Nothing beats a warm, comforting bowl of Chicken Meatball Soup on a cold day! Tender, juicy chicken meatballs are simmered in a rich, flavorful broth alongside hearty vegetables, creating a dish that is both nourishing and satisfying. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients, full of cozy flavors, and easy enough for a weeknight meal. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Meatball Soup Recipe

Light yet filling – The chicken meatballs keep it satisfying without being too heavy.
Packed with flavor – Every bite is infused with fresh herbs, garlic, and a rich broth.
Easy to make – Simple ingredients and minimal effort, but the results taste like you’ve been cooking all day.
Great for meal prep – It stores and reheats beautifully for easy lunches or dinners.
High in protein – The homemade chicken meatballs add a protein boost to keep you full longer.
Family-friendly – A delicious and wholesome meal that both kids and adults will love.
Versatile – You can customize it with extra vegetables, grains, or even a touch of spice.
Perfect for cold weather – A warm and hearty bowl of soup that soothes the soul and keeps you cozy.

Ingredients for Chicken Meatball Soup

Gather these simple yet flavor-packed ingredients to bring this Chicken Meatball Soup to life:

Ground chicken – The base for tender, juicy meatballs.
Breadcrumbs – Helps bind the meatballs while keeping them light and tender.
Parmesan cheese – Adds a touch of richness and umami.
Garlic & onion – Essential aromatics for depth of flavor.
Egg – Helps hold the meatballs together.
Fresh parsley & oregano – For a fresh, herby kick.
Carrots & celery – Classic soup veggies for sweetness and crunch.
Chicken broth – The heart of the soup, giving it all that cozy, savory goodness.
Lemon juice – A splash at the end brightens up all the flavors.
Salt & pepper – Enhances every ingredient.
Olive oil – For cooking the meatballs to golden perfection.

Note: The ingredient measurements are listed in the recipe card under the article.

How to Make Chicken Meatball Soup

Step 1: Make the Chicken Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, egg, fresh parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, then roll into small, bite-sized meatballs. Make sure they are the same size to guarantee even cooking.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken Meatballs

Add a splash of olive oil to a large pot and heat it over medium heat. Add the chicken meatballs in batches, ensuring they don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook them until they’re golden brown on all sides, which should take around 4-5 minutes Remove and set aside. Don’t worry if they aren’t fully cooked; they will finish cooking in the broth.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables for Chicken Meatball Soup

Carrots and celery cooking in a pot, being stirred with a wooden spoon.

In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed, then toss in the diced carrots and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften, releasing their natural sweetness and flavor.

Step 4: Simmer the Chicken Meatball Soup

Pour in the rich chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Carefully add the browned chicken meatballs back into the pot. Let the soup cook for about 15-20 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked and tender.

Step 5: Finish the Chicken Meatball Soup with Lemon Juice

For a fresh, zesty contrast, stir in a splash of fresh lemon juice just before serving. This brightens up the flavors and balances the richness of the broth.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Chicken Meatball Soup

Ladle the steaming Chicken Meatball Soup into bowls, garnish with extra chopped parsley and grated Parmesan, and serve immediately. Serve it alongside crusty bread or a fresh salad to make it a full meal.

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Meatball Soup

Don’t overmix the meatballs – Overworking the mixture can make the chicken meatballs dense instead of tender. Mix just until everything is combined.
Sear the meatballs first – This locks in flavor and keeps them from falling apart in the soup.
Use high-quality chicken broth – Since the broth is the base of this Chicken Meatball Soup, using a rich, homemade or high-quality store-bought broth will enhance the overall flavor.
Let the soup rest – Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together even more.
Customize your veggies – Feel free to add spinach, kale, or zucchini for extra nutrients and texture.
Thicken the broth if needed – If you prefer a slightly thicker soup, mash a few cooked vegetables or meatballs into the broth.
Freeze in portions – Store in smaller containers for easy grab-and-reheat meals throughout the week.

How to Serve

A bowl of Chicken Meatball Soup with a spoon, featuring meatballs, vegetables, and broth, served with bread.

This Chicken Meatball Soup is fantastic on its own, but here are some creative ways to enjoy it even more:

With crusty bread – Serve alongside a warm, toasty baguette or garlic bread for the perfect dipping experience.
Over rice or pasta – A heartier option that turns this soup into a full meal. Try orzo, ditalini, or white rice for a delicious combination.
Topped with extra cheese – Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano on top for a rich, savory boost.
With a fresh salad – A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances out the warm, comforting soup.
Spice it up – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you love a little heat in your soup.
Make it creamy – Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for a creamier, more indulgent texture.
Garnish with fresh herbs – Fresh basil, parsley, or even a bit of dill can take the flavors to the next level.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the Chicken Meatball Soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. As it sits, the flavors will intensify, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze Chicken Meatball Soup in individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. This makes for easy, ready-to-go meals. Make sure to leave some room in the container to allow for expansion.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If using a microwave, reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

Meal Prep Tip

If you want to meal prep, make a double batch of the chicken meatballs and freeze half of them uncooked. When you’re ready to make a fresh batch of soup, just drop the frozen meatballs straight into the simmering broth for an easy, time-saving option.

FAQs About Chicken Meatball Soup

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes! Ground turkey works just as well and has a slightly leaner texture while still remaining juicy.

What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?

Crushed crackers, almond flour, or even rolled oats work as great alternatives if you want a gluten-free option.

Can I add pasta to this soup?

Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like orzo, ditalini, or even elbow macaroni will soak up the flavors beautifully.

How do I make this soup creamier?

You can add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer texture. Another great option is blending a portion of the soup and stirring it back in.

How long can I store Chicken Meatball Soup?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For freezing, divide the soup into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and shape the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. They also freeze well uncooked.

Can I use store-bought meatballs instead?

Definitely! If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made chicken or turkey meatballs, but homemade ones will give you the best flavor.

How can I add more vegetables to this soup?

Try adding chopped zucchini, spinach, kale, or even a handful of peas for an extra nutrient boost.

This Chicken Meatball Soup is everything you need for a cozy, delicious meal. It’s nourishing, packed with flavor, and super easy to whip up. Whether you’re meal-prepping or just craving something comforting, this soup is a winner. Enjoy!

Conclusion

A bowl of Chicken Meatball Soup is more than just a meal—it’s comfort, nourishment, and flavor in every spoonful. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week ahead, or just craving something warm and delicious, this recipe delivers. For more comforting recipes, check out Chicken Crust Caesar Salad Pizza and discover new favorites!

Chicken Meatball Soup Recipe: Quick & Comforting in 30 Min

Author: Chef Rory
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Roll into small meatballs, about 1 inch in size.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sear the meatballs in batches until golden brown on the outside (about 2-3 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 4: Simmer the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth, add bay leaves and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Meatballs

Gently return the meatballs to the pot and let them cook in the broth for about 10-12 minutes, ensuring they’re fully cooked.

Step 6: Finish the Soup

If using pasta, add it now and cook for about 8 minutes until tender. Stir in fresh spinach and lemon juice, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan if desired, and serve warm!

Notes

For extra flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
You can substitute ground turkey for chicken.
If making ahead, cook the pasta separately and add it when serving to prevent it from soaking up too much broth.
Freeze leftovers without the pasta for the best texture when reheating.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired