Ultimate Homemade Chicken Soup

$To make the ultimate homemade chicken soup, gather these key ingredients: - 1 whole chicken (approximately 3-4 lbs), thoroughly cleaned - 8 cups chicken broth (or substitute with water) - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 large onion, finely diced - 3 garlic cloves, minced - 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds - 3 celery stalks, sliced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 aromatic bay leaf - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 1 cup frozen peas - 1 cup egg noodles or rice (optional) - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) You can add more flavor and nutrition with these optional ingredients: - 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh - 1-2 potatoes, diced - 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut These ingredients can make the soup heartier and more colorful. If you have allergies or dietary needs, here are some easy swaps: - Chicken: Use turkey or vegetable protein for a different flavor. - Broth: If you need it vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead. - Noodles or Rice: Substitute with gluten-free pasta or quinoa. - Oil: Use avocado oil or coconut oil instead of olive oil for different fats. These substitutions will ensure everyone can enjoy this delicious soup! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, gather all your ingredients. You need a whole chicken, chicken broth, olive oil, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, thyme, rosemary, a bay leaf, salt, pepper, frozen peas, and optional noodles or rice. 1. Chop the Vegetables: Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Peel and slice the carrots into rounds. Slice the celery stalks. This makes cooking easier later. 2. Heat the Oil: In a large pot, pour in the olive oil. Heat it over medium heat until hot. 3. Sauté the Base: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for about 3-4 minutes. The onion should become soft and fragrant. 4. Add Carrots and Celery: Toss in the sliced carrots and celery. Stir them for about 5 minutes. This step adds flavor to your soup. 5. Pour in Broth: Next, pour in the chicken broth. If you want, you can use water. Turn the heat up until the mixture boils. 6. Add the Chicken: Gently place the whole chicken in the pot. Sprinkle in dried thyme, rosemary, and the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Make sure the chicken is covered in broth. 7. Simmer: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with a lid. Let it cook for about 1 hour. The chicken must reach 165°F and become tender. 8. Remove the Chicken: After an hour, carefully take the chicken out of the pot. Place it on a cutting board to cool down. 9. Shred the Chicken: Once cool enough, shred the chicken meat from the bones. Discard the skin and bones. Return the shredded meat to the soup. 10. Add Noodles or Rice: If you choose to add noodles or rice, do so now. Cook them as per package directions, usually 8-10 minutes. 11. Finish with Peas: Stir in the frozen peas and let them heat for about 2 minutes. Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper. 12. Remove Bay Leaf: Don’t forget to take out the bay leaf before serving. Now you have a warm, tasty chicken soup ready to enjoy! To make your chicken soup shine, use fresh herbs. Fresh parsley adds a bright note. Adding a splash of lemon juice at the end can brighten flavors. For deeper taste, try roasting the chicken first. This adds a lovely richness to the broth. Another great tip is to sauté your onions and garlic slowly. This brings out their sweetness. Use high-quality chicken broth for the best base. If you use water, add more seasonings to boost the flavor. One common mistake is not seasoning enough. Salt enhances flavors, so taste as you go. Skipping the bay leaf can also dull the taste. Always remember to remove it before serving. Another mistake is overcooking the chicken. This can make it dry. Cook it just until tender, then shred it. Finally, avoid adding noodles too early. They can turn mushy if cooked too long. For a thicker soup, let it simmer longer. This reduces the liquid and thickens the broth. If it gets too thick, simply add more broth or water. When adding noodles or rice, cook them right in the soup. This allows them to absorb flavors. Stir gently to avoid breaking them. The goal is a comforting, hearty soup that feels just right. Pro Tips Use Quality Broth: For the best flavor, use a high-quality chicken broth or homemade stock. This will greatly enhance the richness of your soup. Shred Chicken Efficiently: Let the chicken cool slightly before shredding. Use two forks to pull the meat apart easily, ensuring even pieces for your soup. Customize Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute any vegetables you like, such as potatoes, green beans, or corn. This allows for a more personalized soup experience. Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This soup also freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. {{image_4}} You can boost your chicken soup's nutrition by adding more vegetables. Try these options: - Spinach: Add a few handfuls of fresh spinach near the end of cooking. It cooks quickly and adds iron. - Zucchini: Slice zucchini into rounds. Add it with the carrots for a fresh taste. - Bell Peppers: Dice any color bell pepper and sauté it with the onion. It adds sweetness. - Corn: Add canned or frozen corn for a sweet crunch. Toss it in with the peas. Adding these vegetables not only enhances the flavor but also packs your soup with vitamins. If you want to change it up, consider different proteins. Here are some tasty options: - Turkey: Use a whole turkey instead of chicken. It gives a rich flavor and works well. - Tofu: For a vegetarian option, add cubed tofu. It absorbs flavors and is good for you. - Shrimp: Toss in cooked shrimp at the end. They cook fast and add a nice twist. These proteins keep the heart of the soup but offer new tastes and textures. Do you like a bit of heat? Spice things up with these ideas: - Red Pepper Flakes: Add a pinch when you sauté the onion. It gives a warm kick. - Jalapeños: Dice fresh jalapeños and add them with the garlic. Adjust the amount based on your spice level. - Hot Sauce: Drizzle your favorite hot sauce into each bowl before serving. It lets everyone customize their heat. These spicy variations can turn your comforting soup into a bold dish! After enjoying your soup, let it cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container. Label the container with the date. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing. To freeze your chicken soup, use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. When reheating, do it slowly on the stove over low heat. Stir often to prevent it from sticking. If the soup is too thick, add a bit of water or broth. For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, to ensure even warming. Enjoy your comforting bowl of chicken soup! You can use chicken parts like thighs or breasts. Just make sure to use about 2-3 pounds. Sauté the parts in olive oil until golden. Add your veggies and broth, then simmer until the chicken is tender. This method makes a tasty soup without needing a whole chicken. Yes, store-bought broth works great too! Look for low-sodium options for better control over salt. You can also enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs or more garlic. Just remember to taste as you go so it meets your liking. Homemade chicken soup offers many benefits. It provides protein from the chicken, which helps your body repair tissues. The veggies add vitamins and minerals that support health. Plus, warm soup can soothe a sore throat and keep you hydrated. It's comfort food that truly nourishes! In this post, we covered the main ingredients for chicken soup, including what to use and how to adjust for allergies. I walked you through the cooking steps and shared tips for flavor and texture. We also explored fun variations and storage methods. Chicken soup is simple but offers many ways to make it your own. Remember, each step adds layers of taste. Enjoy creating your perfect bowl of comfort.$

Ultimate Homemade Chicken Soup

A hearty and comforting chicken soup made with fresh ingredients and aromatic herbs.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1 15

Total Time 1 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 whole chicken (approximately 3-4 lbs), thoroughly cleaned
8 cups chicken broth (or substitute with water)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
3 stalks celery, sliced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 bay leaf aromatic
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup egg noodles or rice (optional)
for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Incorporate the sliced carrots and celery, continuing to cook for an additional 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Pour in the chicken broth (or water), increasing the heat until the mixture reaches a rolling boil.
Gently place the whole chicken into the pot. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and season generously with salt and pepper. Ensure the chicken is completely submerged in the broth.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and allow the soup to simmer for about 1 hour. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and be tender enough to shred.
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a cutting board to cool slightly.
When the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the bones, discarding the skin and bones. Return the shredded chicken back to the pot, stirring to combine.
If adding, incorporate the egg noodles or rice into the soup. Cook them according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes or until tender.
Stir in the frozen peas, allowing them to heat through for approximately 2 minutes. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving.

Notes

Ladle the chicken soup into generous bowls, finishing with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant touch. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top will enhance the flavors beautifully. For a heartier meal, serve alongside warm crusty bread or buttery rolls. Enjoy!

Keyword chicken soup, comfort food, homemade