Skip to content
Home » Chicken Soup Recipe

Chicken Soup Recipe





Chicken Soup Recipe

Description

Discover the ultimate chicken soup recipe with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect food for any season! Chicken soup is a comforting and nourishing dish that has been enjoyed for generations. Its simplicity and warmth make it a go-to remedy for colds, a hearty meal on a cold day, or a staple comfort food in many cultures. The key to a great chicken soup lies in the quality of the ingredients and the time allowed for the flavors to meld together. This recipe offers a perfect balance of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth that will surely become a favorite in your home.

Ingredients – Chicken Soup Recipe

  • 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds), cut into pieces
  • 8 cups water
  • 2 large onions, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 carrots, sliced
  • 4 celery stalks, sliced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 cups egg noodles or any pasta of choice
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions

Step-by-Step for Chicken Soup Recipe

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. This helps in removing any impurities and makes the chicken ready for cooking.
  2. Start the Broth: In a large pot, add the chicken pieces and cover them with 8 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. As the water heats up, you’ll notice some foam forming on the surface. Skim off the foam to keep the broth clear.
  3. Add Aromatics: Once the foam has been skimmed off, add the chopped onions, minced garlic, carrots, celery, bay leaves, dried thyme, dried parsley, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine.
  4. Simmer the Broth: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow cooking process allows the chicken to become tender and the vegetables to infuse the broth with their flavors. Occasionally check the soup, stirring and skimming off any foam or fat that rises to the top.
  5. Remove and Shred Chicken: After the chicken has cooked through and is tender, use tongs to carefully remove the pieces from the pot. Place them on a cutting board and let them cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones, discarding the skin and bones. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
  6. Strain the Broth: For a clearer broth, you can strain the soup through a fine mesh sieve into another large pot. This step is optional but recommended for a smoother texture. If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can skip this step.
  7. Cook the Noodles: If you’re adding noodles to your chicken soup, now is the time to cook them. Add the egg noodles or your pasta of choice directly to the pot with the strained broth. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
  8. Combine and Adjust Seasoning: Add the shredded chicken back into the pot with the broth and noodles. Stir to combine and taste for seasoning. Add more salt and pepper if needed. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes to ensure all the flavors are well combined.
  9. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the chicken soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges on the side. The lemon juice adds a fresh, tangy flavor that brightens up the soup.

Tips and Variations – Chicken Soup Recipe

  • Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables such as potatoes, peas, or corn to the soup. These can be added during the initial cooking stage with the other vegetables.
  • Herb Enhancements: Fresh herbs like dill, rosemary, or basil can be added towards the end of cooking for an additional layer of flavor.
  • Thickening the Soup: For a thicker soup, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water or a roux made from butter and flour.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free noodles or rice instead of egg noodles for a gluten-free version.
  • Spicy Twist: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: 250 per serving
  • Protein: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg

Historical Facts about Chicken Soup Recipe

Chicken soup has a long and storied history that spans many cultures and centuries. Often referred to as “Jewish penicillin,” it has been a staple in Jewish cuisine for centuries, commonly served during Sabbath meals and other special occasions. The Chinese also have a version of chicken soup that dates back over a thousand years, believed to have restorative and health-boosting properties. In Europe, chicken soup was popularized as a comforting dish during the Middle Ages, often used to help the sick and infirm recover from illnesses.

The American version of chicken soup became particularly popular in the early 20th century with the advent of canned soups. Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup, introduced in 1934, quickly became a household favorite and has since been a symbol of comfort and warmth in American homes.

Chicken soup’s reputation as a remedy for colds and flu is not just folklore. Modern science supports the idea that chicken soup can help reduce symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections. The hot broth helps clear nasal congestion, and the combination of nutrients from the chicken and vegetables provides a boost to the immune system.

Despite the various versions and adaptations of chicken soup around the world, the essence remains the same: a nourishing, warm, and comforting dish that brings people together and provides solace during times of illness and cold weather.