This homemade chicken soup recipe brings the classic flavors of comfort food to life with a wholesome, nourishing bowl of goodness. Made with tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and a flavorful broth, this chicken soup is both easy to prepare and deeply satisfying. Perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave something hearty, this recipe is designed to support your health with nutritious ingredients. Whether you’re fighting off a cold, looking for a cozy meal, or simply want to enjoy a deliciously rich chicken soup, this recipe will deliver every time.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs), cleaned and trimmed
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Optional: 1 cup cooked rice, noodles, or potatoes for extra heartiness
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken Broth
Place the whole chicken in a large pot. Add the chicken broth (or water) to cover the chicken. Add the bay leaf, smashed garlic cloves, and quartered onion for a deeply flavored base. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. - Remove and Shred the Chicken
Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the meat off the bones and set aside. Discard the bones and skin, and strain the broth to remove any large pieces, keeping it clear. - Cook the Vegetables
Add the sliced carrots and chopped celery to the pot with the strained broth. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender but not mushy. - Combine and Season
Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring to incorporate it with the broth and vegetables. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. - Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. If desired, add a scoop of rice, noodles, or potatoes for a heartier meal. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips:
- Selecting the Chicken: Using a whole chicken gives the soup a richer, more flavorful broth, but you can also use chicken breasts or thighs if you prefer.
- Flavor Boosters: For added depth, try adding a dash of soy sauce, a sprinkle of thyme, or fresh rosemary sprigs while simmering.
- Add Greens: Toss in a handful of spinach or kale at the end for extra nutrients and color.
- Make It Creamy: For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk before serving.Substitutions and Variations
Chicken soup is incredibly adaptable to different dietary needs and preferences. Here are some options to suit various diets or tastes:
- Low-Carb Version: Skip the noodles, rice, or potatoes to keep it low-carb. You can add zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or chopped turnips for a hearty yet low-carb substitution.
- Dairy-Free and Paleo Option: This recipe is naturally dairy-free. To keep it paleo, omit any grains and serve with added vegetables like butternut squash or sweet potatoes.
- Vegetarian Alternative: Swap the chicken with chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian or vegan version. Adding mushrooms can also help bring an earthy, meaty flavor.
- Add Spices for Extra Warmth: For a slightly different flavor profile, add a pinch of turmeric for color and a subtle earthy flavor. Ginger can also be added for a soothing, spicy note, especially if you’re making the soup for its immune-boosting properties.
Meal Prep Tips and Storage Suggestions
Homemade chicken soup is perfect for meal prepping and stays fresh for days. Here’s how to make the most out of each batch:
- Make a Big Batch: Chicken soup is easy to scale up, so feel free to double the recipe if you have a large pot. This way, you’ll have leftovers that can be easily reheated throughout the week.
- Storage: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors tend to deepen over time, making it even more delicious on the second or third day.
- Freezing: Chicken soup freezes well for up to 3 months. If you’re planning to freeze it, consider leaving out any noodles or potatoes, as they can become mushy after thawing. Instead, add them fresh when you reheat the soup.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat to keep the chicken tender and avoid overcooking the vegetables. If using a microwave, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
Health Benefits of Homemade Chicken Soup
This chicken soup isn’t just comforting—it’s packed with health benefits:
- Immune Boosting: The broth, especially when simmered with bones, is rich in nutrients that support immunity. It contains minerals, amino acids like glycine, and collagen, which are beneficial for gut health and immunity.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Garlic, onions, and parsley have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe sore throats and reduce inflammation. If you add turmeric, it further boosts these anti-inflammatory effects.
- Rich in Electrolytes and Hydration: Soup is hydrating, making it ideal for recovery or hydration. The chicken, veggies, and broth contain essential minerals like potassium and sodium, which help maintain fluid balance.
- Supports Digestion: The collagen in the broth can be beneficial for digestive health, helping to support the gut lining. Additionally, the warm liquid and fiber-rich vegetables can ease digestion.
Nutritional Benefits:
This chicken soup is both nourishing and beneficial to your health:
- High in Protein: Chicken provides lean protein, essential for muscle repair and immune support.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Carrots and celery contribute vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber, which support immune function, eye health, and digestion.
- Hydrating and Low in Calories: This soup is light yet hydrating, with a low calorie count that makes it suitable for those watching their calorie intake.
- Amino Acids and Collagen: The broth, especially when using a whole chicken, contains amino acids and collagen that promote joint health and digestive wellness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This homemade chicken soup is everything you could want in a bowl of comfort food—warm, savory, and filled with tender pieces of chicken and wholesome vegetables. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to add your favorite grains or greens for extra substance. The simplicity of ingredients keeps the flavor natural and clean, while the slow simmering process enriches the broth, making each spoonful deliciously satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepared in large batches, ideal for meal prepping.
Dietary Information:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles or rice if you’re avoiding gluten.
- Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the rice or noodles to keep it low in carbohydrates.
- Paleo and Whole30 Friendly: Omit any added grains, and you’ll have a paleo-friendly, Whole30-compliant meal.
Why This Recipe Works:
This recipe’s success lies in its balance of simplicity and flavor. Using a whole chicken enriches the broth, extracting maximum flavor from both the meat and bones, creating a deeply savory and nutrient-rich base. The classic aromatics—onion, garlic, carrots, and celery—impart layers of flavor, while slow simmering allows these ingredients to meld beautifully. Adding the shredded chicken and fresh parsley at the end keeps the soup light yet hearty, with each ingredient maintaining its texture and contributing to a delicious, warming experience.
The versatility of this soup also makes it adaptable; you can keep it light or make it more filling with the addition of noodles or rice, depending on your preference.
Conclusion:
This classic homemade chicken soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a timeless comfort dish that’s perfect for any season. It brings warmth and nutrition in a bowl, whether you’re looking for something simple and soothing or a filling meal. With minimal ingredients and a hands-off cooking method, it’s easy to prepare and customize, making it a staple that you’ll want to return to time and again. Enjoy the rich, savory broth and the tender chicken, and let this chicken soup warm you up inside and out.
Print
Classic Homemade Chicken Soup: A Nourishing, Soul-Warming Comfort Food
- Total Time: 1hr
Description
This homemade chicken soup recipe brings the classic flavors of comfort food to life with a wholesome, nourishing bowl of goodness. Made with tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and a flavorful broth, this chicken soup is both easy to prepare and deeply satisfying. Perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave something hearty, this recipe is designed to support your health with nutritious ingredients. Whether you’re fighting off a cold, looking for a cozy meal, or simply want to enjoy a deliciously rich chicken soup, this recipe will deliver every time.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 lbs), cleaned and trimmed
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Optional: 1 cup cooked rice, noodles, or potatoes for extra heartiness
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Broth
Place the whole chicken in a large pot. Add the chicken broth (or water) to cover the chicken. Add the bay leaf, smashed garlic cloves, and quartered onion for a deeply flavored base. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. - Remove and Shred the Chicken
Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the meat off the bones and set aside. Discard the bones and skin, and strain the broth to remove any large pieces, keeping it clear. - Cook the Vegetables
Add the sliced carrots and chopped celery to the pot with the strained broth. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender but not mushy. - Combine and Season
Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring to incorporate it with the broth and vegetables. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. - Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. If desired, add a scoop of rice, noodles, or potatoes for a heartier meal. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15mins
- Cook Time: 45mins