This warm and cozy chicken soup is perfect for chilly days. Packed with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and flavorful broth, it’s a hug in a bowl!
I love how easy it is to make. Just toss everything in a pot, let it cook, and enjoy the comforting smell filling the kitchen. It’s like a little bit of magic! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Chicken: A whole chicken is great for rich flavor. If you prefer, you can use just chicken breasts or thighs. Rotisserie chicken is also a handy shortcut; just shred it to add later!
Broth: I love using low-sodium chicken broth for better control over the saltiness. If you’re after a lighter version, you could use filtered water instead, but the flavor might be less robust.
Vegetables: Classic choices are carrots, celery, and potatoes. If you’re out of potatoes, try adding rice or quinoa. You can also sneak in other veggies like peas or corn for extra nutrients.
Herbs: Thyme and parsley add a great touch. If you don’t have dried herbs, feel free to use fresh ones. Just use about three times the amount because fresh herbs are milder.
How Do You Properly Simmer Chicken for Soup?
The simmering process is crucial for a great chicken soup. Start with high heat to bring everything to a boil, but then lower the heat to let it simmer gently. This allows flavors to develop without boiling away the moisture or making the chicken tough.
- Add the chicken and broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover with a lid, letting it simmer for about 45 minutes until the chicken is tender.
- Skimming off foam keeps the broth clear and clean.
Take your time with this step; it’s where the magic happens! You’ll have a comforting, rich soup at the end. Enjoy! 🍲
Classic Chicken Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into pieces or 4 bone-in chicken breasts
- 10 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This classic chicken soup takes about 15 minutes to prep, followed by 1 hour of cooking time. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 15 minutes to prepare and cook. Perfect for warming up a chilly day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base:
In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are fragrant and the onion is translucent. This will create a lovely base for your soup!
2. Add the Chicken and Broth:
Next, add the chicken pieces to the pot, followed by the water or chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil over high heat.
3. Simmer to Perfection:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface. Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, and dried parsley, and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 45 minutes until the chicken is cooked and tender.
4. Incorporate the Vegetables:
Remove the chicken pieces from the broth and set them aside to cool slightly. To the remaining broth, add the sliced carrots, celery, and diced potatoes. Continue simmering for an additional 20-25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
5. Shred the Chicken:
While the vegetables are cooking, take the cooled chicken, remove the skin and bones, and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
6. Combine and Season:
Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring to combine. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.
7. Finish and Serve:
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy with some crackers or crusty bread on the side!
There you have it! A comforting bowl of homemade chicken soup that’s sure to warm your heart and fill your belly. Enjoy! 🍲
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred the meat from the chicken and add it to the pot during the last 10 minutes of cooking. This way, you won’t lose the flavor from simmering, and it’s super convenient!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Vegetables?
No problem! You can use frozen mixed vegetables if you’re in a pinch. Just add them in during the last 10-15 minutes of simmering. They should heat through quickly and add color and flavor to your soup.
Can I Adjust the Seasoning?
Of course! Taste the soup towards the end of cooking and feel free to adjust the salt and pepper. If you like a little kick, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to freeze it, keep it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just remember to leave some space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen!
