What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade chicken soup is perfect for warming up on a chilly day or soothing a scratchy throat. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
- Comforting and Healing: A bowl of this soup feels like a warm hug, especially when you’re under the weather.
- Quick and Simple: With just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or noodles to make it your new go-to recipe.
Recipe
Nothing beats a warm bowl of homemade chicken soup when you’re feeling under the weather or just craving comfort food. This classic recipe is simple, nourishing, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Place the whole chicken in a large pot and add water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Skim off any foam that rises to the top.
- Add carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer uncovered for 1 hour.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred the meat, discarding bones and skin. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
- Stir in fresh parsley and simmer for another 10 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes:
- For extra flavor, roast the chicken before adding it to the pot.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Equipment:
- Large stockpot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Ladle
Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Cuisine: American
Serving: 6-8 servings
Nutrition
Chicken soup is a comforting and nutritious dish packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
| Vitamin A | 20% DV |
| Vitamin C | 10% DV |
| Calcium | 4% DV |
| Iron | 6% DV |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my homemade chicken soup with garlic bread; its crispy, buttery flavor complements the soup perfectly. A fresh salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette also makes a great side, adding an invigorating crunch to the meal. These pairings turn a simple soup into a satisfying, well-rounded dinner!
Garlic Bread Pairing
With a warm bowl of chicken soup in front of you, garlic bread makes the perfect companion. Its crispy crust and buttery, garlicky center soak up the broth beautifully, adding a rich, savory bite to every spoonful. I love toasting it just until golden, so it’s crunchy on the outside but still soft inside. A sprinkle of parsley or parmesan takes it up a notch, though it’s delicious plain, too. Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll never want soup without it. It’s simple, satisfying, and turns a cozy meal into something extra special.
Fresh Salad Option
Looking for a lighter side to balance out that comforting bowl of chicken soup? I love pairing mine with a crisp, fresh salad—it’s the perfect contrast. Try a simple mix of romaine, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes, tossed with a tangy lemon vinaigrette. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add avocado or crumbled feta for extra flavor. The crunch cuts through the soup’s richness, making each bite feel balanced. Plus, it’s easy to throw together while the soup simmers. Trust me, this combo hits the spot every time, leaving you satisfied but not stuffed. Give it a try!
