Description
Homemade Chicken Soup is a classic, nourishing dish that combines wholesome ingredients like organic chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs to create a comforting and healing meal. Perfect for boosting immunity, soothing colds, or simply enjoying a warm, hearty bowl, this recipe allows full control over ingredients for maximum flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 whole organic or free-range chicken (about 3–4 pounds) or equivalent chicken parts
Vegetables
- 3 medium carrots, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3–4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1–2 inches fresh ginger, sliced
Herbs and Seasonings
- 3–4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, freshly cracked, to taste
Liquid
- 12 cups cold water or chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the whole chicken or chicken parts under cold water to clean. Place them into a large pot and cover completely with cold water or broth to start forming the soup base.
- Add Vegetables and Aromatics: Chop carrots, celery, and onions into even pieces. Add them to the pot along with smashed garlic cloves, fresh ginger slices, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves to infuse rich flavors.
- Simmer Slowly: Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to maintain a low simmer. Skim off foam or impurities that rise to the surface for a clear broth. Let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours to deeply develop flavors and tenderize the chicken.
- Remove and Shred the Chicken: Carefully take the chicken out of the pot and let it cool slightly. Remove the skin and bones, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces for adding back into the soup.
- Strain and Return Broth: Strain the broth if you prefer a clear soup by removing vegetables and herbs, or leave them in for a chunkier texture. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.
- Final Simmer and Serve: Allow the soup to simmer an additional 10-15 minutes to meld all flavors thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving warm, garnished with fresh parsley or chives.
Notes
- Use organic or free-range chicken for the best flavor and nutrition.
- Simmer the soup gently and slowly to keep broth clear and nutrient-rich.
- Skim regularly to remove foam for a cleaner broth.
- Add delicate herbs such as parsley near the end to preserve fresh flavor and color.
- Allow the soup to rest for a few minutes before serving to deepen flavors.
- You can substitute or omit vegetables based on availability without losing the comforting essence.
- Leftover roasted or boiled chicken can be used to save time.
- Consider gluten-free noodles or spiralized veggies for a gluten-free variant.
- Add heat with cayenne or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with mushrooms and beans.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers refrigerated up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American/Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: homemade chicken soup, comfort food, healing soup, immune boosting, gluten free chicken soup, chicken broth recipe, cold remedy soup