Bay Area Fashionista

Looking for leftover chicken recipe ideas which are family friendly? Then you found one idea! This is a homemade chicken soup recipe I made up myself one day while brainstorming what to make for dinner with leftover chicken.

When I cook, I always have to make sure it is something both my husband, and my kids, will enjoy. My husband likes spicy food; and my kids? Well, not so much. So I designed this soup to have a little bit of kick to it, without turning off my kids. It worked!

The prep time for my homemade chicken soup recipe takes about half an hour. This includes chopping up chicken, and carrots; which is what takes the most time. If you are running short on time, you can always chop the chicken and carrots ahead of time. This way, all you have to do it toss everything in the pot and cook.

Homemade Chicken Soup recipe with macaroni: (Makes about 12 bowls)

• 1 lb. dry macaroni (my favorite is Barilla Elbows)
• 12 cups of chicken broth. (if using cans, this is about 6 cans)
• 1 tablespoon dried basil or 1/4 cup fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon paprika (this can get spicy fast-season to taste, you may only need a half teaspoon)
• 1 garlic glove minced
• 1/4 cup sliced onions
• Dollop of olive oil
• 1 full pre-cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast. Cubed (I always use leftovers)
• 1/2 package of frozen peas or 1 1/2 cup fresh peas
• 3 chopped carrots
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Cook everything together in a large pot except for the Parmesan; which should be placed on the table for everyone to serve themselves. It may take about 20 minutes for the pasta to soften; but start checking at ten minutes. Stove-top heat varies. Once the pasta is soft, the soup is ready to serve since the chicken is pre-cooked.

After putting the soup into bowls and serving your family, top with grated Parmesan cheese. Yummy!!!

I use two teaspoons of Parmesan, my husband uses one, and my daughters use three. My son eats the soup without the cheese. Top with Parmesan cheese to your liking.

There you have it! My homemade chicken soup recipe made with leftover chicken. I hope you enjoy it. The weather is so cold right now, this is a great meal, or starter, for a cold day.

Still  building your kitchen tool collection? Here are a few kitchen essentials you may need for this recipe; and these tools will come in handy multiple times per week while cooking!