This Chicken Soup recipe is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for any time of the year. Packed with tender chicken, nutritious vegetables, and flavorful broth, it’s a go-to meal for families. This recipe is straightforward and requires basic kitchen tools, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
Appliances and Special Utensils
Large stockpot or Dutch oven
Cutting board
Knife
Wooden spoon or ladle | Wooden spoon or ladle
Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs), cleaned
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 large carrots, sliced
4 celery stalks, sliced
8 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
2 bay leaves
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup egg noodles or other pasta (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper.
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Sauté Vegetables: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
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Add Chicken and Broth: Place the whole chicken into the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and water, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged. Add the sliced carrots, celery, bay leaves, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Stir to combine.
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Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
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Remove and Shred Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Let it cool slightly before shredding the meat off the bones. Discard the skin and bones.
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Add Noodles (Optional): If using egg noodles or other pasta, add them to the pot and cook according to the package instructions until tender.
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Combine and Season: Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir to combine and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy your hearty and delicious homemade chicken soup!