Description
Healing Chicken Soup is a comforting and nourishing recipe that blends tender chicken pieces, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a savory broth. Perfect for cold days or when you need a boost of home-cooked goodness, this soup soothes the body and soul with its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Broth
- 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 pounds), cleaned and cut into pieces
- 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup water (if needed)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Additional Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)
- 1 cup egg noodles or rice (optional, for heartiness)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the whole chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Then cut the chicken into pieces: legs, thighs, wings, and breasts.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, skin-side down, and sear for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
- Cook Carrots and Celery: Toss in the sliced carrots and celery, sautéing for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add Herbs: Sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, and add the bay leaf, stirring to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Combine Chicken and Vegetables: Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot, nestling them among the vegetables.
- Pour Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged. Add water if needed. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours to develop deep flavors.
- Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken pieces from the pot using tongs and place them on a cutting board to cool slightly. Shred the chicken meat using two forks, discarding the skin and bones.
- Return Shredded Chicken: Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring it into the broth and vegetables for a hearty texture.
- Season the Soup: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed to your preference.
- Add Noodles or Rice: If adding egg noodles or rice, stir them in now and let the soup simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until fully cooked.
- Final Touches: Just before serving, stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice if using to brighten the soup’s flavor.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth if possible.
- Adjust herbs and seasoning according to taste preference.
- The lemon juice adds brightness but is optional.
- Egg noodles or rice make the soup more filling and can be omitted for a lighter version.
- This soup freezes well; store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving as it can be tough and sharp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: healing chicken soup, comforting chicken soup, homemade chicken soup, chicken and vegetable soup, nourishing soup
