Description
A comforting homemade chicken soup made with tender chicken, soft vegetables, and a flavorful broth slowly simmered with herbs. This classic nourishing soup is warm, soothing, and perfect for a simple wholesome meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs whole chicken or bone-in chicken pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup egg noodles or 3/4 cup rice (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chicken to the pot and pour in the chicken broth and water.
- Stir in the bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30–40 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and allow it to cool slightly.
- Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and discard the skin and bones.
- If using noodles or rice, add them to the soup and cook until tender.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir everything together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving.
Notes
- Bone-in chicken adds extra flavor to the broth but boneless chicken can also be used.
- For a heartier soup, add diced potatoes while simmering.
- Extra vegetables such as peas, corn, or green beans can be added near the end of cooking.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving brightens the flavor.
- If freezing the soup, consider leaving out the noodles and adding them fresh when reheating.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
