Chicken Soup Recipe (with Video)

​Chicken Soup Recipe: There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of homemade chicken soup. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving something hearty, this classic recipe is perfect for satisfying both the soul and the stomach.

Not only is it incredibly delicious, but chicken soup also comes with a range of health benefits, from boosting immunity to providing warmth and comfort.

So, let’s dive into the ultimate step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect chicken soup from scratch!

Ingredients Needed for Chicken Soup

Before we start cooking, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for a classic chicken soup:

• Chicken: A whole chicken or bone-in chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, or drumsticks).
• Vegetables: Onions, carrots, celery, garlic.
• Herbs and spices: Bay leaves, thyme, parsley, and black pepper.
• Broth or water: You can use chicken broth for extra flavor or just water.
• Salt and pepper: For seasoning.

Optional ingredients:

• Noodles, rice, or potatoes (for a heartier version).
• Fresh lemon juice for a zesty twist.
• Fresh ginger for a warming kick.

Equipment You Will Need

• Large stockpot or Dutch oven
• Knife and cutting board
• Ladle
• Fine mesh strainer or skimmer
• Tongs
• Large spoon

How to Make Chicken Soup

You’ll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this easy chicken soup:

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

Start by choosing the right chicken. You can either use a whole chicken or bone-in pieces like thighs or breasts. Bone-in chicken helps create a richer and more flavorful broth due to the collagen released during simmering.

1. Rinse the chicken under cold water, removing any excess fat or skin if desired.
2. Pat it dry with paper towels.
3. If you’re using a whole chicken, you can leave it whole or cut it into pieces for faster cooking.

Step 2: Prepping the Vegetables

Now, it’s time to prepare the vegetables that will add layers of flavor and nutrition to your soup.

1. Chop the vegetables: Dice 2 onions, slice 3-4 carrots, and 3-4 celery stalks. Mince 3-4 cloves of garlic.
2. Feel free to add extra veggies like parsnips, leeks, or turnips for additional texture and flavor.

Step 3: Making the Broth

The broth is the foundation of any good chicken soup, and making it from scratch will enhance the depth of flavor.

1. Place the chicken in the stockpot and cover it with water or chicken broth (about 10-12 cups).
2. Add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery into the pot.
3. Toss in bay leaves, thyme, parsley, and a few whole black peppercorns for seasoning.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 4: Cooking the Chicken

Once the broth starts to boil, it’s time to reduce the heat and simmer the chicken until it’s tender.

1. Lower the heat to a simmer and let the chicken cook for about 1 to 1.5 hours.
2. As the chicken cooks, you’ll notice some foam rising to the top. Use a skimmer or spoon to remove this foam periodically for a clearer broth.

Step 5: Adding Vegetables

After the chicken has simmered for a while, you’ll want to add more vegetables to the soup to give it substance and nutrition.

1. Add the sliced carrots and celery at this stage if you haven’t done so earlier, as they will soften but still retain some texture.
2. Let the vegetables simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes or until tender.

Step 6: Adding Noodles or Rice (Optional)

For a more filling soup, you can add noodles or rice.

1. If you’re adding noodles, stir them into the soup in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
2. For rice, add uncooked rice 20 minutes before the soup is done, allowing it time to fully cook in the broth.

Step 7: Adjusting Seasoning

Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning to suit your preference.

1. Add salt and pepper to taste.
2. You can also throw in some fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill to brighten the flavor.

Step 8: Shredding the Chicken

Once the chicken is fully cooked, it’s time to remove it from the soup and shred it.

1. Use tongs to carefully lift the chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board.
2. Let it cool slightly, then shred the meat with two forks, discarding the skin and bones.
3. Add the shredded chicken back into the soup.

Step 9: Final Simmer

To allow all the flavors to meld together, give your soup one last simmer.

1. Let the soup simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the shredded chicken and vegetables to soak up all the broth’s goodness.
2. Taste once more and make any final seasoning adjustments.

Serving Suggestions

Now that your chicken soup is ready, it’s time to serve! For an extra layer of flavor:

• Garnish with fresh parsley, green onions, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
• Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying meal.

Storing and Freezing Chicken Soup

Chicken soup keeps well, making it a great option for meal prep.

1. Store in the fridge: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days.
2. Freezing: Chicken soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Freeze in portion-sized containers for easy defrosting.

FAQs about Chicken Soup Recipe

What are the key ingredients in chicken soup?

The essential ingredients for a classic chicken soup include chicken (usually bone-in for extra flavor), broth or stock, carrots, celery, onions, and herbs like parsley or thyme. Some recipes also call for noodles or rice.

How long should I cook chicken soup?

For optimal flavor, chicken soup should simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours. This allows the chicken to become tender and the vegetables to soften, blending all the flavors together.

Can I freeze chicken soup?

Yes! Chicken soup freezes very well. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months.

How do I make chicken soup more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor, use bone-in chicken, add fresh herbs, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice at the end of cooking. You can also use homemade chicken broth for a richer taste.

Can I make chicken soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking process develops deep, comforting flavors.

Conclusion

Homemade chicken soup has long been cherished as a go-to comfort meal, and for good reason. It’s warm, nourishing, and easy to customize.

Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving something cozy, chicken soup offers the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor.

Plus, making it at home allows you to experiment with different ingredients—try adding your favorite vegetables, herbs, or even spices to create a unique twist that suits your taste. Don’t hesitate to get creative and make this timeless dish your own!