Traditional Chicken Soup

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 2 hours
🍽 Serves: 6
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There's nothing quite like a bowl of traditional chicken soup to warm the soul and nourish the body. This recipe brings together simple, fresh ingredients to create a comforting classic that's perfect for any time of year. Whether you're fending off a cold or simply craving a taste of home, this chicken soup has got you covered.

Ingredients for Traditional Chicken Soup

Chicken: The backbone of the soup, providing depth and richness. Opt for a whole chicken to get the best flavor and texture.
Water: The base of the soup, turning into a flavorful broth as it simmers.
Carrots: Add sweetness and color, complementing the savory broth.
Celery: Offers a subtle crunch and a classic taste, balancing the flavors.
Onion: Provides a savory depth and slight sweetness to the soup.
Garlic: Adds a gentle kick and aroma, boosting the savory profile.
Bay Leaf: Infuses a subtle, earthy flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Parsley: Fresh and bright, it adds color and a hint of peppery spice.
Thyme: Offers a woodsy, slightly minty note that complements the chicken beautifully.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a quality whole chicken for the best flavor — organic if possible.
  • Skim the foam diligently for a clear broth.
  • If you prefer a richer broth, add a chicken bouillon cube or two.
  • Make a double batch and freeze portions for easy meals later on.

Serving Suggestions

This traditional chicken soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping. Consider serving it with a side salad for a light, balanced meal. For a heartier option, add cooked noodles or rice directly into the soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, but the soup may lack some depth of flavor. Consider adding additional chicken stock.
How long can I store the soup?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, then proceed with shredding the chicken.

Traditional Chicken Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by placing your whole chicken into a large pot. Pour in about 10 cups of water, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged. Bring this to a boil over medium-high heat. As it heats up, foam may rise to the surface; just skim it off with a spoon for a clear broth.

Once boiling, add your sliced carrots, chopped celery, diced onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Toss in the bay leaf, salt, and pepper, giving everything a gentle stir. Reduce the heat to a low simmer and let it cook for about an hour and a half. This is where the magic happens, as the flavors meld together to create a deliciously rich broth.

After simmering, carefully remove the chicken from the pot. Let it cool slightly before shredding the meat from the bones. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, discarding the bones. Stir in the fresh parsley and thyme, and let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes. This final touch really brightens the dish.

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Then, your chicken soup is ready to serve!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Full of flavor with fresh herbs and aromatic vegetables.
  • Simple to make with easy-to-find ingredients.
  • Perfect for meal prep and freezer-friendly.
  • Great for boosting immunity and staying healthy.

Ingredients

1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs)
10 cups water
2 large carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp thyme

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Place the chicken in a large pot and add water.
2. Bring to a boil, skimming off any foam.
3. Add carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 hours.
5. Remove the chicken, shred the meat.
6. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
7. Add parsley and thyme, simmer for 10 more minutes.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

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