Leftover Chicken Soup

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups chicken stock (low sodium preferred)
• 2–3 cups cooked leftover chicken, shredded or chopped
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or poultry seasoning
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Optional: 1 cup cooked noodles, rice, or barley

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Leftover Chicken Soup

• Sauté the vegetables – Heat olive oil in a large pot, add onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened.
• Add garlic and herbs – Stir in garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf; cook briefly until fragrant.
• Pour in the stock – Add chicken stock and bring to a gentle simmer.
• Add the chicken – Stir in the cooked chicken and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
• Add grains if using – Mix in cooked noodles, rice, or barley during the last few minutes.
• Finish the soup – Remove bay leaf, stir in parsley, and adjust seasoning.
• Serve warm – Ladle into bowls and enjoy immediately.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten’s Leftover Chicken Soup

• Crusty bread slices – Perfect for dipping.
• Simple green salad – Adds freshness to the meal.
• Grilled cheese sandwich – Classic comfort pairing.
• Crackers or dinner rolls – Easy and satisfying sides.
• Roasted vegetables – Complement the light broth.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Leftover Chicken Soup

• Use good-quality stock – The broth is the backbone of flavor.
• Simmer gently – High heat can make chicken tough.
• Add chicken later – Keeps it tender and moist.
• Cut vegetables evenly – Ensures even cooking.
• Season slowly – Leftover chicken may already be salted.
• Skim excess fat – Creates a cleaner-tasting soup.
• Finish with fresh herbs – Brightens the final flavor.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Leftover Chicken Soup

• Chicken noodle version – Add cooked egg noodles.
• Lemon chicken soup – Finish with lemon zest and juice.
• Creamy style – Stir in a splash of cream or milk.
• Vegetable-loaded – Add peas, spinach, or corn.
• Spiced option – Add paprika or a pinch of chili flakes.
• Herb-forward soup – Use rosemary, dill, or sage.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten’s Leftover Chicken Soup

• Refrigerator storage – Keeps well for up to 4 days in airtight containers.
• Freezing option – Freeze without noodles or rice for up to 2 months.
• Portion before freezing – Makes reheating easier.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten’s Leftover Chicken Soup

• Stovetop reheating – Warm gently over low heat.
• Microwave method – Heat in short intervals, stirring between.
• Add liquid if needed – A splash of stock refreshes the soup.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 560mg

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FAQs

How do I keep leftover chicken tender in soup?

Add the cooked chicken during the last 15–20 minutes of simmering and keep the heat gentle. High heat or long cooking times can dry out leftover chicken and make it stringy.

Can I make Ina Garten’s leftover chicken soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup works very well as a make-ahead meal. Prepare it fully, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor deepens after resting overnight.

What is the best stock to use for leftover chicken soup?

Low-sodium chicken stock is best so you can control the seasoning. Homemade stock adds the most flavor, but a good-quality store-bought version works just as well.

Should noodles or rice be cooked directly in the soup?

It’s better to cook noodles or rice separately and add them when serving. This prevents them from absorbing too much broth and becoming soft or bloated during storage.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Leftover Chicken Soup is simple, nourishing, and deeply comforting. It transforms leftover chicken into a fresh, balanced meal that feels thoughtful and homemade. With gentle flavors and a clean broth, this soup is perfect for everyday cooking and easy meals you’ll want to repeat.