Nothing warms the soul quite like a bowl of Delicious Homemade Chicken Soup. This comforting classic fills your home with inviting aromas and nourishes your body with wholesome ingredients. Packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables and fragrant herbs, Delicious Homemade Chicken Soup brings flavour and nutrition together in every spoonful. Whether you’re soothing a cold, preparing a family favourite or indulging in a cozy meal, this recipe will never disappoint. Simple to make and loaded with goodness, Delicious Homemade Chicken Soup turns mealtime into a delightful experience. Follow this step-by-step guide and discover why everyone loves Delicious Homemade Chicken Soup.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chicken soup to soothe the soul and nourish the body. Packed with tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and fragrant herbs, this recipe is your go-to for comfort food with a healthy twist. Whether you’re battling a cold or simply craving a hearty meal, this homemade chicken soup is the perfect choice.
Ingredients
For the Broth:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs), cleaned and cut into pieces
- 10 cups water
- 1 medium onion, peeled and halved
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled
- 2 celery stalks, cut into thirds
- 2 carrots, cut into thirds
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup chopped potatoes (optional)
- 1 cup egg noodles or rice (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lemon (optional, for a tangy finish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Broth:
- In a large stockpot, add the chicken pieces, water, onion, garlic, celery, carrots, bay leaves, peppercorns and salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, skimming off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the broth simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the Flavors have melded.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot, discarding the solids.
2. Shred the Chicken:
- Once the chicken has cooled enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones. Discard the skin and bones.
- Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the clean pot with strained broth, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the diced celery, carrots, and potatoes (if using), cooking for 5-7 minutes until slightly tender.
4. Assemble the Soup:
- Add the shredded chicken back into the pot.
- Stir in thyme, oregano, parsley and any additional salt or pepper needed.
- If using noodles or rice add them now and simmer the soup for another 10-12 minutes or until they are fully cooked.
- For a zesty finish, stir in lemon juice just before serving.
5. Serve and Garnish:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers on the side.
Flavour-Enhancing Tips
- Use Homemade Broth:
For a richer flavour, make the broth from scratch as outlined in the recipe. Store-bought options can work in a pinch but won’t match the depth of homemade. - Customize Your Vegetables:
Feel free to add zucchini, parsnips or green beans for variety. - Spice It Up:
Add a pinch of chili flakes or freshly grated ginger for a warming kick. - Make It Creamy:
Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a velvety texture.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
FAQs
1. Can I make chicken soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chicken soup tastes even better the next day as the Flavors deepen. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Can I freeze chicken soup?
Yes! Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
3. What’s the best cut of chicken for soup?
Whole chicken provides the most flavourful broth, but you can use chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even a rotisserie chicken for convenience.
4. Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes! Skip the noodles or use gluten-free pasta. Ensure any store-bought broth you use is labeled gluten-free.
5. How can I make my chicken soup more flavourful?
Add a Parmesan rind to the broth while it simmers or finish the soup with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. Fresh herbs like dill or cilantro can also elevate the flavour.
6. What’s a good side dish for chicken soup?
Serve chicken soup with a side of garlic bread, a simple green salad or buttery biscuits for a complete meal.
Craving comfort in every bite? Click here to explore more delicious recipes that warm your heart and soul.