10 Best Herbs and Spices for Chicken Vegetable Soup
If you’re looking for the best herbs and spices to use in chicken vegetable soup, then you’ve come to the right place.
I’m sharing my 10 favorite herbs and spices to use in this delicious and healthy soup.
This list includes everything from classic herbs like parsley and thyme to more unique spices like turmeric and smoked paprika.
So go ahead and give these a try the next time you make chicken vegetable soup!
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10 Best Herbs and Spices for Chicken Vegetable Soup
I take pride in my chicken vegetable soup.
It’s hearty, filling, and packed with flavor.
But what really makes my soup stand out is the herbs and spices I use to flavor it.
I’ve experimented with a lot of different combinations over the years, and I’ve finally settled on 10 that I think are the best of the best.
If you’re looking to take your chicken vegetable soup to the next level, here are the 10 best herbs and spices to use:
1. Parsley
Parsley has a clean and peppery flavor that can help to brighten up any dish, and it’s no different in chicken vegetable soup.
This herb is a great way to add some extra flavor to your soup without overwhelming the other ingredients.
When using parsley in chicken vegetable soup, I like to add it towards the end of the cooking process so that its flavor stays fresh and bright.
You can also add a little bit of parsley to the garnish when serving the soup.
This will give each bowl an extra pop of flavor.
2. Thyme
Thyme usually has a sharp, almost minty flavor which can go well with chicken.
When used correctly, it can add a lot of flavor to your soup without making it too overwhelming.
Here are a few tips on using thyme in your chicken vegetable soup:
- Only use a small amount at first. You can always add more later if you want more flavor.
- Add thyme towards the end of cooking so that it doesn’t lose its flavor.
- If you’re using dried thyme, make sure to rehydrate it before adding it to the soup. This will help release its flavor.
3. Rosemary
This lemony-pine-like herb is a classic for chicken soup, and for good reason – its fragrant aroma and flavor add a touch of sophistication to this humble dish.
See Also: 15 Best Substitutes for Celery in Chicken Soup
There are a few things to keep in mind when using rosemary in your soup.
- First, a little goes a long way – too much rosemary can be overpowering.
- Second, fresh rosemary is always best, but if you only have dried on hand, use about half as much (1/4 teaspoon of dried for every 1 teaspoon of fresh).
Here’s how to do it:
- To use, remove the leaves from the stem and chop finely.
- Add the leaves to your soup during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking so they have a chance to release their flavor without becoming bitter.
4. Sage
Sage is earthy, slightly peppery taste with hints of mint (think: Thanksgiving stuffing).
It’s a very versatile herb that goes well with a variety of dishes, but it’s especially delicious in chicken vegetable soup.
When using sage in your soup, be sure to use fresh sage if possible.
Dried sage will work in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be as strong.
If you’re using dried sage, start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more to taste.
Sage is also quite potent, so a little goes a long way.
I would recommend adding it towards the end of the cooking process so that you can control how much flavor your soup has.
If you want to really bring out the sage flavor, try sautéing some chopped sage in olive oil and using that to top your soup when serving. Delicious!
5. Oregano
Oregano has a slightly bitter, pungent taste that can enhance the flavor of your chicken vegetable soup.
Here are a few tips for using oregano:
- Add it at the beginning of cooking so that the flavors have time to develop.
- A little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and add more to taste.
- If you’re using dried oregano, rehydrate it in a little bit of water before adding it to the soup.
- If you want a more intense flavor, use oregano essential oil instead of the herb. Add just a few drops directly to the soup pot or bowl.
6. Basil
Basil is a balance between sweet and savory, making it the perfect addition to chicken vegetable soup.
I like to use fresh basil, but you can also use dried basil.
If you’re using dried basil, add it towards the end of cooking so that it has time to rehydrate and release its flavor.
Here are a few tips for using basil in your chicken vegetable soup:
- Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil or 1 tablespoon of fresh basil per quart of soup.
- Add basil early on if you’re using dried basil so that it has time to rehydrate and release its flavor. If you’re using fresh basil, you can add it towards the end of cooking.
- Taste your soup as you go and adjust the amount of basil accordingly. You may want to add more or less depending on your preferences.
7. Garlic
How could I almost forget about garlic?
This is a common ingredient in many savory dishes and it’s no surprise that it would also be great for adding flavor to soup!
Here are a few tips on how to use garlic in chicken vegetable soup:
- Mince the garlic or chop it into very small pieces so that it releases its flavor more easily into the soup.
- Add the garlic towards the beginning of cooking so that it has time to infuse its flavor into the broth.
- Use roasted garlic for a more mellow flavor. You can roast the garlic cloves in the oven or on the stovetop before adding them to the soup.
8. Onion
Onion has a way of adding flavor to almost any dish, and chicken vegetable soup is no different!
Here are a few tips on how to use onion to flavor your soup:
- Add a chopped onion to the soup pot when you’re sautéing the vegetables. This will help to release the flavors of the onion into the soup.
- If you want a more subtle flavor, you can add a whole onion to the pot when you’re cooking the soup. Just be sure to remove it before serving.
- For an even more intense flavor, try caramelizing the onions before adding them to the soup pot. This will give the soup a lovely sweetness that pairs well with the chicken and vegetables.
9. Curry Powder
Curry powder is always a good addition to any chicken soup. It gives the soup a nice depth of flavor that you just can’t get from other spices.
- When using curry powder, I would recommend using it sparingly at first because it can be quite potent. You can always add more if you need to, but you can’t take it away once it’s in there!
- I would also suggest roasting your chicken beforehand with some curry powder, salt, and pepper. This will give the soup an even more flavorful base.
- And lastly, make sure to simmer your soup for a good amount of time so that all the flavors have a chance to meld together.
10. Smoked Paprika
Smoked paprika has a smoky and spicy flavor that can really enhance the flavor of chicken vegetable soup.
This spice is made from dried and smoked peppers, so it has a deep red color and a slightly sweet taste.
Smoked paprika is a great way to add flavor to your soup without making it too spicy.
I like to add a teaspoon of smoked paprika when I make chicken vegetable soup.
You can also add other herbs and spices like thyme, basil, oregano, or garlic powder.
If you want to really bring out the smoky flavor of the paprika, you can try roasting the vegetables before adding them to the soup.
This will give the soup a richer flavor.
Here are a few tips for using smoked paprika in your chicken vegetable soup:
- Add it early in the cooking process so that the flavors have time to meld together.
- Start with a small amount and add more to taste. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away once it’s in there!
- If you find that your soup is too spicy, you can add a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt to balance out the heat.
10 Best Herbs and Spices for Chicken Vegetable Soup
Ingredients
- Parsley
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Oregano
- Basil
- Garlic
- Onion
- Curry Powder
- Smoked Paprika
Instructions
- Choose your favorite herbs or spices from this article to add to your soup recipe.
- Prepare the rest of your meal.
- Enjoy in no time!
Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.