There’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of chicken soup, but when you add tender, flavorful mini meatballs into the mix, it takes this classic dish to a whole new level. Chicken Soup with Mini Meatballs is a heartwarming recipe that’s perfect for cozy evenings or when you need a little pick-me-up.
The savory broth combined with juicy, bite-sized meatballs creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it to family or making a big batch for the week, this soup is bound to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
How To Make Chicken Soup With Mini Meatballs?
Recipe Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American Fusion
Yield: Serves 6
Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
For The Meatballs
- 1/2 Â pound ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
For The Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or orzo)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare The Meatballs
In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands until it comes together. Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Set the meatballs aside.
2. Sauté The Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté until they soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add Broth And Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Add the bay leaf, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Cook The Meatballs
Carefully drop the mini meatballs into the simmering soup. Let them cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through and float to the top.
5. Add The Pasta
Once the meatballs are cooked, stir in the small pasta. Let the soup continue to simmer for another 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
6. Season And Serve
Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if necessary. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Nutrition Facts Of Chicken Soup With Mini Meatballs
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
Serving Suggestions Of Chicken Soup With Mini Meatballs
1. Serve With Crusty Bread
I love serving this soup with a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
2. Add Fresh Grated Parmesan
Sprinkling some fresh Parmesan cheese on top adds a delicious salty kick that pairs beautifully with the mini meatballs.
3. Pair With A Side Salad
A light green salad on the side balances the richness of the soup for a full meal.
Chicken Soup With Mini Meatballs
Tips And Variations Of Chicken Soup With Mini Meatballs
1. Make It Gluten-Free
Swap out the breadcrumbs in the meatballs and use gluten-free pasta if you want to keep this recipe gluten-free.
2. Spice It Up
If you’re craving a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the soup while it’s simmering.
3. Add More Vegetables
Feel free to throw in some leafy greens like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. They’ll add an extra boost of nutrients to the dish.
4. Freeze The Meatballs
If you want to make this soup in a hurry next time, you can freeze the mini meatballs after rolling them. Simply add them straight to the simmering broth from frozen.
Health Benefits Of Chicken Soup With Mini Meatballs
1. Rich In Protein
Thanks to the chicken and mini meatballs, this soup is packed with high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
2. Good For Hydration
The broth is hydrating and filled with electrolytes, making this soup a great option when you’re feeling under the weather or need to replenish fluids.
3. Low In Calories
This soup is relatively low in calories but still filling, making it a great option for a satisfying, light meal.
4. Packed With Vitamins
The vegetables in this soup provide essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and C, which are important for immune function.
Special Note
One thing I really love about this recipe is how versatile it is. I can switch up the type of meat, pasta, or even the vegetables depending on what I have in the kitchen. It’s also a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or serving guests. The mini meatballs add a fun twist that’s sure to impress.
Conclusion
Chicken soup with mini meatballs is my ultimate comfort food, especially on a chilly day or when I need a quick pick-me-up. The tender meatballs, flavorful broth, and soft veggies come together in perfect harmony.
I hope you enjoy making this dish as much as I do—it’s a warm, nourishing, and incredibly delicious meal that you’ll want to add to your regular rotation.
Chicken Soup With Mini Meatballs
Equipment
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients Â
- 1/2 pound ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 carrots peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks sliced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup small pasta like ditalini or orzo
- Fresh parsley for garnish
InstructionsÂ
Prepare The Meatballs
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands until it comes together. Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Set the meatballs aside.
Sauté The Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté until they soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add Broth And Seasonings
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Add the bay leaf, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cook The Meatballs
- Carefully drop the mini meatballs into the simmering soup. Let them cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through and float to the top.
Add The Pasta
- Once the meatballs are cooked, stir in the small pasta. Let the soup continue to simmer for another 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
Season And Serve
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if necessary. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
Hello! I am Shikha, I am a soup recipe maker. I have a lot of passion for making soup. With a journey spanning over five years in the culinary industry, I have carved a niche for myself as a distinguished soup maker whose creations are not just meals but experiences that linger on the palate and nourish the soul. My specialization in soup-making is a testament to my creativity and relentless pursuit of perfection. Beyond my skills in the kitchen, I am an avid writer, passionately sharing my knowledge and insights into nutrition through my writing. My approach to soup-making is holistic, emphasizing each ingredient’s taste and health benefits. A well-made soup can be a cornerstone of a healthy diet, providing essential nutrients while pleasing the taste buds.