Why This Chicken Farro Soup Recipe is a Must-Try

Our Chicken Farro Soup stands out as a true **family favorite**, and for good reason! Its undeniable appeal lies in its incredible ability to be both **delicious and deeply satisfying**. We all know the challenge of making dinner for the entire family, ensuring everyone’s happy and, most importantly, **leaves full**. This recipe excels at exactly that.

A Complete Meal in One Pot

This recipe is a marvel because it truly is a **one-dish-feeds-all** solution. You won’t need to juggle multiple pots and pans or prepare side dishes alongside it. This soup inherently contains a perfect balance of essential food groups: **plenty of fresh vegetables** for vitamins and nutrients, lean **protein from the chicken**, and wholesome **grains from the farro** for sustained energy. It’s a nourishing and balanced meal on its own. However, if you’re in the mood for an extra touch of indulgence, pairing it with a crispy Gruyere Grilled Cheese creates an unbeatable soup and sandwich combo!

The Power of Farro: A Healthy Grain Hero

Farro is one of my absolute favorite grains to incorporate into cooking, and it’s a star in this soup. This ancient grain is a staple in both **Italian and Mediterranean cuisines**, renowned not only for its delightful chewy texture and nutty flavor but also for its impressive nutritional profile. It’s notably **high in fiber**, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness, and an excellent source of **protein**, crucial for muscle health. Beyond that, farro provides a good dose of other vital vitamins and minerals, making it a super healthy alternative to more common grains like rice. Its hearty nature holds up beautifully in soup, absorbing the rich flavors without becoming mushy.

Kid-Friendly & Parent-Approved

If your children are soup enthusiasts, this Chicken Farro Soup is bound to be a huge hit. Its comforting flavors and hearty ingredients make it incredibly appealing to younger palates, ensuring a fuss-free dinner. For an easy and delicious finishing touch that even the pickiest eaters will love, consider topping each bowl with some Homemade Italian Parmesan Croutons. They add a wonderful crunch and extra cheesy goodness!

The beauty of this Chicken Farro Soup recipe lies in its flexibility. While the core ingredients create an authentic and robust flavor, you have options to customize it based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.

• Farro: Your Hearty Grain Choice. Farro is truly a fantastic and healthy ancient grain that deserves a place in your diet. Its delightful chewiness and nutty flavor are similar to brown rice but with even more character. It’s what gives this soup its satisfying texture and adds significant nutritional value. If farro isn’t available, don’t worry! You can easily substitute it with other grains. **White rice** works well, but remember it cooks much faster (about 15 minutes), so only add it towards the end of the simmering process, after the chicken has been removed. **Lentils** are another excellent, protein-rich alternative, adding a different but equally delicious heartiness to the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Flavor Base. The type of broth you choose will significantly impact the soup’s flavor and nutritional profile. We recommend **chicken broth** or **chicken bone broth**. There’s been a growing trend around bone broth, and for good reason: it often has a richer, deeper flavor, is typically higher in protein (including beneficial collagen), and can sometimes be lower in sodium than regular broth, depending on the brand. Either option will create a fantastic base for your soup. Taste and adjust seasoning accordingly, as bone broth can sometimes be less salty.
• Seasoning: Building Layers of Taste. Our suggested blend of **paprika, turmeric, and cardamom** creates a wonderfully warm and aromatic profile that perfectly complements the chicken and vegetables. These spices are carefully chosen to enhance the “Italian” feel while adding a unique depth. However, feel free to experiment! For a different global twist, consider adding a pinch of **curry powder and fresh ginger**. If you prefer a simpler, more classic approach, a generous amount of **salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder** will still yield a delicious result. The key is to season in layers throughout the cooking process, building flavor from the ground up.
• Vegetarian Option: Meat-Free & Flavorful. While this recipe is explicitly for chicken farro soup, it can be easily adapted for a vegetarian diet! If you’re looking to forgo the meat, simply use **vegetable broth** instead of chicken broth. For a hearty protein substitute, **chickpeas** are an excellent choice. Add them at the same time you would typically add the farro, allowing them to absorb the wonderful flavors of the soup.
• Roma Tomatoes: Freshness and Acidity. Chopped Roma tomatoes add a burst of fresh flavor and a touch of acidity that brightens the entire soup. If fresh Romas aren’t in season or available, a 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes (drained) can be a good substitute.
• Parmesan Rind: The Secret Umami Boost. Don’t throw away your Parmesan rinds! Adding a piece to the simmering soup is a chef’s secret for infusing it with incredible depth of flavor and a rich, savory umami note that elevates the entire dish. Remove it before serving.
• Calabrian Pepper: A Hint of Heat. The Calabrian pepper adds a gentle, fruity heat that complements the Italian flavors beautifully. If you prefer a milder soup or can’t find Calabrian peppers, a small amount of finely minced **jalapeno pepper** can be used for a similar kick, or simply omit it for a completely mild version.

*For exact measurements and further details on ingredients, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below.

How to Craft the Perfect Chicken Farro Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating an exceptional soup is all about developing rich, complex flavors throughout the entire cooking process, not just at the end. Each step in this recipe is designed to build layers of taste, ensuring a deeply satisfying bowl of Chicken Farro Soup. Starting with searing the chicken is key to this process, as it not only enhances the **flavor of the chicken itself** but also creates a flavorful foundation for the soup from all the delicious brown bits (fond) left behind in the pot.

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Lock in Flavor. Begin by generously seasoning both sides of your chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed stock pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a splash of olive oil and sear the chicken breasts for approximately 3 minutes per side, or until they achieve a beautiful **golden-brown crust**. This crucial step, known as the Maillard reaction, creates incredible depth of flavor. Remove the seared chicken from the pot and set it aside for later.

Step 2: Build the Aromatic Base (Mirepoix). Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining olive oil to the pot, scraping up any delicious brown bits left from searing the chicken. Stir in the chopped carrots, onion, and celery. Sauté these aromatic vegetables, often referred to as a mirepoix, for about 8 minutes, or until they have softened significantly. This step is fundamental for building the foundational flavor of your soup.

Step 3: Layer the Seasonings. In a small bowl, combine the oregano, paprika, turmeric, cardamom, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. This carefully selected blend of spices will give your soup its signature warmth and depth. Now, stir in **half of this seasoning mix** with the sautéed vegetables. We believe in seasoning in layers to create a truly rich and well-rounded flavor profile, so remember to save the remaining seasoning for later.

Step 4: Enhance with Garlic and Tomato. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste to the pot. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Cooking the tomato paste briefly helps to deepen its flavor, making it less raw and more concentrated. Then, stir in the chopped Roma tomatoes and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly and release their juices.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a rolling boil. Once boiling, carefully return the seared chicken breasts to the soup. Add a cup of farro (or your chosen grain), the remaining seasoning mix, fresh chopped parsley, and the bay leaves. For an extra layer of savory depth, I highly recommend adding a **Parmesan rind** here if you have one – it slowly melts and infuses the broth with umami. Reduce the heat to a simmer.

Step 6: Cook Chicken and Shred. Allow the soup to simmer for **15-20 minutes**, or until the chicken breasts reach an internal temperature of 165℉. Using tongs, carefully remove the cooked chicken from the pot and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it **rest for 10 minutes** before using two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Resting the chicken ensures it remains tender and juicy.

Step 7: Finish Simmering and Adjust Seasoning. Continue simmering the chicken farro soup for another 15 minutes. This allows the farro to fully cook and become tender, and for all the flavors to meld beautifully. During this time, the soup will also thicken slightly as the farro absorbs liquid. Towards the end, **taste the soup and adjust the salt to your preference.** Remember that bone broth can sometimes be less salty than regular chicken broth, so you might need to add a bit more.

Step 8: Final Touches and Serve. Once the soup has simmered and the farro is tender, remove the bay leaves (and Parmesan rind, if used). Squeeze in the fresh juice from ½ a lemon – this adds a wonderful bright, acidic counterpoint to the rich flavors. Finally, return the shredded chicken to the soup, stir well, and it is ready to serve. Garnish with fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired.

Pro-Tips for Your Best Chicken Farro Soup Yet

• Safe Tasting: After adding the raw chicken back into the soup during the initial simmer, **do not taste the soup for at least 10 minutes**. This ensures the chicken has had enough time to cook thoroughly, making the soup safe to sample.
• Long Simmering: This soup is quite forgiving and can be left to **simmer on low heat for an extended period**, even all day, developing deeper flavors. However, remember that as it simmers, liquid will evaporate, causing the soup to thicken and potentially become saltier. To counteract this, add a little extra water or chicken broth occasionally to maintain your desired consistency and flavor balance.
• Don’t Skimp on Searing: The golden-brown crust you achieve on the chicken breasts in the first step is vital for flavor. Those caramelized bits contribute significantly to the overall richness of your soup base.
• Fresh Herbs are Best: While dried parsley can work, fresh chopped parsley adds a vibrant freshness and pop of color that truly elevates the finished dish.
• Adjust to Your Palate: Always taste and adjust seasonings, especially salt, throughout the cooking process. Different brands of broth vary in sodium content, and personal preference plays a big role.

How to Store & Reheat Chicken Farro Soup Like a Pro

One of the best things about this Chicken Farro Soup is how well it keeps, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers. Proper storage is key to maintaining its delicious flavor and ensuring food safety.

Quick Cooling for Food Safety

To ensure your soup lasts as long as possible and remains safe to eat, it’s crucial to cool it down rapidly. One of my favorite kitchen hacks to **quickly bring down the temperature** of a large pot of soup is to prepare an ice bath. Simply place a generous amount of ice in your kitchen sink and fill it with cold water. Then, carefully place the pot of hot soup directly into the ice bath. Stir the soup occasionally, and you’ll find it cools down to refrigerator temperature within about 15 minutes. This prevents the soup from lingering in the “danger zone” (40°F-140°F / 4°C-60°C) for too long, which can promote bacterial growth.

Storage Guidelines

Once cooled, transfer the chicken farro soup into **airtight containers**. This will help preserve its freshness and prevent it from absorbing other odors from your refrigerator.

• Refrigerator: Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to **4 days**.
• Freezer: For longer storage, this soup freezes beautifully! You can freeze chicken farro soup for up to **6 months**. Portion it into individual servings for easy thawing and reheating.

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to enjoy your delicious leftovers, reheating is simple:

• Stovetop: The best method for reheating is on the stove. Place the desired amount of soup in a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally, gently warming it through until it’s hot and steaming again. If the soup has thickened too much in the fridge, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your preferred consistency.
• Microwave: For a quicker option, individual servings can be reheated in the microwave. Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Chicken Farro Soup: Frequently Asked Questions

EASY Chicken Farro Soup

Vincent DelGiudice