We love diving into comforting classics like Chicken Escarole Soup, a hearty Italian-American favorite that’s perfect for chilly evenings. This simple recipe brings together tender chicken, fresh escarole, and aromatic herbs to create a nourishing bowl that warms the soul.
It’s our go-to for busy weeknights because it’s easy to prepare yet packed with flavor and nutrients. Whether you’re new to escarole or a longtime fan, we’ll show you how this soup elevates everyday ingredients into something truly special.
Ingredients
To craft our flavorful Chicken Escarole Soup, we start by gathering high-quality ingredients that bring out its hearty, Italian-American essence. We’ll organize them in the order they’re typically used during preparation, with notes on any necessary prep for optimal results.
For the Broth Base
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred for better flavor control, as it forms the soup’s foundation)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound, cut into 1-inch pieces for quick cooking and tender texture)
Aromatics and Vegetables
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped to release its sweet aroma early in the process)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced for a robust, pungent kick that infuses the soup)
- 2 medium carrots (sliced into 1/2-inch rounds to add natural sweetness and crunch)
- 2 celery stalks (diced for a fresh, crisp element that enhances the soup’s body)
Greens and Herbs
- 1 head escarole (roughly chopped to wilt perfectly and provide a slightly bitter, nutritious contrast to the rich broth)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped just before adding for a bright, herbaceous finish)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (crumbled to intensify the Italian flavors without overwhelming the dish)
Seasonings and Extras
- Salt and black pepper (to taste, starting with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper for balanced seasoning)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (used for sautéing to build a flavorful base)
This selection ensures our Chicken Escarole Soup remains simple yet packed with nutrition and taste, making it a go-to for cozy meals.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients, let’s guide you through preparing and cooking our hearty Chicken Escarole Soup. We promise these steps will yield a nourishing, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any cozy evening.
Prep
Before we start cooking, we’ll prepare our ingredients to ensure everything integrates smoothly into the soup. Begin by washing and chopping the vegetables for optimal freshness and texture:
- Finely chop 1 medium onion and minely 3 garlic cloves to release their aromatic essence, which forms the flavorful base of our soup.
- Slice 2 medium carrots and dice 2 celery stalks into uniform 1/2-inch pieces for even cooking and a satisfying crunch.
- Roughly chop 1 head of escarole into bite-sized pieces, removing any tough stems to highlight its tender, slightly bitter greens that add a nutritious boost.
- Cube 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces, ensuring they are patted dry for better searing and to absorb the herbs’ flavors.
- Measure out 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopping the parsley finely to infuse bright, herbaceous notes into our final dish.
This preparation sets the stage for a seamless cooking process, allowing the natural flavors of our ingredients to shine.
Cook
With our ingredients prepped, we’ll now cook the soup in a few straightforward steps, building layers of flavor for a comforting, aromatic result that fills the kitchen with irresistible scents.
- Heat the base: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes until they soften and release a sweet, savory aroma that promises depth in every bite.
- Sear the chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the pot, seasoning with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken turns golden and opaque, locking in its juicy tenderness and enhancing the broth’s richness.
- Build the broth: Pour in 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a hearty, soul-warming base that carries the essence of Italian-American tradition.
- Incorporate greens and herbs: Stir in the chopped escarole, oregano, and parsley. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes until the escarole wilts slightly but retains its vibrant green color and crisp texture, adding a fresh, healthful contrast to the savory elements.
- Final adjustments: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then remove from heat. Our Chicken Escarole Soup is now ready, with its tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and aromatic herbs creating a symphony of flavors that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
Required Tools and Equipment
To seamlessly transition from prepping our flavorful Chicken Escarole Soup ingredients to the cooking process, we rely on essential tools and equipment that ensure efficiency and safety in the kitchen. These items help us handle chopping, simmering, and serving with precision, making the recipe straightforward even for busy weeknights.
Here’s a curated list of the key tools we recommend, organized by their primary use in the recipe:
- Large Stockpot or Dutch Oven: This is our go-to for building the soup base, as it provides ample space to sauté aromatics, sear chicken, and simmer the broth without overflow. Opt for one that holds at least 6 quarts for even heat distribution.
- Chef’s Knife: Essential for precisely chopping onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and escarole. We advise using a sharp, 8-inch blade to minimize effort and ensure uniform cuts that enhance the soup’s texture.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy, non-slip board (preferably wood or plastic) where we prepare all vegetables and chicken. This keeps our workspace organized and prevents accidents during prep.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for ingredients like olive oil, salt, and herbs. We use a standard set to guarantee the perfect balance of flavors in our Chicken Escarole Soup.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring the pot while sautéing and simmering, as it withstands high heat without scratching cookware and helps us monitor the tenderness of escarole.
- Ladle: For serving the finished soup, this tool allows us to portion out hearty bowls while keeping greens and chicken intact, ensuring a visually appealing presentation.
By having these tools ready, we streamline the process from start to finish, turning simple ingredients into a nourishing, Italian-inspired masterpiece.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To maximize convenience with our Chicken Escarole Soup, we love preparing it in advance so you can enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal on busy weeknights without the last-minute rush. This approach allows the aromatic herbs and tender chicken to meld together, enhancing the soup’s comforting essence while preserving its vibrant greens and rich broth.
Preparing the Soup Ahead
Follow these steps to get ahead in your kitchen:
- Prep and Cook in Advance: Start by following the main recipe steps up to the point where the soup is fully simmered and the escarole is tender but still vibrant. Once cooked, let the soup cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This prevents bacterial growth and maintains the dish’s fresh flavors.
- Portion for Storage: Divide the cooled soup into airtight containers. For smaller servings, use individual containers to make reheating easier—aim for 1-2 cup portions per container to minimize waste.
- Add Finishing Touches Later: If you’re adding fresh herbs like parsley at the end, hold off until reheating. This keeps their bright, earthy notes intact, ensuring the soup tastes as if it were just made.
Storage Guidelines
Proper storage is key to keeping our Chicken Escarole Soup nutritious and delicious. We’ve outlined options below in a simple table for quick reference:
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips for Best Results |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 3-4 days | Store in the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below. Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers to avoid altering the soup’s subtle flavors from plastics. |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving 1 inch of headspace for expansion. This method locks in the tender texture of the chicken and the crispness of the escarole. |
Reheating Tips
When you’re ready to serve, reheat gently to preserve the soup’s nourishing warmth and prevent the greens from becoming mushy:
- From the Fridge: Transfer the desired portion to a pot and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon until it reaches a simmer—about 5-7 minutes. Add a splash of chicken broth if needed to adjust consistency.
- From the Freezer: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator first, then reheat as above. For quicker thawing, use the microwave’s defrost setting, but stir frequently to ensure even heating and maintain the soup’s hearty Italian-American charm.
By planning ahead, we ensure your Chicken Escarole Soup remains a go-to, effortless classic that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Chicken Escarole Soup recipe with you, as it’s a simple way to bring warmth and flavor to your table.
It’s more than just a meal—it’s our go-to for creating nourishing moments that keep us coming back for more.
Give it a try and see how it becomes a staple in your kitchen routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chicken Escarole Soup?
Chicken Escarole Soup is a hearty Italian-American dish that’s perfect for cold evenings. It features tender chicken, fresh escarole greens, and aromatic herbs in a flavorful broth, making it a simple, nourishing meal. Ideal for busy weeknights, it transforms everyday ingredients into a comforting classic that’s both nutritious and easy to prepare.
What ingredients are needed for Chicken Escarole Soup?
The key ingredients include low-sodium chicken broth, boneless skinless chicken breasts, chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, diced celery, roughly chopped escarole, fresh parsley, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. This combination keeps the recipe simple yet packed with flavor and nutrition for a wholesome soup.
How do I make Chicken Escarole Soup?
Start by prepping ingredients: chop vegetables and cube chicken. Heat olive oil in a large pot, sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, then sear the chicken. Add chicken broth and simmer. Stir in escarole, parsley, and oregano, cooking until greens are tender. The process takes about 30-40 minutes, resulting in a flavorful, hearty meal.
What tools do I need to prepare Chicken Escarole Soup?
You’ll need a large stockpot or Dutch oven for simmering, a chef’s knife for chopping, a cutting board for prep, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring, and a ladle for serving. These tools ensure efficient and safe preparation of this simple recipe.
Can I make Chicken Escarole Soup ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and cook the soup in advance, then cool it completely. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain texture and flavor, making it perfect for busy schedules.