Carrabba’s Copycat Chicken Soup Recipe

Breathe in the aromatic blend of herbs and savory chicken broth that defines this Carrabba’s Copycat Chicken Soup Recipe. This comforting Italian-inspired soup delivers the perfect combination of tender chicken, al dente vegetables, and rich broth that rivals the beloved restaurant version. Whether you’re fighting off winter chills or simply craving something nourishing, this hearty soup brings restaurant quality to your home kitchen. You’ll learn exactly how to create that signature flavor profile that makes Carrabba’s chicken soup a customer favorite, all with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Carrabba’s Copycat Chicken Soup Recipe stands out as a family favorite for several compelling reasons. First, it achieves that perfect balance between hearty and light—substantial enough to satisfy as a meal yet not overly heavy. The soup features wonderfully tender pieces of chicken that practically melt in your mouth, contrasting beautifully with the slight firmness of carrots and celery that maintain their texture even after cooking.

What truly distinguishes this recipe is its authentic Italian-inspired flavor profile. The broth achieves remarkable depth without requiring hours of simmering, making it accessible for weeknight cooking. Each spoonful delivers a harmonious blend of savory chicken essence, aromatic herbs, and subtle garlic notes.

Additionally, this soup is incredibly versatile. It welcomes customization while still maintaining that signature Carrabba’s taste that fans recognize instantly. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this homemade chicken soup recipe delivers restaurant quality with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Ingredients

For the Carrabba’s Copycat Chicken Soup Recipe, you’ll need:

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 cups (2 quarts) low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced (about 1½ cups)
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 celery stalks, diced (about 1 cup)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: ½ cup pastina, ditalini, or other small pasta

The quality of your chicken broth significantly impacts the final flavor, so use homemade if possible or a high-quality store-bought version. Fresh herbs will provide the most authentic Carrabba’s flavor, particularly the Italian parsley which adds brightness to this homemade chicken soup.

Pro Tips

Perfectly Poached Chicken: For the ultimate Carrabba’s Copycat Chicken Soup, never boil your chicken aggressively. Instead, gently simmer it in the broth until just cooked through (about 15-18 minutes for whole breasts). This gentle poaching technique ensures tender, juicy chicken pieces that remain moist throughout the soup. Allow the chicken to cool slightly before shredding for easier handling and more uniform pieces.

Building Flavor Foundations: The authentic Carrabba’s taste comes from properly sautéing the aromatic vegetables. Take your time with this step—cook the onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil for 8-10 minutes until they’re softened but not browned. This slow cooking releases their natural sweetness and creates the flavor base that distinguishes restaurant-quality soups from ordinary versions.

Herb Timing Matters: Add dried herbs early in the cooking process to allow their flavors to fully release and infuse the broth. However, save fresh herbs like parsley until the final minutes of cooking to preserve their bright flavor and color. This two-stage herb addition creates the complex flavor profile that makes this copycat chicken soup recipe taste so authentic to the Carrabba’s original.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, bring the chicken broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Carefully add the chicken breasts, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer (not a rolling boil) and cook for 15-18 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken and set aside on a cutting board to cool slightly before shredding. Reserve the broth in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

While the chicken cools, heat olive oil in a separate large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery, cooking for 8-10 minutes until vegetables soften. Stir occasionally to prevent browning. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. The aroma filling your kitchen now is the first sign you’re on your way to authentic Carrabba’s Copycat Chicken Soup.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the pot with the reserved chicken broth. Add bay leaves, dried oregano, basil, and thyme. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Add the Chicken and Finish

While the broth simmers, shred the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Add the shredded chicken back to the pot. If using pasta, add it now and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley and lemon juice in the final 2 minutes of cooking. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground pepper.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove bay leaves before serving. Ladle the hot Carrabba’s Copycat Chicken Soup Recipe into bowls and garnish with additional fresh parsley and a twist of black pepper if desired. Serve immediately with crusty Italian bread for the complete Carrabba’s experience.

Variations

Mediterranean Style: Transform your Carrabba’s Copycat Chicken Soup with a Mediterranean twist by adding 1 cup of diced tomatoes, ½ cup of spinach, and ¼ cup of kalamata olives during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Finish with a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a bright, tangy variation that still honors the original soup’s Italian roots.

Gluten-Free Option: This homemade chicken soup recipe adapts beautifully for gluten-sensitive diets by simply omitting the pasta or substituting with gluten-free alternatives like rice, quinoa, or gluten-free pasta. Ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free, and you’ll have a delicious variation that everyone can enjoy without compromising that signature Carrabba’s flavor profile.

Heartier Vegetable Version: Double down on vegetables by adding 1 cup of diced zucchini and ½ cup of frozen peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking. This vegetable-forward variation adds nutritional value and beautiful color to the classic recipe while maintaining the authentic taste of the original Carrabba’s chicken soup.

Storage and Serving

This Carrabba’s Copycat Chicken Soup Recipe stores exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep. Refrigerate cooled soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. If you’ve included pasta, be aware it will continue absorbing liquid and soften over time—consider storing the pasta separately or adding fresh pasta when reheating for the best texture.

When serving this homemade chicken soup, pair it with a classic Italian bread basket featuring warm focaccia or ciabatta for authentic restaurant style. A simple side salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar complements the soup perfectly. For a complete Carrabba’s-inspired meal, serve smaller portions as a starter before an entrée of chicken parmesan or grilled salmon.

For an elevated presentation, serve in warmed bowls garnished with a swirl of extra virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan cheese, and a few fresh herb leaves. This attention to detail transforms this copycat chicken soup into a restaurant-worthy experience.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken?
Absolutely! Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver for this Carrabba’s Copycat Chicken Soup Recipe. Simply shred about 3 cups of meat and add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking. You’ll still need quality chicken broth for the authentic flavor profile.

Why doesn’t my soup taste as rich as Carrabba’s version?
The secret to that restaurant-quality richness is in the broth. Try using a combination of store-bought and homemade stock, or simmer your store-bought broth with a chicken carcass, extra vegetables, and herbs for 1-2 hours before making the soup.

Can this soup be made in a slow cooker?
Yes! Place all ingredients except pasta, parsley, and lemon juice in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add pasta during the last 30 minutes and stir in parsley and lemon juice just before serving.

How can I make this soup lower in sodium?
Use unsalted or low-sodium chicken broth and adjust the final seasoning to taste. Incorporating more fresh herbs can help enhance flavor without additional salt.

My soup seems thin. How can I thicken it?
For a thicker version of this homemade chicken soup, you can either add more vegetables and chicken, increase the pasta amount slightly, or create a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it into the simmering soup.

Print