A 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 loved by many. It warms you up on cold days and is perfect for when you’re feeling under the weather. Plus, making this soup at home is simple and allows you to control the ingredients. You can enjoy a fresh, delicious meal that brings comfort and nourishment to you and your family.

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 the chicken, carrots, celery, and onion in a large soup pot.
  3. Add enough cold water to cover all the ingredients.
  4. Bring the pot to a boil over medium heat.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered until the meat falls off the bone, about 90 minutes. Be sure to skim off foam that forms on the top as needed.
  6. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool until you can handle it safely.
  7. Chop the meat into pieces and throw away the skin and bones.
  8. Strain out the vegetables and keep the broth.
  9. Rinse the soup pot and return the broth to the pot.
  10. Chop the vegetables into smaller pieces and put them back in the pot along with the chopped chicken.
  11. Warm the soup until it’s heated through. Season with salt, pepper, and chicken bouillon to taste.
  12. Serve and enjoy!

How to serve Homemade Chicken Soup

Serve the hot soup in bowls. You can add some fresh herbs like parsley for extra flavor. It goes well with crusty bread or crackers on the side. Everyone can help themselves to as much as they like!

How to store Homemade Chicken Soup

To store leftover chicken soup, let it cool completely. Pour it into an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to eat more!

Tips to make Homemade Chicken Soup

  • Use fresh vegetables for the best flavor.
  • Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
  • For a richer broth, roast the chicken beforehand.
  • You can add noodles or rice to make it heartier.

Variation

If you like, you can add different vegetables like potatoes, peas, or corn. Some people enjoy adding spices like thyme or bay leaves for extra flavor. Feel free to experiment to find your favorite combination!

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover chicken for this soup?
Yes, you can use cooked chicken instead. Just skip the boiling step and add the chicken toward the end of cooking.

2. Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

3. Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes, just make sure to use gluten-free bouillon and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.