This chicken soup is perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 cups water or chicken broth
- 2 cups egg noodles or rice (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken under cold water and remove any giblets. In a large stockpot, place the chicken.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Add the chopped carrots, celery, onion, minced garlic, bay leaves, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper to the stockpot with the chicken.
- Add Liquid: Pour in 8 cups of water or chicken broth to cover the chicken and vegetables. If using water, you can add a bouillon cube or two for extra flavor.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove the Chicken: Carefully remove the whole chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces with a fork and knife. Discard the bones and skin.
- Optional Step: If you’d like to add noodles or rice to your soup, bring a separate pot of water to boil and cook the noodles or rice according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Everything: Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the broth and vegetables. If you’re adding noodles or rice, add them now.
- Simmer Again: Let the soup simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the hot chicken soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Vitamin D: 10% DV
- Calcium: 4% DV
- Iron: 10% DV
- Potassium: 15% DV
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
Enjoy your homemade chicken soup as a comforting and nourishing meal! It’s perfect for warming you up on a cold day or providing comfort when you’re not feeling your best.
