Smoky Carrot and Chicken Broth

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A deeply aromatic broth featuring tender chicken, sweet carrots, and earthy smoked paprika, simmered to perfection with fresh thyme and garlic. This american-inspired soups ready in about 60 minutes pairs chicken thighs, avocado oil, large, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.4 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp avocado oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Pat 1.5 lbs chicken thighs dry, season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then sear for 4 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large diced yellow onion, 3 diced carrots, 2 diced parsnips, and 1 diced celery stalk to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften slightly.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tbsp fresh thyme, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 cups chicken stock and return the seared chicken thighs to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 30 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken thighs, shred meat from bones, and return to the pot. Discard bones and skin. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Step 6: Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to meld flavors, then garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Carrot and Chicken Broth take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Smoky Carrot and Chicken Broth?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Carrot and Chicken Broth?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Smoky Carrot and Chicken Broth for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Smoky Carrot and Chicken Broth?

American soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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