Gather all your ingredients and equipment, setting everything within reach for smooth cooking.
Pour a splash of oil into a large saucepan and warm it over medium heat until it shimmers and begins to smell fragrant.
Add diced onion, minced garlic, and diced celery to the pan. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables become fragrant, translucent, and slightly tender, with a gentle sizzling sound.
Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, allowing it to warm through and mingle with the aromatics, about 2 minutes.
Pour in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. The broth should bubble softly without vigorous boiling.
Let the soup simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and vegetables to soften just enough to retain a slight crunch.
Taste the broth and season with salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavor.
Squeeze the juice of a lemon into the soup, stirring well to brighten the flavors and add a fresh zing.
Sprinkle chopped parsley or dill over the soup, giving it a final stir to distribute the herbs evenly and add a splash of color.
Use a ladle to serve the steaming soup into bowls, ensuring each gets a good mix of vegetables, chicken, and broth.
Enjoy your warm, bright, and comforting chicken soup with crusty bread or crackers on the side.