Chicken Leek Soup is a classic dish that’s enjoyed worldwide, but did you know there are many different ways to prepare it? While the French version of leek soup involves frying the leeks in butter and sautéing chicken, our recipe takes a different approach. Instead, we prepare chicken broth from a chicken breast like we usually do for Ukrainian soup with chicken. Then we add fresh leeks and all other ingredients. The result is a nourishing and satisfying soup that’s perfect for the cold months that is very easy to make.



To make this chicken leek soup, start by boiling a chicken breast for about 5 minutes and then discarding the first broth. We do it to get a cleaner and healthier chicken broth. Next, add fresh water to the pot, put the chicken breast back in, and bring the water to a boil again. Cook the chicken breast until fork-tender, then remove it from the pot and slice it. Add chopped potatoes and carrots to the broth and cook for 20 minutes. Add the sliced chicken back to the broth, chopped leeks, small noodles, fresh parsley, black pepper, and salt to taste. Cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the noodles are cooked through. Serve hot and enjoy! We have created a video that illustrates this recipe, please check it out:
If you like soups and want to learn more about Ukrainian soups in particular, please visit our page Soups in Ukrainian Cuisine.

Easy Chicken Leek Soup (Ukrainian Recipe)
Equipment
- 1 Pot
- 1 Chef's knife
Ingredients
- 1 leek
- 1 chicken breast
- 3 potatoes
- 2 small carrots
- 1 cup small noodles
- fresh parsley
- dry dill
- 2 bay leaves
- black pepper to taste
- salt to taste
- 6 cups water
Instructions
- In a pot, add the chicken breast and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes. Drain and discard the first broth.
- Add fresh water to the pot and bring to a boil again. Add the chicken breast, bay leaves, dry dill, and cook for 20 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken breast from the pot and slice it with a chef's knife.
- Slice carrots and potatoes. Don't make the pieces of potatoes too small.
- Add carrots and potatoes to the chicken broth and continue to simmer over medium heat.
- Wash the leek thoroughly and chop it.
- Add the chopped leeks to the broth with other ingredients and continue to cook until all the ingredients are almost ready.
- Add the sliced chicken breast back to the pot.
- Add the small noodles, fresh chopped parsley, dry dill, black pepper, and salt to taste. Cook over low heat for an additional 10 minutes until the noodles are cooked through.
- Serve hot or warm!
This chicken leek soup is a healthy and nourishing meal that’s perfect for the cold months. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor. So why not give this recipe a try and enjoy a warm and comforting bowl of leek soup with chicken today!



How to wash leeks properly?
Leeks are a delicious and nutritious vegetable that can add a sweet and subtle flavor to soups, stews, and other dishes. However, it’s important to wash them properly before using them in your recipes. Leeks are grown in sandy soil, and if not washed properly, they can contain dirt and grit that can ruin the taste and texture of your dish.
To wash leeks properly:
- Start by trimming off the root end and the dark green leaves.
- Slice the leek lengthwise and rinse it under cold running water, separating the layers to remove dirt or sand. You can also soak the leek in a bowl of cold water for a few minutes to help loosen any dirt or grit.
- After soaking, lift the leek out of the water, leaving any dirt or sand at the bottom of the bowl.
- Rinse the leek under cold running water again to remove any remaining dirt or sand.
- Once the leek is clean, pat it dry with a paper towel before using it in your recipe.
How leeks differ from onion and spring onion?
Leeks are nutritious and versatile vegetables that offer a range of health benefits. They are low in calories and high in fiber, making them an excellent choice for weight management and digestive health. Leeks are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, C, folate, and iron. Additionally, they contain antioxidants and other compounds that may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.
While leeks are related to onions and spring onions, they have a milder and sweeter flavor. Unlike onions, which have a strong and pungent taste, leeks have a delicate and slightly sweet flavor that makes them a great addition to soups, stews, and other dishes. Leeks are larger and have a thicker stem than spring onions, which are smaller and more slender. This makes leeks a great choice for recipes that require a larger vegetable that can hold up to cooking. Overall, leeks are a nutritious and delicious vegetable that can add flavor, texture, and health benefits to a variety of dishes.
How this easy chicken leek soup is different from the French chicken leek soup?
This easy chicken leek soup recipe is quite different from the traditional French chicken leek soup, also known as “potage parmentier” or “vichyssoise.” In the French version, the leeks are typically sautéed in butter and then simmered in chicken or vegetable broth with potatoes and cream. The soup is then pureed and served chilled, often with a garnish of chives or croutons.
Our recipe, on the other hand, takes a simpler approach, using chicken broth instead of cream and omitting the butter and sautéing step. Instead of pureeing the soup, the chicken breast is sliced and added back into the soup along with vegetables and noodles for a heartier and more filling meal.
Please check out our other recipes for comforting soups:
Ukrainian Fish Soup: A Timeless and Comforting Delight
Ukrainian Mushroom Soup (Yushka)
Traditional Ukrainian Borscht with Beef
Vegetarian Borscht Recipe: Ukrainian Comfort Food with Lentils
Conclusion
In conclusion, this easy chicken leek soup recipe is a delicious and healthy meal that’s perfect for the colder months. This recipe uses a light chicken broth and adds sliced chicken, vegetables, and noodles to make this soup a filling and satisfying meal. Plus, with its high fiber, vitamin, and mineral content, this soup offers a range of health benefits that can help support your overall well-being. Please let us know if you enjoy this recipe and share your thoughts with our readers and us. Happy cooking!