Bowl of homemade chicken soup with vegetables and herbs

Homemade Chicken Soup

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Homemade Chicken Soup is a comforting dish that warms both the body and soul. It is not only delicious but also simple to make. By using fresh ingredients and your own whole chicken, you can control the flavor and quality of the soup. This recipe is perfect for a chilly day or when you are feeling under the weather. Plus, it makes a great meal to share with loved ones.

how to make Homemade Chicken Soup

Ingredients:

  • 1 (3 pound) whole chicken
  • 4 carrots, halved
  • 4 stalks celery, halved
  • 1 large onion, halved
  • Water to cover
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules (Optional)

Directions:

  1. Gather all ingredients.
  2. Place chicken, carrots, celery, and onion in a large soup pot. Add enough cold water to cover everything.
  3. Bring the pot to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered until the meat falls off the bone. This will take about 90 minutes.
  4. Occasionally skim off any foam that forms on the top.
  5. Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and let it sit until it cools enough to handle. Chop the meat into pieces, discarding the skin and bones.
  6. Strain the vegetables from the stock, saving the liquid. Rinse the soup pot and return the stock to it.
  7. Chop the reserved vegetables into smaller pieces and add them back to the pot, along with the chopped chicken.
  8. Warm the soup until it is heated through. Season with salt, pepper, and chicken bouillon to taste.
  9. Serve and enjoy! If you want chicken noodle soup, add cooked noodles to the pot just before serving.

how to serve Homemade Chicken Soup

Serve your homemade chicken soup in bowls, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. You can also accompany it with crusty bread or crackers for a heartier meal. This soup is great on its own or served as a starter before the main course.

how to store Homemade Chicken Soup

To store leftover chicken soup, let it cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

tips to make Homemade Chicken Soup

  • Use a whole organic chicken for the best flavor and quality.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or peas for extra nutrition.
  • If you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking a whole chicken.

variation

You can easily turn this chicken soup into chicken noodle soup by adding cooked noodles to the pot right before serving. Another variation is to add herbs such as thyme or parsley for extra flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken parts instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. Just adjust the cooking time if you use smaller pieces.

How can I make my chicken soup richer in flavor?
Adding a bay leaf or some herbs like thyme or rosemary during the simmering process can enhance the flavor.

Is it okay to add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like potatoes or green beans to the soup.