There’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a steaming bowl of Garlic Butter Chicken Soup Bowl when you need comfort food that actually makes you feel better. I first made this recipe during a nasty winter cold, you know, the kind where your nose won’t stop running and your throat feels like sandpaper? That garlicky broth worked magic, and now it’s my go-to whenever someone in our house feels under the weather.
What makes this chicken soup special is that rich garlic butter base, it transforms ordinary broth into something luxuriously flavorful. My kids call it “mom’s magic soup” because it disappears faster than I can make it! Unlike watery canned versions, this one packs serious nutrition from fresh veggies and lean chicken while still being light enough that you don’t feel weighed down.
The best part? It comes together in about 30 minutes with ingredients you probably already have. Whether you’re fighting off a cold, need a cozy weeknight dinner, or just want something nourishing, this Garlic Butter Chicken Soup Bowl delivers warmth in every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Soup Bowl
This isn’t just any chicken soup, it’s a hug in a bowl that actually makes you feel better from the inside out. Here’s why it’s become my family’s favorite:
- Comfort in every sip: That garlic butter base creates a rich, velvety broth that wraps around you like your favorite blanket
- Cold-fighting power: Packed with garlic’s natural immune-boosting properties, my grandma swore by it when we were sick
- Quick comfort food: Ready in 30 minutes flat (faster than waiting for delivery!)
- Nutrient-packed: Lean protein from chicken plus vitamins from fresh veggies, no guilt here
- Customizable: Easy to make keto, low-cal, or veggie-packed depending on what your body needs
Trust me, once you try this Garlic Butter Chicken Soup Bowl, you’ll understand why I make it at least once a week during cold season! If you are looking for other comforting chicken soup ideas, check out this cozy homemade chicken soup pot recipe.
PrintHealing Garlic Butter Chicken Soup Bowl in Just 30 Minutes
A comforting garlic butter chicken soup bowl packed with flavor and health benefits.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter in a pot over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add chicken and cook until browned.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add carrots, celery, thyme, and rosemary.
- Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Soup Bowl
This Garlic Butter Chicken Soup Bowl works its magic with simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make it (measurements matter!):
- 2 tbsp butter, real butter makes all the difference here
- 4 cloves garlic, minced, fresh is best, don’t even think about that jarred stuff
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups chicken broth, low-sodium if you’re watching salt intake
- 1 cup carrots, sliced, I like them in thin rounds
- 1 cup celery, chopped, leaves included for extra flavor
- 1 tsp thyme, dried works fine, but fresh is amazing if you have it
- 1 tsp rosemary, same goes for this herb
- Salt and pepper to taste, start with 1/4 tsp each and adjust
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Need to tweak things? No problem! Here are my favorite swaps:
- Butter: Use ghee for dairy-free or olive oil for less fat (but you’ll miss that rich flavor)
- Chicken: Thighs work great for extra tenderness, just remove skin before dicing
- Veggies: Swap in zucchini or mushrooms if you’re out of carrots/celery
- Keto version: Add 1/2 cup heavy cream at the end for extra richness
- Vegetarian: Use veggie broth and chickpeas instead of chicken (but it won’t be the same, just warning you!)
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Soup Bowl
Okay, let’s get cooking! This Garlic Butter Chicken Soup Bowl comes together so easily, but there are a few key steps that make all the difference. Here’s exactly how I do it:
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Don’t rush this, you want it just melted, not browned (about 1 minute).
- Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 60 seconds max! Any longer and it’ll burn, making the whole soup bitter. Trust me, I learned this the hard way.
- Add the chicken and cook until it’s just lightly browned on all sides (5-6 minutes). No need to cook through completely yet, it’ll finish in the broth.
- Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle boil. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom, that’s pure flavor gold right there!
- Toss in the veggies and herbs, carrots, celery, thyme, and rosemary. Give it a good stir.
- Simmer uncovered for exactly 20 minutes, this lets the flavors marry while keeping the veggies tender-crisp. Set a timer!
- Season to taste with salt and pepper at the very end. Start with a little, you can always add more.
The whole process takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, but your kitchen will smell like a cozy restaurant by minute 10. I always make extra because this Garlic Butter Chicken Soup Bowl tastes even better the next day!
Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Soup Bowl
After making this dozens of times, here are my can’t-miss secrets:
- Garlic timing is everything, sauté just until fragrant or you’ll lose that beautiful mellow garlic flavor
- Don’t overcook the chicken, it’ll keep cooking in the broth, so just get some color on it initially
- Fresh herbs make a difference, if using dried, rub them between your palms first to release oils
- Taste before serving, broths vary in saltiness, so adjust seasoning at the end
Serving & Storing Garlic Butter Chicken Soup Bowl
Oh, the finishing touches make all the difference! I love serving this Garlic Butter Chicken Soup Bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, it adds such a bright pop of color and freshness. Sometimes I’ll float a pat of butter on top for extra richness (don’t judge me!). Leftovers? They’re actually better the next day! Just store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, microwaving can make the chicken rubbery. Pro tip: The broth thickens when chilled, so you might want to add a splash of water when reheating.
Garlic Butter Chicken Soup Bowl Variations
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can tweak it to fit different diets or cravings! Here are the variations I make most often:
- Keto dream: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream at the end, makes it luxuriously creamy while keeping carbs low
- Low-cal boost: Double the carrots and celery, use olive oil instead of butter, more volume for fewer calories
- Gluten-free: Already naturally gluten-free! Just check your broth label to be safe
- Extra veggie: Toss in a handful of spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic, clears sinuses beautifully!
The basic Garlic Butter Chicken Soup Bowl is perfection, but don’t be afraid to play with it, that’s how the best kitchen creations happen! For more ideas on quick, flavorful meals, see what they are cooking up over at Family Tastes.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each comforting bowl of Garlic Butter Chicken Soup (remember, these are estimates and will vary based on your exact ingredients):
- Calories: 220 per serving
- Protein: 25g (hello, muscle fuel!)
- Carbs: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Fat: 8g
I love that this gives you serious nutrition without weighing you down, perfect when you need comfort food that actually makes you feel better.
FAQs About Garlic Butter Chicken Soup Bowl
Can I freeze this garlic butter chicken soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just cool it completely first and leave about an inch of space at the top of your container (the broth expands when frozen). Pro tip: Freeze in individual portions for easy single servings when you need immune-boosting chicken soup in a hurry.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
It sure is with one simple tweak! The basic version comes in at just 10g carbs per serving, but for a creamy keto chicken soup, stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream at the end. That adds richness while keeping carbs low, perfect for when you want comfort food without breaking ketosis.
What makes this anti-inflammatory chicken soup special?
Two words: garlic and broth. Garlic contains allicin, a compound with powerful anti-inflammatory properties, while homemade chicken broth provides gut-healing collagen. Together with the fresh veggies, it’s like a healing tonic in a bowl, my go-to when joints ache or digestion feels off. If you are looking for other healing soups, try this golden turmeric chicken healing soup recipe.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
You bet! For crockpot chicken soup, just sauté the garlic and chicken first (this step is crucial for flavor!), then dump everything in your slow cooker. Cook on low 4-6 hours or high 2-3 hours. The house will smell amazing when you walk in! For another slow cooker option, check out this slow cooker cream of chicken soup recipe.
Did this Garlic Butter Chicken Soup Bowl warm your heart (and clear your sinuses)? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Drop a star rating below or tell me about your favorite variations, your feedback helps me create more recipes you’ll love.