Gluten Free Matzo Ball Soup is a flavorful, comforting broth with tender chicken, vegetables, and light matzo balls—delicious any time of year.
My husband has loved matzo ball soup since childhood. Whenever he had a cold, matzo ball soup was his go-to comfort food. For years we picked it up from a deli, but eventually I decided to learn how to make it at home. We tested and adjusted the recipe together until it matched the memory of that comforting, home-cooked soup.
When our household went gluten free, I worried converting this recipe would be difficult. To my relief, I found a gluten-free, kosher-for-Passover matzo ball mix at the supermarket. It adapted easily into our version of the soup, and the matzo balls turned out tender and flavorful.
The soup becomes a family favorite—hearty and nourishing. It’s a great option for Passover, but it also makes a wonderful everyday meal, especially during cold and flu season. The gentle flavors and soft textures make this recipe suitable for all ages, including toddlers and babies when prepared or pureed appropriately.
Great for cold and flu season and for all ages
We recently prepared a large pot of this soup for the whole family during a bout of colds, and everyone appreciated it. The vegetables, chicken, and matzo balls cook until very soft, so you can serve small pieces to toddlers or blend portions for younger babies. It’s nourishing, hydrating, and easy on little stomachs.
The recipe is intentionally simple, using whole ingredients so you can taste the classic chicken-and-vegetable broth. If you prefer a richer broth, simmer longer or use extra bones in the stock. If you need a quicker version, use a high-quality gluten-free chicken broth and reduce cooking time slightly, though slower simmering develops the best flavor.
Gluten Free Matzo Ball Soup Printable Recipe
Gluten Free Matzo Ball Soup
Ingredients
Soup:
- 2 lbs. organic boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs
- 1 quart organic chicken broth (ensure gluten free)
- 2 cups sliced carrots
- 2 cups chopped yellow onion
- 2 cups sliced celery
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tsp olive oil
Matzo Balls:
- 1 package gluten-free matzo ball mix
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tbsp safflower oil (or other neutral oil)
Instructions
- Add the olive oil to a large pot and heat over medium.
- Cut the chicken into quarters for even browning.
- Add chicken pieces to the pot and brown lightly on the outside.
- While the chicken browns, slice carrots and celery and finely chop the onion.
- Add the vegetables and chicken broth to the pot with the chicken.
- Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently.
- Cook for about 1 hour and 30 minutes to develop flavor.
- With roughly 45 minutes remaining, combine the eggs, gluten-free matzo mix, and safflower oil in a bowl; mix until combined.
- Refrigerate the matzo mixture for 15 minutes to firm up.
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
- Form the matzo mixture into balls, then add them to the boiling water.
- Cover, reduce heat to a gentle simmer, and cook the matzo balls for 30 minutes.
- After the soup has simmered for 1.5 hours, remove the chicken and shred or pull it into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the pulled chicken back to the soup along with the cooked matzo balls.
- Stir in chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy the comforting bowl of soup.
Recipe Notes
- Freezer suggestion: The soup freezes well, especially the broth and chicken. For best texture, remove matzo balls before freezing and make fresh matzo balls when reheating leftovers.
- Baby food tip: Reserve some of the broth to mix into pureed vegetables for added flavor and nutrients. The mild, homemade stock is a gentle, nutritious way to introduce new flavors to babies.
- Make-ahead tip: You can prepare the soup one day ahead, refrigerate overnight, and gently reheat before serving. Reheat slowly and add fresh parsley at the end for brightness.
Enjoy this classic, comforting soup with family and friends. Whether you’re observing Passover or simply craving a nourishing bowl, this gluten-free version delivers the warmth and flavor of homemade matzo ball soup.