Chicken soup is a warm hug in a bowl! Made with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and comforting broth, it’s perfect for chilly days or when you need a pick-me-up.
Honestly, there’s nothing quite like it—especially when the house smells amazing while it’s cooking. I love to enjoy mine with some crusty bread on the side. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Chicken: Using a whole chicken offers the best flavor and tender meat. If it’s too big, bone-in chicken breasts or thighs work well too. For a lighter version, try skinless chicken.
Broth: Homemade is ideal, but low-sodium store-bought broth is a great shortcut! If you want a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth. Just remember to adjust seasoning as needed!
Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onion, also known as mirepoix, are traditional. If you don’t have these on hand, you could use frozen mixed veggies or add potatoes for heartiness.
Herbs: Dried thyme and parsley add lovely flavor. Fresh herbs are even better if you have them! You can also substitute with rosemary or dill for a different taste.
Noodles or Rice: Egg noodles are classic, but you can swap them for any pasta. Brown rice or quinoa are great substitutes if you want a healthier option.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Tender and Juicy?
To get the best chicken texture, simmer it gently. Avoid boiling, as that can make the chicken tough. Instead, start with a boil to kick things off, then quickly reduce to low heat.
- Simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour with the pot covered.
- Check with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (75°C).
- Let it cool a bit before shredding, so you don’t burn your fingers!
This method keeps it juicy, ensuring a comforting soup with every spoonful. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Chicken Soup?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs), or 4 bone-in chicken breasts/thighs
- 10 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Additions:
- 1 cup egg noodles or rice
- Olive oil or butter for sautéing (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting chicken soup takes about 15 minutes of active prep time, followed by 1 hour for simmering the chicken and 25 minutes for cooking the vegetables. All in all, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 40 minutes to have a bowl of warm, tasty soup ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start Cooking the Chicken:
In a large soup pot, place the whole chicken or chicken pieces. Pour in the water or chicken broth until it covers the chicken completely. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Don’t rush—this will help build a rich flavor!
2. Skim and Simmer:
Once it starts boiling, you might see some foam on the surface—just skim that off with a spoon. Now is the time to lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 45 minutes to 1 hour until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
3. Prepare the Broth and Vegetables:
After the chicken is ready, carefully take it out of the pot and set it aside to cool. Pour the broth through a strainer to remove any bits—this keeps it nice and clear. Put the strained broth back in the pot. While your chicken cools, add the sliced carrots, celery, chopped onion, minced garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and parsley into the broth. Let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the veggies are tender.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken has cooled enough to handle, remove the skin and bones. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. It’s a great way to get the family involved—let the kids help out!
5. Combine Everything:
Add the shredded chicken back into the pot with the vegetables. If you want to make it heartier, stir in the egg noodles or rice. Cook for about 7-10 minutes for noodles or about 15 for rice until they are tender.
6. Season and Serve:
Give your soup a taste—add salt and freshly ground black pepper to make it just right. Don’t forget to take out the bay leaves—they’re not meant to be eaten! Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle extra parsley on top for a nice look.
7. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious chicken soup hot, ideally with some crunchy crackers or crusty bread on the side. This soup is not just a meal; it’s a cozy experience that warms the heart! Enjoy!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Soup?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have can save time. Just add it in during the last few minutes of cooking to heat it through.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, chicken soup freezes well! Let it cool completely, then store it in airtight containers or freezer bags. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove.
How Can I Make This Soup Creamier?
If you want a creamier soup, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk just before serving. Stir it in and let it warm up for a few minutes to blend flavors.
What If I Don’t Have All the Vegetables?
No problem! Feel free to substitute or omit any vegetables you don’t have. Other good options include peas, corn, or potatoes. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure everything is tender!
