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Homemade Chicken Soup

Homemade Chicken Soup
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Homemade Chicken Soup is a timeless, heartwarming dish known for its comforting and healing properties. Made with nutrient-rich bone-in chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, it offers a flavorful broth that soothes the soul and supports recovery. Perfect for chilly days, colds, or whenever you crave a nourishing, cozy meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 whole chicken (3–4 lbs) or equivalent bone-in chicken parts

Vegetables

  • 3 large carrots, chopped
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Liquids

  • 10 cups water or chicken broth

Optional Additions

  • Gluten-free noodles or rice (amount as desired)
  • Zucchini, spinach or peas for extra vegetables
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh ginger for spice
  • Butter or oil for sautéing (1-2 tbsp)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Wash and chop carrots, celery, and onion into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic. Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry. Prepare fresh herbs and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat butter or oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This builds the flavor base for your soup.
  3. Add Chicken and Liquid: Place the whole chicken or chicken parts into the pot. Pour in water or chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is fully covered. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low for simmering.
  4. Simmer Slowly: Allow the soup to simmer uncovered for 1 to 2 hours. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface to keep the broth clear and clean-tasting. This slow cooking extracts rich flavors and tenderizes the chicken.
  5. Remove Chicken and Add Herbs: Carefully take the chicken out of the pot. Shred the meat off the bones and discard the bones. Return shredded chicken to the pot and stir in fresh parsley and thyme to add a bright herbal note.
  6. Final Seasoning and Additions: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Add any optional ingredients like gluten-free noodles, rice, or extra vegetables. Cook until tenderness is achieved but avoid overcooking. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken for a richer, gelatinous broth that benefits gut health.
  • Slow simmering melds flavors and ensures tender chicken.
  • Skim foam frequently for a clear broth.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to maintain bright flavors.
  • Freeze leftover broth separately for future use.
  • When freezing soup with noodles, omit noodles and add fresh ones when reheating.
  • For a vegan version, substitute chicken with mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
  • Adjust salt and sodium by using homemade or low-sodium broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: homemade chicken soup, comfort food, healing soup, bone-in chicken soup, gluten-free chicken soup, immune boosting soup

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/homemade-chicken-soup/