How to Make Homemade Chicken Soup from Scratch

How to make homemade chicken soup from scratch.

Ingredients you’ll need:

To prepare a great homemade chicken soup, you’ll need a few easy ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen:

For the broth:

• Clean one entire chicken (approximately 3-4 lbs) and add 10 cups of water.
• Ingredients: 1 peeled and split onion, 3 smashed garlic cloves, 2 roughly cut carrots and celery stalks, and 1 bay leaf.
• 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns.
• Salt, to taste.

For the soup:

• Two sliced carrots, two cut celery stalks, and one diced onion.
• 1 cup cooked egg noodles (or other pasta you want)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme.
• 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare chicken broth.

Put the whole chicken in a big saucepan. Combine the water, split onion, smashed garlic, sliced carrots, celery, bay leaf, peppercorns, and a hefty amount of salt. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a medium heat and allow to simmer for 45 minutes to an hour.

When the chicken is thoroughly cooked, the broth will be a rich, golden color. Skim away any froth or contaminants that rise to the surface while cooking.

2. Remove the chicken and strain the broth.

Carefully take the chicken from the pot and allow it to cool. Strain the soup through a fine mesh screen to remove the vegetables, bay leaf, and peppercorns, leaving behind a clear and fragrant liquid. Return the strained broth to the pot.

3. Shred the chicken.

When the chicken has cooled enough to handle, separate the meat from the bones and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Discard the skin and bones.

4. Cook the vegetables.

Heat the pot with the strained broth over medium heat. Combine the sliced carrots, celery, and diced onion. Allow them to cook for 10–12 minutes, or until tender.

5. Combine the chicken and seasonings.

Return the shredded chicken to the pot, along with the dried thyme. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes so that the flavors can combine. Season with more salt and pepper to taste.

6. Add noodles and garnish.

Finally, add the cooked egg noodles (or your choice pasta) and let them warm for a minute or two. If preferred, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips for the Best Homemade Chicken Soup:

• Don’t rush the soup: Simmering the chicken slowly over low heat is essential for creating a rich and delicious broth.
• Use bone-in chicken. The bones provide depth and richness to the broth.
• Customize your vegetables. To make the soup more hearty, add more veggies such as parsnips, potatoes, or spinach.
• Skip the noodles if storing: If you intend to store the soup, do not add the noodles until you are ready to serve. This stops them from becoming too mushy.

FAQs

Q: Can I prepare chicken soup in advance?

A: Absolutely! Chicken soup tastes even better the second day, as the flavors mature. Refrigerate in an airtight jar for 3-4 days.

Q: Can I freeze my homemade chicken soup?

A: Yes, you may freeze it. Just leave out the noodles and reheat them later, as pasta tends to become mushy in the freezer. The soup can be stored frozen for up to three months.

Q: What can be used instead of egg noodles?

A: You can use any sort of pasta, rice, or quinoa. For a low-carb option, consider zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Why You Will Love This Recipe:

• Homemade goodness: Made from scratch with fresh ingredients, this soup significantly outperforms store-bought alternatives.
• Healthy and nutritious: It’s high in protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it an excellent source of nutrition for your body.
• Versatile: You can easily adjust the ingredients to fit your preferences or dietary requirements.
• Ideal for any occasion: Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply want something warm, this chicken soup is perfect!

Final Thoughts:

A pot of homemade chicken soup simmering on the stove is genuinely lovely. It’s warm, healthy, and brings back memories of home. With this simple recipe, you’ll have a tasty lunch ready to warm you up in no time. So gather your ingredients, get the pot going, and enjoy a bowl of homemade bliss!