Chicken Soup Recipe

This Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe is my absolute favorite soup recipe and is so easy to make from scratch! Perfect for cozy dinners or a comforting meal when you need a pick-me-up, this chicken soup is packed with flavor and nutrition. Each bowl brings warmth and satisfaction, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This chicken soup recipe involves simple steps that anyone can follow, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks.
• Full of Flavor: The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates a deliciously rich broth that warms your soul.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein and vitamins from the vegetables, this soup is not only tasty but also healthy.
• Versatile: Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or spices. It’s great as a main dish or paired with bread!
• Great Leftovers: This recipe makes generous servings, ensuring you have plenty of delicious leftovers for the next day.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large stockpot
• Dutch oven or large pot
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Large stockpot: Essential for making the broth, allowing ample space for all ingredients.
• Fine-mesh strainer: Ensures a clear broth by removing any solids from the liquid.
• Sharp knife: A must-have for quick and safe chopping of vegetables.

Ingredients

This Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe is my absolute favorite soup recipe and is so easy to make from scratch!

For the Broth

• 10-12 bone-in skinless chicken thighs
• 3 quarts cold water

For the Vegetables

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 yellow onions (peeled and diced)
• 8 large carrots (peeled and chopped)
• 6 ribs celery (chopped)
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)

Seasoning

• 2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• Juice from one lemon
• 2 bay leaves

Garnish

• Fresh chopped parsley (to garnish)

How to Make Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Make Your Broth

Add the chicken thighs to a large stockpot. Pour in approximately 3-4 quarts of cold water. Bring it to a boil. Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for about 30-45 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables (Mirepoix)

While your broth simmers, chop your vegetables. Heat one tablespoon olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions and cook them until they turn translucent, usually around 4-5 minutes. Next, add the carrots and celery; stir well to combine. Continue cooking over medium heat for 10-15 minutes while stirring often. In the last two minutes, mix in the minced garlic along with salt and pepper. Finally, add the bay leaves. If anything starts browning too much, lower your heat.

Step 3: Strain the Broth

Once your broth has finished simmering and the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from heat. Use tongs to take out the chicken thighs and place them on a cutting board to cool down slightly. Strain the broth using a fine-mesh strainer into the pot containing your vegetables.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once cool enough to touch, shred the chicken using two forks or your hands into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

Step 5: Simmer Again

Add the lemon juice back into the pot with vegetables and broth. Bring everything back to a boil before reducing heat again to low. Cover it up and let it simmer for another 30 minutes until all vegetables are tender. In the last 5-10 minutes of cooking time, return your shredded chicken back into the pot.

Step 6: Serve

Taste your soup before serving — adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired before enjoying this comforting bowl of homemade goodness!

How to Serve Chicken Soup Recipe

Chicken soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many delightful ways. Whether served as a comforting main course or paired with sides, this chicken soup recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.

Classic Bowl

• Serve in individual bowls, topped with fresh chopped parsley for an extra burst of flavor and color.

With Crusty Bread

• Pair with a slice of warm, crusty bread or a baguette for dipping. The bread complements the broth beautifully.

Over Rice or Noodles

• Serve the chicken soup over cooked rice or noodles to create a heartier meal. This adds texture and makes it more filling.

In a Bread Bowl

• For a fun twist, serve your chicken soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl. This not only looks great but also allows diners to enjoy the bread as they finish their soup.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Add additional herbs like thyme or dill as garnishes for a fresh flavor boost. This enhances both the taste and presentation of your dish.

How to Perfect Chicken Soup Recipe

To ensure your chicken soup is the best it can be, consider these helpful tips. Each step can elevate your dish from good to great.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken thighs will make a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Simmer Low and Slow: Allowing your broth to simmer gently helps extract maximum flavor from the chicken and vegetables.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your soup as it cooks and adjust salt, pepper, and acidity levels with lemon juice for balance.
• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to throw in additional vegetables like peas or corn for added nutrition and texture.
• Make Ahead: Prepare your chicken soup in advance; it often tastes better the next day as flavors meld together.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Soup Recipe

Complementing your chicken soup with the right side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread: A crunchy garlic butter spread on toasted bread that pairs perfectly with soup.
2. Simple Salad: A fresh green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette adds crunch and freshness.
3. Cheese Quesadillas: Warm tortillas filled with cheese make for a deliciously cheesy side that kids love.
4. Vegetable Sticks: Crisp carrot, cucumber, and celery sticks provide a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
5. Corn Muffins: Sweet and moist muffins add sweetness that balances well against savory soup flavors.
6. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes can be served alongside or even mixed into the soup for heartiness.
7. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs complements the flavors of the chicken soup nicely.
8. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful peppers stuffed with grains and vegetables add nutrition and variety to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chicken soup can seem simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish.

• Boldly overcooking the chicken – Overcooking can make the chicken dry and tough. Keep an eye on it while simmering and remove it once it’s cooked through.
• Boldly skimping on seasoning – Chicken soup needs flavor! Be generous with salt, pepper, and herbs during cooking for a more vibrant taste.
• Boldly ignoring the mirepoix – The base of your soup is crucial. Don’t rush the cooking process for onions, carrots, and celery; allow them to soften and release their flavors.
• Boldly using cold broth – Always start with cold water for making broth. This helps extract more flavor from the chicken as it simmers.
• Boldly skipping the lemon juice – Adding lemon juice brightens the soup’s flavor. Don’t forget this step to enhance your dish!
• Boldly neglecting to strain – Straining your broth removes impurities and enhances clarity. Always strain before adding vegetables for a cleaner soup.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Chicken Soup Recipe

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chicken Soup Recipe

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat in microwave-safe bowls at medium power, stirring every minute until hot.
• Stovetop – Reheat over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries about making this chicken soup recipe.

How long does it take to make this Chicken Soup Recipe?

The total time for this recipe is about 110 minutes, which includes prep and cooking time.

Can I use different types of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute bone-in skinless chicken thighs with chicken breasts or even turkey if you prefer.

What can I add to customize my Chicken Soup Recipe?

Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes or peas. Herbs like thyme or rosemary also add great depth of flavor!

Is this Chicken Soup Recipe healthy?

Absolutely! It is packed with protein from the chicken and nutrients from vegetables, making it a wholesome choice.

How do I make a vegetarian version of this Chicken Soup Recipe?

You can replace the chicken with plant-based proteins and use vegetable broth instead of water for a delicious vegetarian option!

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices. I encourage you to give it a try; it’s perfect for any occasion!