Description

Homemade Chicken Soup is a comforting, wholesome, and nourishing classic recipe that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs in a flavorful broth. Perfect for soothing the soul on chilly days or when feeling under the weather, this easy-to-make soup offers customizable options to suit various dietary needs while providing ultimate comfort and nutrition.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1 whole chicken or 2-3 pounds bone-in chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks)

Vegetables and Aromatics

3 large carrots, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
3–4 garlic cloves, minced

Herbs and Seasonings

1/4 cup fresh parsley
3 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Liquids

10 cups water or chicken broth

Optional Add-ins

1 cup egg noodles, rice, gluten-free pasta, or quinoa
Red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños (for spicy kick)
Zucchini, spinach, or peas (for vegetable boost)

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Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and chop the carrots, celery, and onion into uniform pieces for even cooking. Rinse the chicken thoroughly and trim any excess fat to keep the broth clear.
Build the Broth: In a large pot, place the chicken and cover with water or broth. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, skimming off any foam that rises to ensure a clean, flavorful base.
Add Vegetables and Herbs: Once simmering, add the chopped carrots, celery, onion, garlic, fresh parsley, thyme, and bay leaves to the pot. Stir gently and continue to cook.
Cook Until Tender: Let the soup simmer for at least one hour until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are soft but not mushy, allowing flavors to deepen and meld together.
Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the pot and shred the meat with forks. Discard bones and skin if desired, then return the shredded chicken to the broth.
Final Seasoning and Serving: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Add optional noodles or rice now, cooking until just tender. Serve the soup piping hot for maximum comfort, garnished with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Notes

Use bone-in chicken for richer broth and more nutrients.
Slow simmering unlocks the fullest flavor from all ingredients.
Regularly skim foam to keep broth clear and visually appealing.
Add delicate fresh herbs like parsley near the end for vibrant flavor.
Store broth and solids separately for easier reheating and texture control.
Add noodles just before serving to keep them from becoming mushy.
Freezes well for up to three months in airtight containers.
Use store-bought broth as a time-saving alternative, though homemade broth yields richer taste.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
Calories: 180
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 70mg