Name: Healing Spanish Chicken Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Spanish Inspired
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken thighs or drumsticks; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 2 medium potatoes, diced; 1 cup chopped tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes; 8 cups chicken broth; 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

I make this Healing Spanish Chicken Soup when I need something warm, nourishing, and deeply comforting. It’s the kind of soup I turn to when I want simple ingredients, gentle spices, and a broth that feels soothing from the first spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s both comforting and flavorful without being heavy. I like how the spices add warmth and depth while still keeping the soup light and calming. I also enjoy that it’s easy to digest and feels like real comfort food, especially on cold days or when I need something restorative.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken thighs or drumsticks
olive oil
onion, diced
garlic, minced
carrots, sliced
celery, sliced
potatoes, diced
tomatoes, chopped or canned
chicken broth
bay leaf
smoked paprika
ground cumin
salt
black pepper
fresh parsley

Directions

I start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. I add the onion and cook it until soft, then stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. I add the carrots, celery, and potatoes and let them cook for a few minutes to release their flavor.

I add the chicken to the pot along with the tomatoes, chicken broth, bay leaf, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. I bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. I remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot. I finish the soup with fresh parsley and adjust the seasoning before serving.

Servings and timing

This soup serves about 6 people. I usually spend around 15 minutes prepping the ingredients and about 45 minutes simmering. I like that it develops rich flavor while staying gentle and comforting.

Variations

I sometimes add chickpeas for extra protein and texture. When I want a brighter finish, I add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. I’ve also made this with rice or small pasta added toward the end for a heartier soup.

storage/reheating

I store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I also freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, I warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Why is this soup considered healing?

I find it healing because it’s warm, easy to digest, and made with nourishing ingredients and gentle spices.

Can I make this soup in advance?

I often make it ahead because the flavors improve after resting.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

I can use breasts, but I prefer thighs because they stay more tender.

Is this soup spicy?

I find it mild and warming, not spicy at all.

Can I make this soup gluten free?

I keep it naturally gluten free by avoiding pasta or using gluten-free grains.

Conclusion

I keep this Healing Spanish Chicken Soup in my recipe collection because it’s comforting, nourishing, and deeply satisfying. I like how it brings warmth and simple Spanish-inspired flavors together in a bowl that always feels calming and restorative.

Healing Spanish Chicken Soup

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A warm, nourishing Spanish-inspired chicken soup made with gentle spices, tender vegetables, and a soothing broth. Comforting, easy to digest, and perfect for restorative meals.

Author: Mayaa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Soup
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: Spanish Inspired
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

2 pounds chicken thighs or drumsticks
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 medium potatoes, diced
1 cup chopped tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes
8 cups chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent.
Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Add carrots, celery, and potatoes, cooking for a few minutes to release flavor.
Add the chicken, tomatoes, chicken broth, bay leaf, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 40–45 minutes until the chicken is tender.
Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
Discard the bay leaf, stir in fresh parsley, and adjust seasoning.
Serve warm.