Classic Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe

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If you’re craving comfort food that warms your soul and brings a smile with every spoonful, this Classic Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a timeless bowl of goodness combining tender, juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, and fragrant herbs simmered to perfection. Each slurp offers a cozy hug, and the gentle aroma fills your kitchen with inviting warmth. Once you make this soup, it’ll quickly become your go-to comfort meal, perfect for chilly evenings, feeling under the weather, or simply anytime your heart asks for a little culinary love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Classic Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create a rich, flavorful broth and a satisfying texture. Each ingredient plays its role, whether it’s the savory depth from chicken and garlic or the freshness from thyme and parsley, resulting in a soup that tastes like a warm embrace.

• Whole Chicken (3-4 pounds): Using the whole chicken ensures a broth packed with rich flavor and tender meat.
• Carrots (2-3 medium): They add natural sweetness and a lovely orange hue to brighten the soup.
• Celery (2-3 stalks): Provides a subtle aromatic crunch that balances the carrots’ sweetness.
• Onion (1 medium): Diced finely to melt into the broth, lending sweetness and depth.
• Garlic (3-4 cloves): Minced garlic adds a fragrant punch that elevates every sip.
• Fresh Thyme (3-4 sprigs): Introduces an earthy herbaceous note that complements the chicken beautifully.
• Bay Leaves (2-3 leaves): These infuse the broth with subtle warmth and complexity.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning to highlight all the flavors harmoniously.
• Black Pepper (1 teaspoon): Freshly cracked for a touch of gentle heat and brightness.
• Water (8 cups): The base that captures all the wonderful flavors as the chicken simmers.
• Fresh Parsley (1 bunch): Chopped and sprinkled on top for a burst of color and freshness just before serving.

How to Make Classic Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by rinsing your whole chicken under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels. This step ensures your chicken is clean and ready to absorb all the flavors in the broth.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Toss in the finely diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent. This slow cooking releases the onion’s sweetness—the heart of any great chicken soup.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes. This boosts the soup’s aroma and adds a comforting depth that you’ll love from the very first spoonful.

Step 4: Incorporate Carrots and Celery

Add the chopped carrots and celery to the pot and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes. This softens the veggies just enough so they contribute to a silky, flavorful broth while still retaining some texture in the soup.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Herbs

Carefully place the whole chicken into the pot. Toss in the bay leaves and thyme sprigs, then pour in 8 cups of water, making sure the chicken is fully submerged. These herbs infuse the broth with unforgettable aromatic notes.

Step 6: Simmer Slowly

Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let everything simmer gently for an hour and a half to two hours. This slow simmer creates a deeply flavorful broth and tender chicken worthy of any classic homemade chicken soup recipe.

Step 7: Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken carefully from the broth and let it cool slightly. Discard the skin and bones, then shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This shredded chicken will add hearty goodness to your soup.

Step 8: Combine and Season

Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stir in salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, and simmer for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. This step helps to marry all the flavors deliciously.

Step 9: Final Touches

Take the soup off the heat, remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs, then ladle into bowls. Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley to add a vibrant touch and fresh finish to your Classic Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe.

How to Serve Classic Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Adding fresh parsley at the end not only brightens the flavor but also adds that inviting splash of green that makes the soup irresistible. For an extra warming flair, a squeeze of fresh lemon or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper can personalize each bowl perfectly.

Side Dishes

This chicken soup shines beautifully alongside crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up the rich broth. A light salad or roasted vegetables also complement the comforting warmth and make for a balanced, nourishing meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or mason jars for casual gatherings. Garnish with a swirl of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan to elevate the presentation and flavor, adding a bit of gourmet charm to this classic dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Classic Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for a quick, comforting meal anytime you need it.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup in individual portions or larger containers. Be sure to leave some room at the top as the liquid expands when frozen. Properly stored, it will keep well for up to 3 months and thaw beautifully without losing flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low to medium heat on the stove or microwave until steaming hot. Stir occasionally to ensure even warming and revive that freshly made taste we all love from a Classic Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?

Absolutely! While a whole chicken offers richer flavor from bones and skin, chicken breasts can work in a pinch. Just add them to the broth early on and be careful not to overcook, so they don’t dry out.

Is this soup suitable for freezing?

Yes, this soup freezes wonderfully and makes for a convenient meal prep option. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing and use freezer-safe containers.

Can I add noodles or rice to this soup?

Definitely! Adding noodles or rice can make your soup heartier. Cook them separately and add just before serving to avoid them becoming mushy.

What if I want a lower sodium version?

You can reduce or omit the salt during cooking and season each bowl individually. Using kosher or sea salt usually gives you better control over the saltiness.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

For a vegetarian twist, replace the chicken and water with vegetable broth and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms or lentils. It won’t be a Classic Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe then, but it will still be comforting and delicious!

Final Thoughts

This Classic Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Simple ingredients and straightforward steps come together to create a nourishing bowl full of love, perfect for sharing with family and friends. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try — there’s nothing quite like homemade chicken soup to brighten your day and fill your home with irresistible aromas and good vibes.

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