Description
A comforting and nourishing chicken soup recipe that warms both body and soul, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 pounds), cleaned and cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup water (if needed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)
- 1 cup egg noodles or rice (optional, for heartiness)
Instructions
- Rinse the whole chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Cut the chicken into pieces: legs, thighs, wings, and breasts.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, skin-side down, and sear for about 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
- Add the sliced carrots and celery and sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Sprinkle in the dried thyme and rosemary; add the bay leaf, stirring to coat the vegetables.
- Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot, nestling them among the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring that the chicken is fully submerged. Add water if needed.
- Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 90-120 minutes.
- Carefully remove the chicken pieces from the pot using tongs and place them on a cutting board to cool slightly. Shred the chicken meat using two forks, discarding the skin and bones.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring it into the broth and vegetables. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- If using, stir in egg noodles or rice and let the soup simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until cooked through. Stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice if desired just before serving.
- Ladle the healing chicken soup into bowls and enjoy it warm.
Notes
Freeze extra portions for a nourishing meal ready at a moment’s notice. Adjust herbs and vegetables based on preference for unique variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chicken soup, healing soup, comfort food, family recipe
