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Nostalgic Chicken ABC Soup: A Warm Bowl of Childhood

A comforting, light broth brimming with tender meat and playful ABC pasta.

Janelle

By Janelle

Updated: January 18, 2026

Why I Love This Recipe

ABC soup. The name itself conjures up memories of childhood, of warm bowls on chilly days, and of learning the alphabet one spoonful at a time. While variations of this classic soup exist across cultures, this version, rooted in simple, home-style cooking, focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal fuss. It's more than just a soup; it's a hug in a bowl, a reminder of simpler times, and a delicious way to nourish body and soul.

  • •Unctuous Thighs - Chicken thighs provide a richness and depth of flavor that chicken breasts simply can't match, resulting in a more satisfying broth.
  • •Subtle Sweetness - The carrots and celery gently sweeten the savory broth, creating a balanced and harmonious flavor profile.
  • •Perfectly Al Dente Pasta - The ABC pasta cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the broth, providing a delightful textural contrast.
  • •Fragrant Herb Infusion - Dried thyme and bay leaf create a subtle herbal aroma that enhances the overall warmth and comfort of the soup.
  • •Effortless Weeknight Meal - Ready in under an hour, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a comforting, homemade meal.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you'll need – nothing too fancy, just good ingredients that work together beautifully.

  • 1.5 lbs Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 1 medium Yellow onion (diced)
  • 2 medium Carrots (diced)
  • 2 Celery stalks (diced)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 6 cups Chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
  • 1 Bay leaf
  • 1/2 cup ABC pasta
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. The oil should shimmer slightly, indicating it's hot enough to begin cooking. A hot pan is crucial for developing a good sear on the meat.

    ~2 min

  2. 2

    Add the chicken thighs to the pot and sear on all sides until lightly browned. Searing the meat creates a Maillard reaction, which adds depth of flavor to the broth and locks in moisture. Don't overcrowd the pot; sear in batches if necessary.

    ~5 min

  3. 3

    Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Leaving the rendered fat in the pot will add a rich flavor base to the soup. Keeping the meat separate prevents overcooking.

    ~1 min

  4. 4

    Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This is known as a mirepoix and forms the aromatic foundation of many soups and stews. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

    ~7 min

  5. 5

    Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Garlic burns easily, so be sure to keep the heat at medium and stir constantly. The fragrant aroma of garlic is a key indicator of readiness.

    ~1 min

  6. 6

    Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These browned bits, called fond, are packed with flavor. Deglazing the pot with the broth will release these flavorful compounds.

    ~1 min

  7. 7

    Add the dried thyme and bay leaf to the pot. These herbs will infuse the broth with their subtle, earthy flavors. The bay leaf should be removed before serving.

    ~1 min

  8. 8

    Return the seared chicken thighs to the pot. Ensure the chicken is submerged in the broth for even cooking. Bring the soup to a simmer.

    ~1 min

  9. 9

    Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Simmering gently allows the flavors to meld together without overcooking the chicken. The chicken should be easily shredded with a fork.

    ~20 min

  10. 10

    Stir in the ABC pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it will become mushy. Taste frequently to ensure the pasta is cooked to your liking.

    ~9 min

  11. 11

    Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Bay leaves are used for flavor but are not meant to be eaten. Discard the bay leaf after it has infused its flavor.

    ~1 min

  12. 12

    Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed to achieve your desired flavor profile. Serve hot and enjoy!

    ~1 min

How Do I Know It's Ready?

The chicken should be easily shredded with a fork, and the pasta should be al dente.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can freeze this soup, but the pasta may become slightly softer upon thawing. Consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it after reheating for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Nostalgic Chicken ABC Soup: A Warm Bowl of Childhood as much as I do! It's a wonderful dish that's sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear how it turned out – feel free to share your experience and any variations you tried!