Chicken Tomato Soup: Warm, Comforting, and Flavorful
A bowl of chicken tomato soup is the perfect embodiment of comfort and nourishment. Imagine tender pieces of chicken swimming in a rich, tangy tomato broth, seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices. Each spoonful offers warmth, flavor, and a sense of home-cooked goodness. Chicken tomato soup is not only delicious but also versatile—it works beautifully as a starter, a light lunch, or a wholesome dinner.
The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. Fresh tomatoes, juicy chicken, and a few pantry staples come together to create a dish that feels hearty without being heavy. It’s the kind of recipe that satisfies cravings, warms the soul, and can easily be customized to your taste. Perfect for chilly evenings, post-work comfort meals, or when you simply need a cozy bowl to enjoy, chicken tomato soup is timeless and universally loved.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approximate Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast, diced | 1 lb (450 g) | 330 kcal |
| Fresh tomatoes, chopped | 4 cups (600 g) | 120 kcal |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium | 44 kcal |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves | 13 kcal |
| Carrot, sliced | 1 medium | 25 kcal |
| Celery stalk, sliced | 1 | 10 kcal |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups (960 ml) | 40 kcal |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | 120 kcal |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp | 30 kcal |
| Fresh basil, chopped | 2 tbsp | 2 kcal |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | 0 kcal |
| Red chili flakes (optional) | 1 tsp | 6 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook the chicken: Add diced chicken to the pot and sauté until lightly browned on all sides.
- Add tomatoes and paste: Stir in chopped fresh tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Season and add herbs: Add salt, pepper, basil, and optional red chili flakes. Stir well and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Blend if desired: For a smooth texture, use an immersion blender to puree part or all of the soup, or leave it chunky for a rustic feel.
- Serve hot: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Make it creamy: Add a splash of cream or coconut milk for a richer texture.
- Spice it up: Include smoked paprika, cayenne, or chili flakes for a spicier version.
- Add vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach can boost nutrition and flavor.
- Use rotisserie chicken: For a quick version, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
- Gluten-free option: Ensure chicken broth is gluten-free if needed.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200–250 kcal |
| Protein | 25–30 g |
| Fat | 8–10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12–15 g |
| Fiber | 3–4 g |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a slice of crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
- Pair with a fresh garden salad for a light, balanced meal.
- Add cooked rice, quinoa, or pasta for a heartier version.
- Top with grated Parmesan or croutons for extra flavor and texture.
Chicken Tomato Soup: Warm, Comforting, and Flavorful
4
servings10
minutes30
minutes200-250
kcalIngredients
IngredienttQuantitytApproximate Calories
Chicken breast, dicedt1 lb (450 g)t330 kcal
Fresh tomatoes, choppedt4 cups (600 g)t120 kcal
Onion, choppedt1 mediumt44 kcal
Garlic, mincedt3 clovest13 kcal
Carrot, slicedt1 mediumt25 kcal
Celery stalk, slicedt1t10 kcal
Chicken brotht4 cups (960 ml)t40 kcal
Olive oilt1 tbspt120 kcal
Tomato pastet2 tbspt30 kcal
Fresh basil, choppedt2 tbspt2 kcal
Salt & black peppertTo tastet0 kcal
Red chili flakes (optional)t1 tspt6 kcal
Directions
- Prepare the chicken: Dice chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Cook the chicken: Add diced chicken and sauté until lightly browned.
- Add tomatoes and paste: Stir in chopped tomatoes and tomato paste; cook for 5 minutes.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Season and add herbs: Add salt, pepper, basil, and optional red chili flakes; simmer another 5 minutes.
- Optional blending: Use an immersion blender for a smooth texture or leave chunky for rustic style.
- Serve hot: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Chicken Tip: Use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs depending on your preference; thighs add extra flavor.
Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes give the best flavor, but canned diced tomatoes work well too.
FAQs
1. What is chicken tomato soup?
Chicken tomato soup is a comforting soup made with tender chicken pieces, fresh tomatoes, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect as a starter, lunch, or light dinner.
2. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes! Canned tomatoes work well and can actually make the soup quicker to prepare. Use about 2 cans (14 oz each) of diced tomatoes to replace fresh tomatoes.
3. Can I make this soup creamy?
Absolutely! Add a splash of heavy cream, coconut milk, or even Greek yogurt after simmering for a creamy, rich texture.
4. How can I make it spicier?
Add red chili flakes, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or even a dash of hot sauce to taste.
5. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! The soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.
Conclusion
Chicken tomato soup is more than just a meal—it’s comfort in a bowl. With fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs, and tender chicken, this recipe is easy to make, nutritious, and endlessly satisfying. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening, as a quick lunch, or part of a family dinner, it’s a versatile dish that brings warmth and flavor to any table. Simple, wholesome, and customizable, this soup proves that good things come in simple, delicious packages.
