17 Best Herbs and Spices for Chicken Soup

If you’ve been wondering what herbs go with chicken soup or what spices to add to chicken soup, then you are in the right place.

I’m sharing 17 of the best herbs and spices for chicken soup.

These flavor-packed ingredients will take your soup from good to great!

So go ahead and give them a try the next time you make chicken soup.

See Also: 21 Best Herbs And Spices For Chicken Noodle Soup

17 Best Herbs and Spices for Chicken Soup

Your soup might be delicious, but it could be even better with the right herbs and spices.

Adding the right herbs and spices to your chicken soup can help to enhance the flavor and make it more enjoyable.

Fortunately, there are a number of great options to choose from.

Here are 17 of the best herbs and spices for chicken soup:

1. Parsley

Parsley has a clean and peppery flavor (so it goes well with other spices), and it’s also a good source of vitamins.

You can use parsley in chicken soup to add flavor and color.

Other ingredients that go well with parsley in chicken soup are carrots (for sweetness and color), celery (for crunch), and onion (for flavor).

2. Chives

Chives have a mild onion flavor (but without the pungent aroma) and add a beautiful bright green color to any dish.

They’re perfect in chicken soup because they provide a subtle onion flavor without being overwhelming.

They also look great in the soup and make it more visually appealing.

Other ingredients that go well with chives in chicken soup are carrots, celery, parsley, and thyme.

These ingredients all have complementary flavors that work well together and create a delicious and satisfying soup.

3. Thyme

Thyme dances between earthy and minty (and actually a little woodsy) flavors, making it the perfect addition to chicken soup.

Other ingredients that go well with thyme in chicken soup are carrots, celery, onions, and garlic (for extra savory depth), as well as potatoes (for creaminess and body).

Noodles or rice can also be added, depending on your preference.

If you want to add a bit of acidity and brightness, try adding some lemon juice before serving.

4. Basil

Basil is a balance between sweet and savory (with hints of mint) and can be used in a variety of ways in chicken soup.

It’s an herb that is commonly used in Italian cuisine, but can also be found in Asian and Thai dishes.

Here are some tips for using basil in your chicken soup:

• Use fresh basil if you can find it. It will have the best flavor.
• If you’re using dried basil, add it early on in the cooking process so it has time to rehydrate and release its flavor.
• Add basil towards the end of cooking so it doesn’t lose its flavor or turn brown.
• Use whole leaves or tear them into smaller pieces before adding them to the soup.
• To get the most flavor out of your basil, add it just before serving.

5. Oregano

Oregano is peppery and assertive (sometimes even bitter) with a lemony, minty undertone.

A little goes a long way with this potent herb, so start by adding just a pinch or two to your chicken soup.

You can always add more later if you want more flavor.

In addition to chicken soup, oregano is also delicious in tomato soup, minestrone, and other vegetable soups.

Here are a few tips for using oregano in soup:

• Add it at the beginning of the cooking process so that it has time to infuse its flavor into the soup.
• If you’re using dried oregano, crush it between your fingers before adding it to the soup to help release its flavor.
• For an extra boost of flavor, add a sprig of fresh oregano during the last few minutes of cooking.

6. Rosemary

Rosemary is lemony-pine-like (and somewhat peppery) herb that can really brighten up a dish. It’s no wonder that it is one of the most popular herbs used in cooking.

When it comes to chicken soup, rosemary can really elevate the flavors.

Not only does it pair well with chicken, but it also helps to cut through any fatty or oily flavors in the soup.

A few tips for using rosemary in your chicken soup:

• Add a sprig of rosemary to your soup when you first start cooking the chicken. This will infuse the broth with rosemary flavor.
• You can also add some chopped rosemary towards the end of cooking. This will give the soup a more robust flavor.
• If you’re using dried rosemary, be sure to crush it before adding it to the soup so that its flavor is released.
• Rosemary goes well with other flavorful ingredients like garlic, onion, and lemon, so feel free to experiment and add these in as well!

7. Marjoram

Marjoram has an earthy and woodsy taste (with notes of pine and citrus) that can really add a unique flavor to chicken soup.

If you’re looking to spice up your soup game, why not give it a try?

Here are a few tips for using marjoram in chicken soup:

• Start with a small amount and add more to taste. Marjoram can be quite potent, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.
• Add it towards the end of cooking so that the flavor doesn’t become too overwhelming.
• Pair it with other complementary flavors, such as garlic, onion, carrots, and celery.
• Try it in both clear and creamy soups – it works well in both!

8. Bay Leaves

Bay leaves have an almost minty flavor (with subtle hints of black pepper) that can really brighten up a bowl of chicken soup.

Here are a few tips for using bay leaves in your chicken soup:

• Add 1-2 bay leaves to your soup when you first start cooking it. This will give the flavors time to meld together.
• Remove the bay leaves before serving. If you leave them in, they can be sharp and unpleasant to eat.
• If you want a more intense flavor, you can bruise the bay leaves before adding them to the soup. To do this, just crush them lightly with the back of a spoon.

9. Dill

Dill has a bright, sweet taste (somewhere between anise, parsley, and celery) that can really liven up a bowl of chicken soup.

Dill is also incredibly easy to use – simply add a sprig or two to your soup while it’s cooking and then remove before serving.

If you’re using dried dill, just add a teaspoon or so (to taste) when you start cooking the soup.

Here are a few other tips for using dill:

• Try adding dill to homemade chicken stock for an extra boost of flavor.
• Mix diced dill pickles into your favorite chicken soup recipe.
• Stir in some chopped fresh dill at the end of cooking for a bright, fresh flavor.

10. Cloves

Cloves are a pungent warm spice (with an intense taste and aroma) that can be used in chicken soup (or any soup for that matter).

Cloves have a very distinctive flavor and aroma, so use them sparingly.

A little goes a long way!

When using cloves in soup, add them towards the end of the cooking process so they don’t become overwhelming.

You can also remove them before serving if you’d like.

Cloves pair well with other warm spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.

They also go well with chicken, beef, and vegetables.

11. Paprika

Paprika has a subtle earthiness to it that can really add a lot of flavor to chicken soup.

This particular herb/spice also has a bit of sweetness and heat to it as well.

When used in chicken soup, paprika can really help to round out the flavors and make the soup more complex and interesting.

Here are some tips for using paprika in chicken soup:

• Add paprika towards the end of cooking so that it doesn’t lose its flavor.
• Start with a small amount and add more to taste. You can always add more but you can’t take it away once it’s in there!
• Paprika is a great way to add a little bit of color to your chicken soup if it looks a little too pale.
• Try pairing paprika with other herbs and spices like parsley, oregano, or thyme.

12. Sage

Sage has a strong, slightly minty (and musky) flavor that can really enhance the flavor of chicken soup.

Sage is also a very versatile herb and can be used in many different ways in chicken soup.

Here are a few tips for using sage in chicken soup:

• Chop up fresh sage leaves and add them to the soup while it is simmering.
• Add a teaspoon or two of dried sage to the soup while it is simmering.
• Make a sage-infused oil by heating up olive oil and adding some fresh sage leaves to it. Let it cool and then add it to the soup.
• To really bring out the flavor of sage, fry up some sage leaves in a bit of butter until they are crispy and then use them as a garnish for the soup.

13. Coriander Seeds

Coriander seeds taste slightly nutty (and have a lovely aroma when heated) and have a lemony flavor when used in chicken soup.

Coriander seeds are also an effective digestive aid, so they’ll help you break down your soup if you’re feeling a bit under the weather.

Here are some tips for using coriander seeds in chicken soup:

• Toasting the seeds before adding them to the soup will help release their flavor. Simply add them to a dry pan over medium heat and cook until fragrant, stirring occasionally.
• If you want a more intense flavor, grind the toasted seeds before adding them to the soup.
• Add the seeds near the end of cooking so they don’t lose their flavor.

14. Allspice

Allspice tastes like a mix of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg (hence the name ‘all’) and is often used in baking.

It’s a popular ingredient in Jamaican jerk chicken and can be used to add flavor to soups, stews, and sauces.

Allspice can be bought whole or ground. If you buy allspice berries, they’ll need to be crushed before using.

To use allspice in soup, add it towards the end of cooking so the flavor doesn’t become too overpowering.

Start with a small amount (1/4 teaspoon) and increase to taste.

Allspice goes well with other spices like cumin, chili powder, and ginger. It also pairs well with chicken, beef, lamb, and pork.

15. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is mostly hot and a little fruity, and it’s a great addition to chicken soup.

It can brighten up the flavors and make the soup more interesting.

Here are some tips for using cayenne pepper in chicken soup:

• Start with a small amount and add more to taste. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in.
• If you’re using dried cayenne pepper, rehydrate it in a little bit of water before adding it to the soup.
• Cayenne pepper goes well with other spices like garlic, onion, and black pepper. Try adding some of these along with the cayenne for even more flavor.
• Allow the soup to simmer for awhile after adding the cayenne so that the flavors have time to meld together.

16. Onion Powder

Onion powder tastes way more oniony than an actual onion (so if you’re not a fan of onions, this is the perfect way to add onion flavor without any chunks).

It’s also really easy to find in any grocery store.

Here are some tips for using onion powder in your chicken soup:

• Add it to the soup while it’s simmering so the flavors have time to meld together.
• Start with a small amount and add more to taste. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away once it’s in there!
• Onion powder works well with other herbs and spices like garlic powder, black pepper, and parsley.

So next time you make chicken soup, try adding a little onion powder and see how you like it!

17. Garlic Powder

Garlic powder tastes sweeter and much less assertive than fresh garlic (so it won’t make your soup taste like garlic bread).

It’s perfect for when you want to add a little bit of garlic flavor without any actual chunks of garlic in your soup.

Here are some tips for using garlic powder in chicken soup:

• Start by adding 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder to your soup. You can always add more later if you want, but it’s hard to take it out once it’s in there.
• Add the garlic powder towards the end of cooking, so that it doesn’t have a chance to burn.
• If you’re using other dried herbs (like thyme or parsley), wait to add the garlic powder until you add those other herbs. This way, the flavors will have a chance to blend together and the garlic won’t be too overwhelming.

What Is The Best Seasoning Blend For Chicken Soup?

There are a few different ways that you can go about seasoning your chicken soup.

You could use a pre-made poultry seasoning blend, which would give you a good mix of flavors.

Or, you could make your own blend using some common herbs and spices like sage, thyme, rosemary, and pepper.

If you want to add a little bit more depth of flavor to your soup, you could also try adding in some smoked paprika or even chipotle powder.

These tips will help you create a delicious and well-seasoned chicken soup that is sure to please everyone.

FAQ

How Do I Make the Chicken Soup More Flavorful?

To make the chicken soup more flavorful, consider using additional herbs and spices. Some good options include garlic, ginger, rosemary, thyme, and sage. You can also add more salt and pepper to taste.

Should I Use Fresh or Dried Herbs and Spices?

For most soups, fresh herbs and spices will provide the best flavor. However, if you do not have fresh herbs on hand, you can substitute dried versions (just be sure to reduce the amount you use).

How Much of Each Herb or Spice Should I Use?

When it comes to adding herbs and spices to your chicken soup, it is best to start with small amounts and then adjust according to your preferences. Keep in mind that some seasonings are more potent than others, so you may need to experiment a bit to find the perfect balance for your soup.

Can I Make a Chicken Soup without Any Herbs or Spices?

While chicken soup is traditionally made with various herbs and spices, it is possible to make a delicious version without any seasonings at all. If you choose to omit them from your recipe, simply focus on using high-quality ingredients and cooking the soup until the flavors meld together.