Description
A comforting chicken soup recipe that warms the heart and nourishes the soul, perfect for colder months or when you’re under the weather.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 pounds), cleaned and cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup water (if needed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)
- 1 cup egg noodles or rice (optional, for heartiness)
Instructions
- Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry.
- Cut the chicken into pieces—legs, thighs, wings, and breasts.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces, skin-side down, and sear for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute while stirring constantly.
- Add the sliced carrots and celery, sautéing for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, and add the bay leaf. Stir to coat the vegetables.
- Return the browned chicken to the pot.
- Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged. Add water if needed.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Carefully remove the chicken pieces from the pot using tongs and place them on a cutting board to cool slightly.
- Shred the chicken meat using two forks, discarding the skin and bones.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring it into the broth and vegetables.
- Taste the soup and adjust with salt and pepper as necessary.
- If desired, stir in egg noodles or rice and let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until cooked through.
- Just before serving, stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice if using.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy warm.
Notes
Consider making the chicken broth a day ahead to enhance depth and richness. Pair with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: chicken soup, comfort food, healing soup, healthy soup, homemade broth