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To make a great chicken soup, you need some key items. Gather the following: - 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs), cleaned and cut into pieces - 10 cups water, preferably filtered - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 large onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced finely - 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced - 3 celery stalks, sliced diagonally These main ingredients form the heart of your soup. The chicken gives it a rich flavor, while the veggies add color and taste. Seasonings bring your soup to life. Use these: - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 bay leaf - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste These herbs and spices create a warm, inviting aroma. They make your chicken soup comforting and delicious. Garnishes add a lovely finish to your dish. Consider using: - 1 cup frozen peas - Fresh parsley, chopped The peas give a nice pop of color and sweetness. Chopped parsley adds freshness and a burst of flavor. You can also pair your soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Enjoy the warmth! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start with a large stockpot. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 large diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté these for about 5 minutes. You want the onion to be soft and clear. Stir often to keep them from sticking to the pot. Now, it's time for the chicken. Add a whole chicken, cleaned and cut into pieces, to the pot. Pour in 10 cups of water. Turn up the heat to bring everything to a rolling boil. Once it boils, lower the heat to keep it at a gentle simmer. Use a spoon to skim off any foam that forms. This step helps make your broth clear and tasty. After skimming, it's time to add flavor. Toss in 3 sliced carrots and 3 sliced celery stalks. Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, and 1 bay leaf. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Stir everything well. Let it simmer for about 1.5 hours. The chicken will cook through and become tender. Once the chicken is cooked, carefully take it out and place it on a cutting board. Shred the meat with two forks. Discard the bones and skin. Place the shredded chicken back into the pot. Finally, stir in 1 cup of frozen peas. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes. This allows all the flavors to blend perfectly. To make your chicken soup burst with flavor, start with a whole chicken. This gives a rich taste. Use fresh veggies like onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté them first in olive oil to release their natural sweetness. Add herbs like thyme and rosemary for depth. These small steps make a big difference in taste. When your soup boils, foam forms on top. This foam is just proteins and impurities. To skim it off, use a ladle or a spoon. Gently scoop the foam from the surface. Do this every few minutes during the first half hour of cooking. This keeps your broth clear and tasty. Once the chicken is cooked, let it cool a bit. Place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat from the bones. Hold one fork in each hand. Pull the meat apart, working in small sections. Discard the bones and skin. This will make your soup hearty and full of tender chicken pieces. Pro Tips Choose Quality Chicken: For the best flavor, opt for organic or free-range chicken. The quality of the chicken significantly influences the taste of your soup. Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allow your soup to simmer gently for the full time to extract maximum flavor from the ingredients. Skimming the foam helps achieve a clear broth. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute with your favorite vegetables like potatoes, green beans, or corn for a personal touch. Make Ahead and Freeze: This soup freezes well! Make a big batch and store it in airtight containers for quick meals on busy days. {{image_4}} You can make your chicken soup even heartier by adding noodles or rice. Both options are easy to use. If you choose noodles, add them near the end of cooking. Cook them directly in the soup for about 10 minutes. For rice, let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Use long-grain white rice or brown rice for a healthy twist. If you want a vegetarian or vegan version, you have options. Replace the chicken with hearty vegetables. Use mushrooms, carrots, and celery for depth. You can add vegetable broth instead of water. Beans or lentils can boost protein and texture. Add your favorite herbs and spices for flavor. To spice things up, try adding heat to your chicken soup. You can mix in chili flakes or fresh jalapeños for a kick. Sriracha or hot sauce can also work well. Start with a small amount, then taste and adjust. This twist adds warmth and excitement to your cozy bowl. To keep your chicken soup fresh, store it in a sealed container. Let it cool down first. This helps prevent bacteria growth. The soup will last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to label it with the date. This way, you’ll know when to use it. Freezing chicken soup is easy and smart. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top for expansion. The soup can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight. This keeps the texture nice. Reheat your chicken soup on the stove for the best flavor. Pour it into a pot and warm it over medium heat. Stir it often until it's heated through. If you use the microwave, place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps it heat evenly. Enjoy your cozy bowl of soup! To store leftover chicken soup, let it cool first. Pour the soup into airtight containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top. This allows for expansion when freezing. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to label the containers with the date. Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken. Just remember that the flavor may not be as rich. Whole chickens add more depth to the broth. If using breasts, adjust the cooking time. Cook the chicken for about 20-30 minutes until fully done. You can still shred the chicken and add it back to the soup. Homemade chicken soup offers many health benefits. It provides warmth and comfort, especially on cold days. The broth is hydrating and can help ease a sore throat. Chicken is a great source of protein, which is vital for health. Vegetables add vitamins and minerals that boost your immune system. Plus, it’s low in fat and can be made with fresh ingredients. Enjoying a bowl can lift your spirits and help you feel better. In this post, we covered how to make chicken soup. You learned about essential ingredients, herbs, and seasonings. I shared tips for perfect flavor and how to store your soup right. Remember, you can add noodles or make it vegan too. Homemade chicken soup offers comfort and nutrition. Use these steps and tips to create your own tasty version. You now have the tools to make this dish your own. Enjoy the warmth and flavor of your creation!

Homestyle Chicken Soup Delight

A comforting and hearty chicken soup made with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole chicken (approximately 3-4 lbs), cleaned and cut into manageable pieces
  • 10 cups water (preferably filtered for a cleaner taste)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced finely
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
  • 3 stalks celery, sliced diagonally
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 leaf bay leaf
  • to taste salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large stockpot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onion is soft and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Add the cleaned chicken pieces to the pot and pour in the 10 cups of water. Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
  • Upon reaching a boil, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Skim the foam that collects on the surface with a spoon to help clarify the broth.
  • Sprinkle in the sliced carrots, celery, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaf, and season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
  • Cover the pot and allow the soup to simmer for about 1.5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the meat is tender enough to be easily shredded.
  • Carefully remove the chicken pieces from the pot and place them on a cutting board. Once cool enough to handle, use two forks to shred the meat from the bones, discarding the bones and any skin.
  • Return the shredded chicken back to the pot and stir in the frozen peas. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
  • Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning as needed—add more salt or pepper if desired. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving!
  • Ladle the warm soup into bowls and generously garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a bright finishing touch.

Notes

Pair your soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken soup, comfort food, homestyle