Chicken Soup Recipe

This Chicken Soup Recipe is a heartwarming dish that brings comfort and warmth to any occasion. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, hosting a family gathering, or simply craving something delicious, this homemade chicken soup is perfect for you. Its rich flavor and nourishing ingredients make it a standout choice. Plus, it’s easy to prepare from scratch, ensuring you enjoy fresh and wholesome goodness in every bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple steps that anyone can follow, making it perfect for beginner cooks.
• Flavorful: The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates a soup bursting with flavor.
• Versatile: You can customize the ingredients based on what you have at home or your personal preferences.
• Health Benefits: Packed with protein and vitamins, this chicken soup is not only delicious but also nutritious.
• Great for Meal Prep: This recipe yields plenty of servings, making it perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the preparation smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large stockpot
• Dutch oven or large pot
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Cutting board
• Tongs
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large stockpot: Essential for simmering the chicken and creating a rich broth.
• Dutch oven: Perfect for sautéing vegetables evenly without burning them.
• Fine-mesh strainer: Ensures you get a clear broth by removing impurities and solids effectively.

Ingredients

This Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe is my absolute favorite soup recipe and is so easy to make from scratch!

For the Soup Base

• 10-12 bone-in skinless chicken thighs
• 3 quarts cold water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Vegetables

• 2 yellow onions (peeled and diced)
• 8 large carrots (peeled and chopped)
• 6 ribs celery (chopped)
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)

For Seasoning

• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• Juice from one lemon
• 2 bay leaves

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Make Your Broth

Add the chicken thighs to a large stockpot. Pour in approximately 3-4 quarts of cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for about 30-45 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables (Mirepoix)

While the broth simmers, chop your vegetables. In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions; cook while stirring often until they turn translucent (about 4-5 minutes). Then add chopped carrots and celery; mix well. Continue cooking for 10-15 minutes while stirring frequently. In the last two minutes, stir in minced garlic along with salt and pepper. Mix well again before adding bay leaves. If it starts to brown too much, reduce heat.

Step 3: Strain the Broth

Once simmering time is up and chicken is cooked through, remove from heat. Use tongs to take out the chicken thighs and place them on a cutting board to cool slightly. Carefully strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer into the pot with vegetables.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

When cool enough to handle, shred the chicken using two forks or your hands. Set aside until needed.

Step 5: Simmer Again

Add lemon juice into the pot with strained broth and vegetables; bring back to a boil. Reduce heat again to low, cover your pot, and let simmer for another 30 minutes until all veggies are fully cooked. In the last 5-10 minutes of cooking time, return shredded chicken back into the soup.

Step 6: Serve

Taste your soup before serving; adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired before enjoying!

How to Serve Chicken Soup Recipe

Serving chicken soup is an art that can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your homemade chicken soup.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Enjoy a slice of warm, crusty bread alongside your chicken soup for a satisfying and comforting meal. The bread is perfect for dipping!

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top of the soup before serving. This adds a burst of color and freshness to each bowl.

Add a Squeeze of Lemon

• Just before serving, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This brightens the flavors and enhances the overall taste of the chicken soup.

Serve with Crackers

• Offer a side of crunchy crackers for an extra layer of texture. They are perfect for adding a bit of crunch to each spoonful.

Accompany with Salad

• A light green salad makes an excellent side dish. It balances the richness of the soup and adds freshness to your meal.

Provide Parmesan Cheese

• Grate some Parmesan cheese over each bowl just before serving. This adds a rich, savory element that complements the chicken soup beautifully.

How to Perfect Chicken Soup Recipe

Perfecting your chicken soup recipe takes practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

• Use high-quality chicken – Choose organic or free-range chicken for better flavor and texture in your broth.
• Don’t rush the simmer – Allowing the broth to simmer slowly helps extract maximum flavor from the chicken and vegetables.
• Adjust seasoning gradually – Taste as you go! Start with less salt and pepper, then adjust according to your preference.
• Incorporate seasonal vegetables – Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
• Cool before storing – If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Reheat gently – When reheating, do so over low heat to prevent overcooking the chicken and vegetables.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Soup Recipe

Pairing side dishes with chicken soup can make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some delicious options that complement your homemade chicken soup perfectly.

1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich – A classic pairing that’s always a hit. The gooey cheese adds richness that pairs well with the broth.
2. Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread offers delightful flavor and texture alongside your soup.
3. Caesar Salad – A Caesar salad brings crunchy romaine and creamy dressing that works wonderfully with warm soup.
4. Stuffed Mushrooms – Savory stuffed mushrooms provide an earthy contrast that enhances the overall dining experience.
5. Cornbread – Sweet cornbread offers a nice balance to the savory flavors in your chicken soup.
6. Roasted Vegetables – Roasted seasonal veggies add both color and nutrients, making your meal more balanced.
7. Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges are great for dipping into the rich broth while adding heartiness.
8. Rice Pilaf – Lightly seasoned rice pilaf can soak up broth while providing a filling complement to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chicken soup can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that could affect your final dish.

• Using the wrong chicken: Using boneless chicken can lead to less flavorful broth. Opt for bone-in skinless chicken thighs to enhance the taste.
• Overcooking vegetables: If vegetables are cooked too long, they can become mushy. Add them at the right time and monitor cooking closely for optimal texture.
• Not seasoning enough: Many forget to adjust seasoning. Taste your soup before serving, and add salt or pepper as needed for flavor.
• Skipping the broth straining: Not straining the broth can leave undesirable bits in your soup. Always strain to get a clear, delicious broth.
• Ignoring simmering time: Rushing the simmering process can result in underdeveloped flavors. Allow enough time for the broth and ingredients to meld together.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your chicken soup in an airtight container.
• It will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chicken Soup Recipe

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Chicken Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best chicken for this Chicken Soup Recipe?

The best choice is bone-in skinless chicken thighs as they provide rich flavor and tenderness.

How do I make my Chicken Soup Recipe more nutritious?

Add leafy greens or beans for added nutrients while enhancing the flavor of your homemade chicken soup.

Can I customize this Chicken Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add different vegetables or spices according to your preference.

How long does it take to make this Chicken Soup Recipe?

The total time is about 110 minutes, with 20 minutes of prep and 90 minutes of cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or spices. Give it a try; you’ll enjoy its comforting warmth on any day!

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Chicken Soup Recipe

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• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 8

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Description

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe. Perfect for any occasion, this heartwarming dish combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs to create a flavorful broth that nourishes both body and soul. Whether you’re recovering from a cold, hosting a family gathering, or simply in need of a delicious meal, this soup is your go-to solution. Easy to prepare from scratch, it delivers wholesome goodness in every bowl. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize according to your taste or what you have on hand. With its rich flavor profile and health benefits, this chicken soup will quickly become a favorite in your household.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 10–12 bone-in skinless chicken thighs
• 3 quarts cold water
• 2 yellow onions
• 8 large carrots
• 6 ribs celery
• 5 cloves garlic
• Seasonings: salt, pepper, lemon juice, bay leaves
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. In a large stockpot, combine chicken thighs and cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent; add carrots and celery. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes before adding garlic and seasonings.
3. Strain the broth into the vegetable mixture after removing cooked chicken thighs.
4. Shred the chicken once cool and return it to the pot with lemon juice. Simmer for another 30 minutes.
5. Adjust seasoning before serving and garnish with parsley.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: For added nutrition, include seasonal vegetables like spinach or zucchini. Customize flavors with herbs such as thyme or dill. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 3 months.