High Protein Chicken Soup Recipe (Healthy, Cozy & Holiday-Ready)

Story & Introduction

Nothing says comfort like a steaming bowl of high protein chicken soup recipe on a chilly evening. This isn’t just your average bowl of soup—it’s a nourishing, protein-packed version that warms you from the inside out while fueling your body with the nutrients it needs. Growing up, chicken soup was the ultimate cure for everything from cold weather to long school days, and now I’ve given it a modern, protein-rich twist that fits perfectly into today’s busy lifestyles.

What makes this high protein chicken soup recipe special is its versatility. It’s light enough for a healthy weeknight dinner, hearty enough to satisfy a post-workout appetite, and festive enough to serve as a starter for holiday gatherings. Imagine ladling this soup into bowls on Thanksgiving Day as a cozy first course, or serving it during Christmas with fresh rosemary sprigs for a seasonal touch. Even on Halloween night, a quick bowl before trick-or-treating can be just the protein boost you need to balance out all the candy fun.

I love how easy it is to make this soup from scratch with simple, wholesome ingredients. Chicken breast keeps it lean and loaded with protein, bone broth enhances the nutritional value, and seasonal vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion add depth and flavor. The best part? You can add extra protein boosters like quinoa, chickpeas, or lentils to make it even more satisfying.

Bowl of high protein chicken soup topped with parsley and lemon. — High Protein Chicken Soup Recipe – Healthy & Cozy

If you’ve enjoyed hearty bowls like my Black Bean Soup Recipe, then you’ll love this variation that blends the classic comfort of chicken soup with today’s nutrition-forward mindset. It’s cozy, healthy, and ready in under an hour—a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat this fall and winter.

So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and let’s create a high protein chicken soup recipe that’s perfect for both everyday meals and festive celebrations.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Soup

There are plenty of reasons to love this high protein chicken soup recipe, but here are the ones that keep me coming back to it again and again.

1. It’s packed with protein.
Chicken breast is naturally lean and full of protein, making this soup both satisfying and energizing. Adding quinoa, chickpeas, or lentils can boost the protein even more, turning a simple bowl into a muscle-recovery meal that supports strength and stamina.

2. Comfort meets nutrition.
Most soups are cozy but not always filling. This one balances flavor with fuel. It’s warm and soothing, just like the classic chicken soup we grew up with, but it’s designed to nourish your body with protein, fiber, and immune-supporting vegetables.

3. Perfect for holidays.
Whether you’re looking for a light starter for Thanksgiving, a warming dish to serve at Christmas, or a quick meal before Halloween festivities, this soup adapts beautifully. Swap in leftover turkey for a holiday spin or add festive garnishes like fresh rosemary sprigs or dried cranberries for a seasonal look.

4. Quick and easy.
You don’t need hours in the kitchen to create this dish. With just a few staple ingredients and one pot, you’ll have a steaming bowl of protein-packed chicken soup in under an hour.

5. Family-friendly and customizable.
This recipe is a hit with kids and adults alike. You can keep it mild and comforting or spice it up with cayenne, chili flakes, or smoky paprika. And if you’re feeding a crowd, double the batch—it stores and freezes beautifully for meal prep.

If you’re already a fan of my High Protein Butternut Squash Soup, this chicken variation will fit right into your cozy fall rotation. It’s proof that a bowl of soup can be both comforting and high in nutrition.

Ingredients Breakdown

One of the things I love most about this high protein chicken soup recipe is how simple the ingredients are. Most are pantry staples, and each one plays a key role in building flavor, nutrition, and protein content. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need—and how you can make swaps to suit your taste or the season.

Chicken, vegetables, and herbs laid out for chicken soup recipe. — Ingredients for High Protein Chicken Soup

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is my go-to for lean protein. If you prefer a richer flavor, chicken thighs also work beautifully. For a holiday twist, swap in leftover roasted turkey after Thanksgiving dinner.
Bone broth: Using chicken bone broth instead of regular broth is a game changer. It not only deepens the flavor but also adds collagen and extra protein.
Vegetables: Classic aromatics like onion, carrots, celery, and garlic create a nourishing base. For a seasonal upgrade, add sweet potatoes or butternut squash.
Grains & beans: Quinoa, chickpeas, or white beans are excellent add-ins to increase the protein content even further.
Herbs & spices: Thyme, rosemary, and sage give the soup a comforting holiday feel. Fresh parsley or cilantro brightens it up at the end.
Garnishes: Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, or avocado slices make this soup even more satisfying.

Here’s a quick substitution guide for flexibility:

Ingredient	Substitution	Protein Boost Option
Chicken breast	Chicken thighs or turkey	Double portion for muscle gain
Bone broth	Vegetable broth	Add protein powder (unflavored)
Quinoa	Rice or barley	Lentils or chickpeas
Carrots & celery	Sweet potatoes or kale	Extra beans
Greek yogurt	Sour cream or coconut cream	Cottage cheese swirl

This flexibility makes it easy to adapt the recipe based on what you have on hand. It’s also why this protein-packed chicken soup is perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings when leftovers and substitutions are part of the fun.

For a vegetarian-friendly cozy option, don’t miss my Creamy Pumpkin Soup Recipe—it’s another seasonal classic that fits right into your fall table.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this high protein chicken soup recipe is easier than you think. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a hearty, flavorful meal on the table in less than an hour.

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics.
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. This creates a rich, flavorful base for your protein-packed chicken soup.

Step 2: Add the chicken and broth.
Nestle chicken breasts into the pot and pour in the bone broth. Add thyme, rosemary, and a bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 20–25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Chicken simmering in broth with carrots, celery, and onion. — Cooking High Protein Chicken Soup with Vegetables

Step 3: Shred the chicken.
Remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. This step is what gives the soup its satisfying texture and makes it so filling.

Step 4: Add protein boosters.
For an extra protein punch, stir in cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or white beans at this stage. Let them warm through for 5 minutes. This not only increases the protein content but also makes the soup heartier.

Step 5: Finish with freshness.
Stir in chopped parsley or cilantro and a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Serve and garnish.
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes—Greek yogurt, Parmesan shavings, or avocado slices. For a holiday twist, serve with rosemary sprigs at Christmas or ladle into mini pumpkin bowls for Halloween.

Pair this cozy soup with my Halloween Dinner Charcuterie Board for a festive spread that balances savory flavors with seasonal charm.

Protein Variations & Holiday Serving Ideas

One of the best parts about this high protein chicken soup recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you want to make it even heartier, adjust it for dietary needs, or give it a holiday spin, there are so many ways to customize this dish.

Protein Variations

Quinoa: Stir in 1–2 cups of cooked quinoa for an extra protein boost that also adds texture.
Lentils: Red or green lentils are high in plant-based protein and give the soup a thicker body.
Chickpeas or white beans: These add bulk, protein, and fiber, making the soup even more filling.
Egg whites: Whisked egg whites can be streamed into the hot broth to create a protein-rich, silky finish.
Greek yogurt or cottage cheese: A swirl of either adds creaminess and an extra dose of protein.

Holiday Serving Ideas

Bowl of chicken soup served with lemon and rosemary garnish. — Serving High Protein Chicken Soup for Holidays

Thanksgiving twist: Swap the chicken for leftover turkey. Add sage and a dash of nutmeg for flavors that pair beautifully with the holiday table. If you’re swimming in leftovers, swap the chicken for turkey after the holidays. The olivemagazine shares even more creative ways to use up extra Thanksgiving turkey.
Christmas variation: Garnish bowls with rosemary sprigs and dried cranberries for a festive touch. Serve with crusty bread or Parmesan crisps for an elegant starter.
Halloween fun: Ladle the soup into hollowed-out mini pumpkins or orange ramekins. It’s a quick, protein-packed dinner before trick-or-treating.

Muscle Gain Focus
For anyone looking at this protein-packed chicken soup as part of a muscle recovery or high-protein meal plan, double the chicken breast portion and add chickpeas. This version packs in even more protein per serving, making it a smart choice after a workout or during strength training phases.

If you’re looking for inspiration beyond chicken, check out my Halloween Charcuterie Board Ideas. It’s proof that healthy, protein-forward recipes can also be fun and festive for any occasion.

FAQs

How to add protein to chicken soup?

You can easily boost the protein in a high protein chicken soup recipe by adding ingredients like quinoa, lentils, chickpeas, or white beans. Another trick is using chicken bone broth instead of regular broth, since it naturally contains collagen and protein. A swirl of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese at the end also adds creaminess and protein.

Is chicken soup good protein?

Yes! A classic chicken soup made with chicken breast is naturally rich in lean protein. Each serving provides a satisfying balance of protein and essential amino acids while keeping fat low. When combined with vegetables and whole grains, a protein-packed chicken soup makes a nourishing meal for recovery, energy, and overall wellness.

What can you add to soup to make it high in protein?

To turn any soup into a protein-rich soup, add plant-based boosters like beans, lentils, or quinoa. For extra lean protein, increase the chicken portion or add turkey. Even eggs or egg whites can be streamed into hot broth for additional protein. Toppings like shredded cheese or Greek yogurt also work well.

What makes soup high in protein?

A soup becomes high in protein when it features lean meats like chicken breast or turkey, along with protein-dense add-ins such as beans, legumes, or quinoa. Cooking with bone broth instead of regular stock also increases protein. These simple additions transform a regular bowl into a satisfying, protein-forward meal.

How do I give my chicken extra protein?

Chicken itself is naturally high in protein, but you can maximize the nutrition by pairing it with complementary protein sources. For example, in this high protein chicken soup recipe, adding lentils, beans, or cottage cheese makes the meal even more balanced. Doubling the chicken breast portion is another easy way to increase protein per serving.

What soup is best for muscle gain?

Soups that combine lean meats, beans, and whole grains are excellent for muscle gain. This protein-packed chicken soup is a smart choice because it provides complete proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats in one bowl. For extra recovery support, add quinoa and chickpeas to maximize both protein and fiber.

Conclusion

This high protein chicken soup recipe proves that comfort food can also be nourishing and energizing. With lean chicken, bone broth, fresh vegetables, and optional protein boosters like quinoa or beans, it delivers the warmth of a classic soup while giving your body the fuel it needs. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, prepping meals for busy days, or serving a starter at your holiday table, this recipe adapts to any occasion.

One of the things I love most about this protein-packed chicken soup is how flexible it is. Use leftover turkey after Thanksgiving, add festive rosemary and cranberries at Christmas, or enjoy it as a quick and hearty meal before Halloween celebrations. No matter the season, it’s always a smart choice that balances flavor with nutrition.

If you’re craving something on the sweeter side to balance your cozy dinner, check out my Halloween Treats with White Chocolate. Together, they create a spread that’s both festive and satisfying, offering a little something for everyone at the table.

So grab your pot, gather your simple ingredients, and simmer a batch of this high protein chicken soup recipe. With its hearty flavor, customizable protein boosts, and seasonal versatility, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to time and time again. Bookmark it for your meal prep rotation, or bring it to your next family gathering—you’ll love how this dish blends tradition with health in every comforting spoonful.

High Protein Chicken Soup Recipe (Healthy, Cozy & Holiday-Ready)

Story & Introduction

Why You’ll Love This Soup