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    Home » Recipes » Lunch » Soup

    Scottish Cock-a-Leekie Soup

    Published: Nov 8, 2022 · Updated: Nov 8, 2022 by Neil 12 Comments

    60 shares
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    Jump to Recipe

    Scottish cock-a-leekie soup is a staple in most Scottish homes. This is an easier quicker version than the traditional recipe taking less than an hour to make!

    Two bowls of Scottish cock-a-leekie soup garnished with chopped parsley one in front of the other.

    Folks, if like me you're always short on time but still want to enjoy the best traditional Scottish soup recipes then this Scottish cock-a-leekie soup is for you.

    This delicious chicken and leek soup is cheap to make and only takes 15 minutes to prep the vegetables. Then 30 minutes to cook.

    Recipes like this and my easy Scottish lentil soup always featured at meal times when I was growing up.

    This chicken soup recipe is said to date back to the 16th century and possibly even came from France.

    Usually the traditional recipe uses a whole chicken which can take a couple of hours to boil to create the chicken and stock base.

    However, in my easier version we'll just use a chicken breast and plenty of good quality chicken stock.

    Oh and we won't be adding prunes either. I can't remember my family recipe ever containing prunes!

    However, I know some variations of traditional Scottish cock-a-leekie soup do, so please feel free to add them if you want to!

    Two bowls of cock a leekie soup one in front of the other with soup spoons in. Garnished with chopped parsley. Stacked leeks to the left hand side beside salt and pepper cellars.

    This cock-a-leekie soup is low in calories at just 191 calories per serving.

    It's also extremely low in fat, a great protein source and provides 74% of your daily vitamin A needs.

    This is the perfect comfort food for winter months just packed with flavour.

    You can also easily adapt this delicious soup and add potatoes instead of rice.

    Or if you have leftover chicken meat use that instead of cooking the chicken breast.

    Although we mostly enjoy this recipe for lunch it is extremely filling and can also be served for dinner with some homemade crusty bread.

    Birds eye view of two bowls of cock a leekie soup with soup spoons in and garnished with chopped parsley. A dish of chopped parsely and three leeks in between.
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Step By Step Instructions
    • Substitutions
    • Equipment
    • FAQ's
    • More Scottish Soup Recipes For You To Try
    • 📋 Scottish Cock-a-Leekie Soup Recipe
    • Nutrition Label
    • Rate The Recipe

    Ingredients

    Scottish cock-a-leekie soup ingredients in bowls laid out on a table.
    • Skinless Boneless Chicken Breasts
    • Chicken Stock
    • Leeks
    • Basmati Rice
    • Grated Carrot
    • Freshly Ground Salt And Black Pepper
    • Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional for garnish)

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Step By Step Instructions

    Detailed instructions are in the recipe card below. But here is a quick step by step guide of how to make this Scottish cock-a-leekie soup recipe:

    Chicken breast cooked in a saucepan of chicken stock.

    Step 1

    • Cook chicken breast in a large soup pot with the stock. Remove cooked chicken breast and set aside.
    Leeks and rice added to saucepan with hot chicken stock in.

    Step 2

    • Add leeks and rice to the hot stock.
    Shredded chicken breast on a white chopping board with forks to either side.

    Step 3

    • Meanwhile shred the chicken breast.
    Grated carrot stirred into saucepan with cooked leeks and rice.

    Step 4

    • Add grated carrot to cooked leeks and rice.
    Shredded chicken breast meat stirred into soup pot of cooked grated carrot, leeks and rice.

    Step 5

    • Stir in the shredded chicken and season to taste.
    Scottish cock a leekie soup served in a soup bowl garnished with chopped parsley. Soup spoon and salt an pepper cellars to the left side. Rest of soup in a saucepan at the back.

    Step 6

    • Serve soup garnished with the chopped parsley.

    Substitutions

    • Skinless Boneless Chicken Breasts - you could use chicken legs or chicken thighs instead.
    • Chicken Stock - homemade chicken broth / stock is best. But good quality stock cubes are fine.
    • Leeks
    • Basmati Rice - leave out if you want. Or substitute with noodles or potatoes.
    • Grated Carrot
    • Freshly Ground Salt And Black Pepper
    • Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional for garnish)

    Equipment

    For This Cock-a-Leekie Soup Recipe You May Need….

    The following links and any links in the recipe card below are affiliate links.

    This means that if you click on it and then buy that product, I’ll get a small commission (at no extra cost to you of course).

    If you do click through, then thanks for being a part of Neil’s Healthy Meals!

    This is the set of pans I recommend for cooking with.

    The set includes 16, 18, 20 cm saucepans, 1 x 14 cm milk pan and 1 x 24 cm fry pan.

    The pans are suitable for all hobs including induction.

    They come with a 1-year guarantee which can be extended to a 10-year warranty when you register the product.

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    FAQ's

    How To Store Cock-a-Leekie Soup?

    The soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 3 - 4 days maximum.

    Can I Freeze Cock-A-Leekie Soup?

    Yes the soup can be transferred to an airtight container and frozen.

    How To Reheat This Chicken Soup?

    Allow soup to thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

    More Scottish Soup Recipes For You To Try

    📋 Scottish Leek and Potato Soup
    This vegan, gluten free and healthy Scottish leek and potato soup is deliciously creamy and smooth tasting without the added calories of butter or cream!
    Check out this recipe
    A simple healthier Scottish leek and potato soup. Still as deliciously creamy and smooth tasting as the original but as it's not made with butter or cream, it's so much more healthier! Completely suitable for lactose intolerant and vegetarians too!
    Scottish Vegetable Soup
    Scottish vegetable soup is packed full of healthy seasonal veggies that combine together to produce a fantastic unique flavour.
    Check out this recipe
    Scottish vegetable soup is packed full of healthy seasonal veggies that combine together to produce a fantastic unique flavour. This delicious bowl of goodness will hug you from your head to your toes!
    Scottish Pearl Barley Vegetable Soup
    Scottish pearl barley vegetable soup is delicious and filling. This thick, comforting and easy soup recipe is packed full of flavour and hearty goodness!
    Check out this recipe
    Two bowls of Scottish pearl barley vegetable soup one in front of the other with a chopping board with a knife and chopped leek on in the background.
    Two bowls of Scottish cock-a-leekie soup garnished with chopped parsley one in front of the other.
    Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipe!
    5 from 6 votes

    📋 Scottish Cock-a-Leekie Soup Recipe

    Scottish cock-a-leekie soup is a staple in most Scottish homes. This is an easier quicker version than the traditional recipe taking less than an hour to make!
    Prep Time15 mins
    Cook Time30 mins
    Total Time45 mins
    Course: Dinner, Lunch
    Cuisine: Scottish
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 191kcal
    Author: Neil

    The following links and any links in the recipe card below are affiliate links.

    This means that if you click on it and then buy that product I’ll get a small commission (at no extra cost to you of course).

    If you do click through then thanks for being a part of Neil’s Healthy Meals!

    Equipment

    • Saucepans
    • Measuring jug
    • Kitchen scale
    • Chopping board
    • Kitchen knives
    • Grater
    • Measuring spoons
    • Wooden spoon

    Ingredients

    • 350 g Skinless Boneless Chicken Breasts
    • 2 L Chicken Stock
    • 250 g Leeks shredded
    • 50 g Basmati Rice
    • 150 g Grated Carrot
    • Freshly Ground Salt and Pepper
    • 1 tablespoon Freshly Chopped Parsley
    Metric - US Customary

    Instructions

    • Place the chicken breast in the chicken stock, bring to the boil and simmer for about 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through but not rubbery. Remove chicken and place to the side to cool a little.
    • Add leeks and rice to the hot stock and simmer gently for 10 minutes.
    • Meanwhile shred the chicken breast.
    • Once leeks and rice are cooked stir in the grated carrot and simmer for a further 5 minutes.
    • Turn off the heat, stir in the shredded chicken and season to taste.
    • Serve the soup in bowls garnished with chopped parsley.
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Nutrition

    Calories: 191kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 433mg | Potassium: 554mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 3716IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutrition Label

    Nutritional information provided below is calculated using paid for online tools and the exact ingredients and quantities used above.

    Nutrition Facts
    📋 Scottish Cock-a-Leekie Soup
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 191 Calories from Fat 36
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 4g6%
    Saturated Fat 1g6%
    Trans Fat 0.01g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
    Monounsaturated Fat 2g
    Cholesterol 36mg12%
    Sodium 433mg19%
    Potassium 554mg16%
    Carbohydrates 20g7%
    Fiber 1g4%
    Sugar 6g7%
    Protein 17g34%
    Vitamin A 3716IU74%
    Vitamin C 7mg8%
    Calcium 37mg4%
    Iron 1mg6%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Rate The Recipe

    If you’ve made this Scottish Cock-a-Leekie soup recipe, or any other recipes on Neil's Healthy Meals, then please let me know.

    I’d love to hear what you think of my recipe in the comments below and please do rate my recipe 5* if you like it! 🙂

    Related

    « No Bake Banana Cheesecake
    10 Best Winter Scottish Soup Recipes »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. angiesrecipes

      November 08, 2022 at 4:16 am

      5 stars
      I could easily make this as the main with some homemade sourdough 🙂 So comforting and warming!
      angiesrecipes

      Reply
      • Neil

        November 08, 2022 at 5:48 am

        It would be amazing with some homemade sourdough. Thanks Angie!

        Reply
    2. 2pots2cook

      November 08, 2022 at 10:19 am

      5 stars
      Perfect comforting healthy soup for colder season! Love it!

      Reply
      • Neil

        November 08, 2022 at 11:34 am

        Thank you! I'll have to make lots more of this soup if the weather carries on as dismal as it is! 🙂

        Reply
        • Karen

          November 12, 2022 at 10:37 pm

          5 stars
          First time I've made cock a leekie soup and this recipe was delicious and so easy to make. I used to always buy this for my lunch so happy to be able to make it. I doubled up quantities and made a massive pot. Prior to this your lentil soup had been my favourite. Thank you.

          Reply
          • Neil

            November 13, 2022 at 7:22 am

            Thanks Karen! So glad you enjoyed my cock-a-leekie soup and that you found it both delicious and easy to make, that's what I try to aim for. 🙂 The lentil one is probably the most popular soup recipe on the site after the leek and potato one. If you haven't yet tried the Scottish leek and potato one, I'm sure you'd love that too!

            Reply
    3. Charlie DeSando

      November 08, 2022 at 1:41 pm

      5 stars
      Love the name of the soup and the recipe.

      Well done, Neil

      Reply
      • Neil

        November 09, 2022 at 5:20 am

        Thanks Charlie. 🙂

        Reply
    4. sherry M

      November 09, 2022 at 6:53 am

      5 stars
      this looks good neil. Hubby doesn't like leeks tho i guess i could use other allium type veges. The rice would give the soup a nice texture too.

      Reply
      • Neil

        November 09, 2022 at 9:33 am

        It is good Sherry, thanks. A favourite family recipe. I think if you husband doesn't like leeks you could try white cabbage instead. Although you really don't taste the texture of the leeks once they're cooked.

        Reply
    5. Ben | Havocinthekitchen

      November 09, 2022 at 12:27 pm

      5 stars
      I've never heard this (somewhat funny) name, but the soup is seriously delicious - that's my type of comfort food for cold and gloomy parts of the year. Great flavours. And prunes? I'm intrigued! While you skipped them, I should give it a try! 🙂

      Reply
      • Neil

        November 09, 2022 at 3:41 pm

        Thanks Ben. Yeah the name comes from an old Scottish recipe with French also in it for the "chicken" part! Feel free to add prunes. That's not my thing at all! Ha ha!

        Reply

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