What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade chicken soup is comforting, nourishing, and packed with flavor—perfect for chilly days or when you need a little extra warmth.
- Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh veggies for an easy, wholesome meal.
- Versatile: Swap veggies or noodles to make it your own—great for using leftovers!
- Healing and hearty: The rich broth soothes the soul while keeping you full and satisfied.
Recipe
Chicken soup is a timeless comfort food, perfect for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather. This homemade version is simple, hearty, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into pieces
2 quarts water
1 large onion, chopped
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
3 celery stalks, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 cup egg noodles (optional, for added heartiness)
Instructions:
- In a large pot, combine the chicken pieces and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
- Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, salt, pepper, bay leaves, and thyme. Cover and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Discard the skin and bones, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot. If using egg noodles, add them and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- Stir in the fresh parsley and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.
Notes:
- For a richer flavor, you can sauté the vegetables in a tablespoon of olive oil before adding them to the pot.
- Chicken soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Equipment:
Large pot
Knife and cutting board
Measuring spoons
Ladle
Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
Serves 6-8
Nutrition
Chicken soup is a nutritious dish packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional content per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
| Vitamin A | 15% DV |
| Vitamin C | 10% DV |
| Calcium | 4% DV |
| Iron | 6% DV |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade chicken soup with crusty bread, like a warm baguette or sourdough slice, perfect for soaking up every bit of broth. A fresh salad with crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a revitalizing balance to the meal. These combinations make the soup feel complete, and I think you’ll enjoy them too!
Crusty Bread Options
Nothing beats dunking a warm, crusty piece of bread into a bowl of homemade chicken soup—it’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds! I love a classic baguette, its crisp exterior giving way to a soft center perfect for soaking up broth. Sourdough’s tangy flavor adds a nice contrast, while a rustic country loaf brings hearty texture. For something richer, try garlic bread or cheesy focaccia—just toast it lightly so it stays sturdy. Even a simple ciabatta or dinner roll works wonders. Just make sure it’s fresh, because stale bread just won’t do the soup justice!
Fresh Salad Pairings
When you’re enjoying a comforting bowl of homemade chicken soup, adding a fresh salad can really brighten up the meal. I love pairing it with a simple mixed greens salad, tossing in crisp cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. Sometimes, I’ll go for a Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and Parmesan shavings for a richer twist. A classic Greek salad with olives and feta also works wonders. If I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll toss together a kale and apple salad with a drizzle of honey mustard dressing. The combo’s invigorating, balancing the soup’s warmth perfectly. It’s a match made in comfort-food heaven!
