Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe: A Comforting Bowl of Goodness
Are you looking for a heartwarming and healthy meal that's perfect for a chilly evening or when you're feeling under the weather? Look no further than this homemade chicken soup recipe. This classic dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, using simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Why This Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe is the Best
This recipe stands out because it focuses on building a rich, flavorful broth from scratch. Many recipes rely on pre-made broth, but making your own allows you to control the salt content and achieve a depth of flavor that’s simply unmatched. Plus, nothing beats the satisfaction of creating a nourishing meal from the ground up!
This recipe is also highly versatile. Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on your preferences and what’s in season. Want to add some carrots, celery, and potatoes? Go for it! Prefer a spicier kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients You'll Need:
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For the Broth:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), or 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 12 cups water
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
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For the Soup:
- Cooked chicken, shredded (from the broth)
- 1 cup egg noodles (or your preferred pasta)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Make the Broth: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, combine the whole chicken (or chicken thighs), water, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, peppercorns, bay leaf, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours for a richer broth. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful your soup will be!
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Remove the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken meat and set aside. Discard the skin and bones.
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Strain the Broth: Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the vegetables and any remaining solids. Return the broth to the pot.
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Add Noodles and Chicken: Add the egg noodles to the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the noodles are cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the shredded chicken.
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Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
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Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely before storing in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months.
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Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier soup.
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Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, green beans, or corn.
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Different noodles: Experiment with different types of pasta, such as ditalini, orzo, or even rice.
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Lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors.
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This homemade chicken soup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity, deliciousness, and versatility make it a perfect addition to your recipe collection. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a warm and comforting bowl of goodness!