When the temps drop and cozy cravings kick in, there’s nothing better than a warm bowl of homemade soup. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and herby, creamy and filling, or thick and savory — this trio has you covered.

From classic chicken soup, to a dairy-free white chicken chili, and a hearty split pea with ham, these easy soup recipes are packed with flavor, comfort, and nourishing ingredients. Perfect for winter nights, meal prep, or using up holiday leftovers!

1) Cozy Chicken Soup with Winter Veggies and Fresh Herbs

Looking for a warm, comforting bowl of chicken soup that’s easy, healthy, and packed with flavor? This simple chicken soup recipe has been my go-to for over 10 years — and once you try it, it might become yours too!

No noodles needed here. Instead, we load it up with sweet parsnips, hearty winter vegetables, and fresh herbs like thyme and tarragon for that cozy, nourishing flavor that’s perfect on chilly days.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Soup

• Light but satisfying
• No pasta, no problem – parsnips add natural sweetness and texture
• Fresh herbs = next-level flavor
• Perfect for cold weather or a little immunity boost

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for poaching. You can swap in thighs if you prefer dark meat.

Veggies: A nourishing combo of carrots, parsnips, leek, celery, onion, and garlic. Don’t love parsnips? Try turnips or potatoes instead (just add a few extra minutes for potatoes to cook).

Fresh Herbs: Sprigs of thyme, tarragon, and a bay leaf infuse every spoonful with earthy, aromatic depth.

Chicken Broth: Since the ingredients are simple, use a high-quality broth for the best taste.

How To Make This Simple Chicken Soup

1. Saute the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add your chopped carrots, parsnips, celery, leek, and onion. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring now and then.

Then add the garlic, a pinch of salt and pepper, and stir for another minute. Your kitchen will already smell amazing!

2. Poach the Chicken

Toss in the chicken breasts, fresh thyme, tarragon, bay leaf, and pour in the chicken broth. Bring it all to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.

Want to be precise? Use a thermometer — chicken should reach 165°F.

3. Shred the Chicken

Use tongs to pull the chicken out onto a cutting board. Shred it with two forks, then return it to the pot. Let everything simmer together for another 1 to 2 minutes.

4. Finish and Serve

Remove the herb sprigs and bay leaf. Stir in chopped parsley and add a few cracks of black pepper right before serving.

It’s a small touch, but it makes a big difference.

Pro Tips

• Make it ahead: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer-friendly: Cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Customize it: Add a handful of spinach or kale at the end for extra greens.

Whether you’re fighting off a cold or just need a little comfort in a bowl, this chicken soup is a simple yet flavorful classic you’ll want to make on repeat.

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2) White Chicken Chili: Another Cozy Favorite

When you’re in the mood for something a little heartier, white chicken chili is the ultimate bowl of comfort. Think tender shredded chicken, white beans, corn, and green chiles — all simmered in a creamy (yet dairy-free!) broth.

Why You’ll Love This White Chicken Chili

• Super simple to make – just a few steps and minimal prep
• Naturally dairy-free – creaminess comes from blended beans
• Perfect for meal prep and freezing
• Full of flavor without being spicy

Ingredients for White Chicken Chili

Chicken: Use shredded cooked chicken — rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver.

White Beans: Canned Great Northern beans work perfectly, but you can use dried beans if you prefer.

Corn: Adds sweetness and texture.

Green Chiles & Jalapeño: Mild green chiles and a fresh jalapeño give depth without too much heat.

Chicken Broth: A good-quality broth creates the perfect flavorful base.

Spices: A simple mix of cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper gives it that classic chili vibe.

How To Make It

1. Blend for Creaminess

In a food processor, blend 1 cup of white beans with 1 cup of chicken broth until smooth. This makes the chili creamy without any dairy.

2. Sauté the Veggies

In a large pot, heat a bit of oil and sauté chopped onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño for about 4 minutes. Add garlic and spices and cook another minute.

3. Simmer It All Together

Add the rest of the broth and the blended bean mixture. Let it simmer for 15 minutes.

Then stir in the chicken, remaining white beans, corn, green chiles, and chopped cilantro. Let everything warm through, then finish with a squeeze of lime juice.

4. Garnish and Serve

Top your bowl with sliced avocado, shredded cheddar, jalapeño slices, and fresh cilantro. Other great toppings: crispy shallots, green onions, or parsley.

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3) Split Pea Soup: A Comforting Classic

When you’re craving something thick, hearty, and filled with deep savory flavor, split pea soup is the answer. Especially perfect after a holiday ham, this cozy bowl brings veggies, split peas, and smoky ham together in the best way.

Why You’ll Love This Split Pea Soup

• Ultimate comfort food – thick, warming, and nostalgic
• Big flavor – meaty ham bone adds richness
• Budget-friendly – uses inexpensive pantry staples and leftovers

Split Pea Soup Ingredients

Split Peas: Use dried green or yellow split peas. Green ones are slightly sweeter; yellow ones a bit more earthy.

Veggies: A mirepoix blend of onions, carrots, and celery adds classic soup base flavor.

Ham: A meaty ham bone adds incredible depth, but you can also use ham hock, diced ham steak, bacon, or pancetta.

Seasoning: Just dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to keep things simple.

Liquid: A mix of chicken broth and water gives the perfect consistency.

Ham Substitutes for Split Pea Soup

• Ham Bone: Best option if you’ve got leftovers from a holiday ham.
• Ham Hock: Great for flavor, though you’ll need to add diced meat separately.
• Ham Steak: Easy and convenient, just dice and stir in.
• Bacon or Pancetta: Adds smoky pork flavor — sauté with veggies first.
• Vegetarian Option: Use veggie broth and skip the meat entirely.

How To Make It

1. Sauté the Veggies

In a large pot, cook onion, carrot, and celery until soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute.

2. Add Everything Else

Stir in split peas, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add bay leaf, ham bone, broth, and water. Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer, cover, and cook for 50 to 60 minutes.

3. Add the Ham

Remove the ham bone, chop any remaining meat, and stir it back in. Let it simmer uncovered for another 5 to 15 minutes to thicken.

Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving!

Whether you’re in the mood for brothy chicken soup, creamy chili, or a hearty ham-based bowl, these three soups are comforting staples worth keeping in your recipe rotation all season long.