Description

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!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Meatballs

1 lb (450g) ground chicken
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

For the Soup

2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth
2 bay leaves
½ tsp dried thyme
½ cup small pasta (orzo, ditalini) (optional)
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt & black pepper, to taste

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 320
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: chicken meatball soup, homemade meatball soup, healthy soup, easy chicken soup, comforting soup