Homemade Chicken Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings, or when you’re feeling under the weather. It’s flavorful, comforting, and packed with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and delicious broth. Whether you’re new to cooking or just craving some classic comfort food, this recipe will walk you through the simple steps. Before you know it, you’ll have a big pot of steamy goodness ready to share. Oh, and bonus – your kitchen will smell amazing!
Table of content
- About The Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Make the Recipe(Step-by-Step)
- Expert Tips for Success
- Variations and Customizations
- Nutritional Information
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Recipe Card
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Comments & Reviews
- Social Sharing Options
About The Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe
When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a steaming bowl of Homemade Chicken Soup. This timeless dish has been around for centuries – seriously, people have been enjoying versions of it since ancient times. There’s something so iconic about the mix of tender chicken, flavorful broth, and veggies, especially when a loaf of crusty bread is involved!Let’s be honest: homemade chicken soup is a go-to when you’re sniffly and wrapped in a blanket, but this recipe is also one you can whip up just because you want something tasty and nourishing. At BellRecipes, we love it because it’s simple, soulful, and perfect for sharing with family or friends. This soup also reminds us of all those wholesome meals you grew up with – the kind you never forget because they warm both your heart and your belly. Bonus? It’s super customizable, so if you’re out of one ingredient, swapping it is easy! Ready to get cozy? Grab your ladle – it’s soup time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic comfort food that everyone loves
- Perfect for cold weather or under-the-weather days
- Rich and hearty flavors with tender chicken and fresh vegetables
- Simple ingredients that are easy to find
- Customizable for different diets and tastes
- Can be frozen and reheated for easy meal prep
- Ready in under an hour
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Chicken: You’ll need bone-in chicken like thighs or drumsticks for the best flavor. Boneless chicken works too, but may lose some depth in taste. Rotisserie chicken is a quick option if you’re short on time.
- Vegetables: Classic picks include carrots, celery, and onions. Add parsnips for sweetness or spinach for a boost of greens.
- Stock/Broth: Chicken stock gives a rich taste, but vegetable broth works if you’re out of chicken stock.
- Noodles or Rice: Optional but great for adding texture! Egg noodles are classic, but rice or quinoa are good gluten-free alternatives.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs like parsley or thyme are a must. Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor, but dried ones will work in a pinch.
How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)
- Step 1: Start by heating oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until aromatic – about 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Add your chicken pieces (bone-in ones give the broth more flavor) to the pot. Cook briefly to slightly brown the chicken.
- Step 3: Pour in your chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 30 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove the chicken from the pot. Shred the meat with forks, discarding the bones, and add it back to the soup.
- Step 5: Check the seasoning – add salt, pepper, and any other herbs you like. Stir in noodles or rice if you’re using them, cooking until tender.
- Step 6: Serve the soup hot with fresh parsley on top and enjoy!
Expert Tips for Success
Use bone-in chicken for a richer broth!
Skim any foam off the soup as it simmers – it keeps the broth clear.
Don’t overcook the noodles; add them at the very end to avoid mushiness.
Make a big batch and freeze smaller portions for quick meals later.
Fresh herbs brighten the soup, especially if adding them just before serving.
Experiment with veggie add-ins like zucchini or bell peppers.
Variations and Customizations
Want to make this soup your own? Replace the noodles with cooked rice or quinoa for a healthier twist. For a creamy version, add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk. You could also mix up the protein by using turkey instead of chicken. Feeling a spicy kick? Stir in a pinch of chili flakes or some sliced jalapeños. The recipe’s foundation is simple, so have fun experimenting with different ingredients to suit your taste.
Nutritional Information
Homemade Chicken Soup is as nutritious as it is comforting. A one-cup serving typically has about 150-200 calories, depending on how you make it. It’s packed with lean protein from the chicken, vitamins from the veggies, and – if you’re using noodles or rice – a healthy dose of carbs for energy. The broth hydrates and provides electrolytes like sodium, making it especially great when you’re feeling under the weather. Plus, you can adjust the recipe to make it low-carb or gluten-free.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
To store, let the soup cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days. For longer storage, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. Reheating is simple: warm it on the stove over low heat until hot, stirring occasionally. If you froze the soup, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Pro tip: If you’ve made it with noodles or rice, you might want to store them separately to keep them from soaking up too much broth.
Recipe Card of Homemade Chicken Soup
Ingredients list
- 1 (3 pound) whole chicken
- 4 carrots halved
- 4 stalks celery halved
- 1 large onion halved
- water to cover
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, gather all your fresh ingredients: the whole chicken, vibrant carrots, crisp celery, and a large onion, ready for the pot.
- Add the chicken, carrots, celery, and onion to a large soup pot. Pour in enough cold water to cover everything. Bring it to a charming boil over medium heat, then let it simmer uncovered on a gentle low until the chicken is tender and meat easily falls off the bone, about 90 minutes. As it simmers, skim off the foam occasionally.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pot, allowing it to cool until it's easy to handle. Break it down—chop the meat into generous pieces, discarding the bones and skin.
- Strain the cooked vegetables from the broth, ensuring the stock stays clear and vibrant. Refresh the pot with this stock, cleaning as needed. Chop the vegetables finely, adding them back into the pot alongside the chopped chicken.
- Heat your majestic soup until just warmed through. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of chicken bouillon granules to draw out the flavors most harmoniously.
- Ladle it into bowls with love and share the soul-warming goodness. Relish each nourishing spoonful!
Recipe Video
Notes
Nutrition
All Your Questions About This Recipe
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Just shred it and add it during the final steps of cooking.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
No worries – dried herbs work just fine. Use about 1/3 of the amount called for fresh herbs since dried ones have a stronger flavor.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Totally! Combine all the ingredients (except noodles/rice) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add noodles/rice during the last hour of cooking.
How do I keep the broth clear?
Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the top while the soup simmers. This step helps keep it looking clear and appetizing.
What’s the best way to reheat this soup?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. It’s the easiest way to make sure everything heats evenly.