This chicken soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a tasty broth, it’s perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Honestly, there’s no better comfort food than this. I love to cozy up with a big bowl and some crusty bread. It just feels like home! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Chicken: A whole chicken is ideal for making flavorful broth, but you can use bone-in chicken thighs or breasts if that’s what you have. Those add great taste too!
Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onion are classic, but feel free to add peas, corn, or even potatoes. They add extra nutrition and variety!
Broth: Homemade chicken broth is wonderful, but low-sodium store-bought broth works just fine if you’re short on time. You could even use vegetable broth for a lighter option.
Pasta or Rice: If you want to skip the noodles, quinoa or barley can be a fantastic alternative. It changes the texture and is a great way to mix it up.
How to Make Your Chicken Soup Richer in Flavor?
One simple way to boost the flavor is by properly simmering your ingredients. When you first add your chicken to water or broth, it’s important to bring it to a boil and then reduce it to a low simmer.
- Skimming off foam helps keep the broth clear and aesthetically pleasing.
- Add onions, garlic, and bay leaves early; the longer they cook, the more they flavor the broth.
- Always taste the soup before serving! Adjust the salt and pepper based on your preference—freshly ground black pepper adds a nice kick.
- Garnish with fresh herbs right before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Classic Chicken Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs), cut into pieces
- 8 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup egg noodles or rice (optional)
- Fresh parsley or thyme sprigs for garnish
- Crackers or crusty bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting chicken soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time and approximately 1 hour of cooking time. Make sure to set aside a bit of time for the chicken to cook thoroughly and for the flavors to meld together. You’ll end up with a hearty soup that warms you from the inside out!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Broth:
In a large pot, place the chicken pieces and cover them with water (or broth). Turn the heat to medium-high and bring everything to a boil. As soon as you see foam rising to the top, gently skim it off with a spoon. This keeps your broth nice and clear! Lower the heat and let it simmer.
2. Adding Flavorful Ingredients:
Add in the chopped onion, minced garlic, bay leaves, and thyme. Let it simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and very tender. You’ll know it’s ready when the meat is falling off the bone!
3. Cooking the Veggies:
Once the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the pot and place it on a plate to cool slightly. Now, toss the sliced carrots and celery into the pot. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes until they are tender, soaking up all the delicious flavors!
4. Shredding the Chicken:
While the veggies are cooking, remove the skin and bones from the chicken and shred the meat into small, bite-sized pieces. It should come apart easily if it’s cooked properly.
5. Assembling Your Soup:
Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the veggies. If you’d like, add in the egg noodles or rice now and cook according to the package instructions until they’re nice and tender. Stir it all together!
6. Final Touches:
Before serving, taste the soup and sprinkle in some salt and pepper to suit your flavor preference. Remember to take out the bay leaves—they’ve done their job!
7. Serving:
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for that extra touch, and enjoy it hot! It pairs perfectly with crackers or some crusty bread for dipping.
Enjoy your warm and comforting classic chicken soup! It’s perfect for a cozy night in or when you need a little comfort food magic!
Can I Use a Rotisserie Chicken Instead of a Whole Chicken?
Absolutely! A rotisserie chicken can save you time. Just skip the initial boiling step. Shred the chicken and add it to the broth after simmering the veggies. This step will give you that wonderful chicken flavor without the long cooking time!
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to allow it to cool completely before freezing!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and replace the chicken with chickpeas or mushrooms for added protein and texture. The cooking process will be similar, and you’ll still end up with a deliciously comforting soup!
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No worries! Dry herbs can be used as a substitute. Generally, you’ll want to use about 1/3 of the amount called for with fresh herbs. So if the recipe calls for 1 tsp of fresh thyme, you can use about 1/3 tsp of dried thyme instead.
