Description
As the comforting aroma of simmering broth fills my kitchen, I can't help but think of those chilly evenings spent huddled around the table with my family, bowls of warm goodness in hand. This chicken soup recipe brings back memories of laughter, healing, and togetherness, transforming a simple meal into a heartfelt experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken
- 1 onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 carrots
- 2 celery stalks
- 2 potatoes
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Start by heating a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until they soften and become fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Chicken: Next, toss in bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces into the pot. Brown them for about 5 minutes on each side, creating a rich flavor base for your soup.
- Pour in the Broth: After browning, carefully pour in enough chicken broth to cover the chicken by about an inch. Add your favorite herbs like thyme and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the Soup: Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes. You'll know the chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the soup and let it cool slightly. Discard the skin and bones, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces before adding it back to the pot.
- Add Noodles (Optional): If you’d like, stir in some egg noodles or rice now. Cook them according to package instructions, just until al dente, and mingle them throughout the soup.
- Season to Taste: Finally, taste your chicken soup and season with salt and pepper as desired. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors beautifully!
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs elevate your chicken soup recipe, enhancing flavor and nutrients for a wholesome result.
- Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken for richer flavor and a heartier broth; this will also improve your soup's texture.
- Adjust Cook Time: Avoid overcooking the chicken; it should be tender but not falling apart to ensure each bite is juicy and flavorful.
- Layer Flavors: Start with sautéing onions and garlic before adding other ingredients. This simple step builds a deep, savory base for your chicken soup.
- Season Gradually: Add salt and spices in stages to prevent oversalting. Taste as you go to achieve the perfect balance in your chicken soup recipe.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the soup to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors meld beautifully, making each bowl even more delicious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: soup
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg