This warm chicken soup is a hug in a bowl! With tender chicken, fresh veggies, and comforting broth, it brightens any day. Perfect for chilly nights or when you need a little pick-me-up!
Soup’s on! I love to toss in some extra noodles for fun. It’s the kind of dish that feels like home, making you want to come back for seconds (or thirds!). Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Chicken: A whole chicken adds depth to the flavor. If you prefer, you can use bone-in chicken pieces like thighs and drumsticks, which are often cheaper and just as tasty!
Water vs. Chicken Broth: Using chicken broth instead of water makes the soup richer. If you’re looking for a lighter option, low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the salt level.
Vegetables: Besides carrots and celery, feel free to add potatoes or peas for extra nutrition. If you’re short on time, frozen mixed veggies work well too!
Thyme: Fresh thyme is wonderful, but you can substitute with oregano or rosemary if you prefer a different flavor profile. Dried herbs work in a pinch, just remember that they’re more concentrated.
How Do You Ensure the Chicken is Tender and Flavorful?
To make sure your chicken is tender, cooking it slowly is key. After bringing to a boil, lower the heat and let it simmer gently. This method extracts flavors and keeps the chicken juicy. Here’s what to do:
- Start with a clean pot; this prevents any bitterness from mingling with the soup.
- Keep the pot covered while simmering. This traps steam and helps flavor develop quicker.
- Skim foam off the surface as it cooks. This keeps the broth clear and removes impurities.
What’s the Best Way to Shred the Chicken?
Shredding chicken can be messy, but it can be done easily. Here’s how to handle it:
- Let the chicken cool slightly after you’ve removed it from the pot. This way, you won’t burn your fingers.
- Use two forks for shredding, pulling the meat apart into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, if you’re comfortable, you can use your hands.
- For a shortcut, you can toss the chicken in a mixer on low speed to shred it quickly.
Try these tips for a delicious chicken soup that warms your heart and soul! Enjoy!
Classic Chicken Soup
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 3 to 4 pounds), rinsed and patted dry
- 10 cups water (or low-sodium chicken broth for richer flavor)
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup fresh dill or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Egg noodles or rice, to serve
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful chicken soup will take about 2 to 2.5 hours to prepare. This includes roughly 15 minutes of prep time, 1 to 1.5 hours for the chicken to cook, and an additional 30 minutes for the vegetables to simmer and for the flavors to meld together. Worth every minute for that comforting bowl of goodness!
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
In a large stockpot, place the whole chicken and cover it with water. Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. As the water heats up, you’ll notice some foam collecting on the surface. Skim this off with a ladle to keep your broth clear and clean.
2. Simmer the Chicken
Reduce the heat to let the mixture simmer. Add the bay leaves, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the chicken cook gently for about 1 to 1.5 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
3. Strain the Broth
Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a plate, allowing it to cool for a few minutes. Strain the broth through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into another large pot to get rid of solids and impurities. You’ll be left with a beautiful broth!
4. Cook the Vegetables
Return the strained broth to the stove over medium heat. Toss in the sliced carrots, celery, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
5. Shred the Chicken
While the veggies are cooking, shred the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces. Discard the skin and bones. This is where you get to enjoy all that delicious chicken meat!
6. Combine Everything
Add the shredded chicken back into the soup pot. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt and pepper, if needed. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to combine beautifully!
7. Optional Noodles or Rice
If you’d like, you can cook egg noodles or rice separately according to package instructions. Add these to the bottom of serving bowls before ladling the hot chicken soup over them.
8. Serve It Up
Garnish your lovely chicken soup with fresh dill or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot with some crispy crackers or fresh bread on the side. Enjoy every spoonful of this comforting classic!
Serving up a cozy bowl of chicken soup is sure to warm your heart and lift your spirits! Perfect for a chilly day or when you’re feeling under the weather. Enjoy!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Soup?
Absolutely! If you have leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken, you can skip the initial cooking step. Just use the bones to make the broth and add the shredded chicken once the vegetables are tender.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, water works just fine. For added flavor, consider using vegetable broth or even beef broth if you don’t mind a richer taste.
How Long Will Leftovers Keep?
Leftover chicken soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave out the noodles, as they can become mushy when reheated.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to throw in other veggies like spinach, peas, or potatoes. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is tender and well-cooked!