Homemade Comfort: Hearty Chicken Soup Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken, about 4-5 pounds
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 8 cups of water
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 cups of egg noodles

Steps and instructions

  1. Place the whole chicken in a large pot.
  2. Add the carrots, celery, onion, minced garlic, thyme, bay leaf, and water to the pot.
  3. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer.
  5. Let it simmer for about 1.5-2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors are well combined.
  6. Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool. Once it's cool enough to handle, remove the skin and bones, and shred the meat.
  7. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
  8. Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook until they are tender, about 10 minutes.
  9. Stir in the fresh parsley and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  10. Serve the soup hot.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - A pot big enough to hold the whole chicken and the soup ingredients.
  • Cutting board - A surface for chopping the vegetables and preparing the chicken.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for cutting the vegetables and removing the skin and bones from the cooked chicken.
  • Measuring cups - Cups for accurately measuring the water and noodles.
  • Measuring spoons - Spoons for measuring the dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
  • Wooden spoon - A spoon for stirring the soup while it simmers.
  • Soup ladle - A ladle for serving the soup into bowls.
  • Soup bowls - Bowls for serving the finished chicken soup.
  • Soup spoons - Spoons for eating the soup.

Recipe variations

  • Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken for a leaner option.
  • Add diced potatoes or parsnips for extra heartiness.
  • Include other vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans.
  • Add spices like cumin, paprika, or turmeric for additional flavor.
  • Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
  • Replace the egg noodles with rice, quinoa, or orzo.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a citrusy twist.
  • Make it creamy by stirring in a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream.
  • For a meat-free option, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of water.
  • Include fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil for added aroma.

Recipe overview

This is a classic Chicken Soup recipe. Made with a whole chicken, fresh vegetables, and egg noodles, this soup is hearty, nutritious, and delicious. Cooking the chicken with the vegetables and seasonings for a couple of hours lets all the flavors meld together beautifully. The egg noodles add a satisfying bite. This is a fairly easy recipe, requiring only some simple preparation and then letting it simmer until it's ready. The result is a wonderfully comforting bowl of soup that's perfect for a cold day or when you're feeling under the weather. Enjoy our chicken soup recipe, a dish that's sure to become a favorite in your household.

Common questions

  1. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe? Yes, boneless chicken can be used. However, using a whole chicken with bones and skin will enhance the flavor of the soup.
  2. Can I use chicken broth instead of water? Yes, you can substitute some or all of the water with chicken broth for a richer flavor. Adjust the seasoning accordingly.
  3. How long can I store the leftover soup? Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  4. Can I freeze the soup? Yes, you can freeze the soup. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  5. Can I add other vegetables to the soup? Absolutely! You can add other vegetables such as potatoes, peas, or corn to customize the soup to your taste.
  6. Can I use different types of noodles? Yes, feel free to use your preferred type of noodles, such as rotini or bowtie pasta, instead of egg noodles.
  7. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes, you can cook this soup in a slow cooker. Simply follow the steps for combining the ingredients and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - A pot big enough to hold the chicken and the soup ingredients.
  • Cutting board - To chop the vegetables and prepare the ingredients.
  • Knife - To slice the carrots, celery, and onion.
  • Garlic press - To mince the garlic cloves.
  • Soup ladle - For serving the soup into bowls.
  • Soup bowls - To serve the chicken soup.
  • Soup spoons - For eating the soup.
  • Tongs - To remove the cooked chicken from the pot and shred the meat.
  • Measuring spoons - To measure the dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
  • Timer - To keep track of cooking time.

Origin stories

Chicken soup has been a staple in comfort food for centuries, spanning a multitude of cultures and cuisines. There's a reason this dish is often called upon during cold and flu season, or when one simply needs a pick-me-up. In fact, chicken soup was prescribed as a medicinal remedy by the 12th-century physician Maimonides, who suggested it for colds and asthma. Maimonides was an influential philosopher and astronomer, but he also found time to pen a widely respected treatise on health and diet. His belief in the healing qualities of chicken soup continues to be echoed in countless households to this day. The comforting warmth, the soothing broth, the tender chicken, and the soft vegetables, all come together to create a dish that truly nourishes both body and soul.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.