Homemade Chicken Soup: A Cozy, Honest Classic

Making chicken soup from scratch feels like a ritual—something about the slow simmer, the smell of herbs, the act of shredding warm, tender meat. It’s not fancy, but it’s honest. This recipe is a reminder that good food comes from patience and a little bit of care, even if it’s just for yourself.

Why This Chicken Soup Keeps Calling Me Back

It’s a bowl of warmth that feels like a hug, especially on chilly days. The aroma of simmering herbs and chicken is grounding, a reminder of home. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable—more greens, spicy kick, or a splash of vinegar to freshen it up.

Breaking Down the Key Ingredients

• Whole chicken or chicken parts: Gives deep, flavorful broth and tender meat. Use thighs or drumsticks for more flavor, or a whole bird if feeling ambitious.
• Onions, carrots, celery: Classic mirepoix that forms the flavor base. Use fresh for sweetness and aroma.
• Fresh herbs (thyme, parsley): Add during simmering for a fragrant lift. Dried can work if fresh isn’t available.
• Lemon: Brightens the broth with a zing. Skip if you prefer a softer, mellow flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Fundamental for seasoning, but start light and adjust to taste.
• Olive oil or butter: For sautéing vegetables, adds a subtle richness.
• Optional: noodles or rice: Make it more filling, but keep it simple to let the broth shine.

Tools & Equipment That Make It Easier

• Large heavy-bottomed pot: To hold the broth and keep heat even during simmering.
• Sharp knife: For chopping vegetables and shredding chicken.
• Slotted spoon: To skim foam and remove chicken bones.
• Meat shredder or fork: To pull apart cooked chicken easily.

Step-by-Step Guide to a Heartwarming Chicken Soup

Step 1: Start with a big, heavy pot—something that can hold a good amount of broth and ingredients.

Step 2: Bring water to a gentle simmer, about 90°C / 194°F, and add whole chicken pieces. Let it cook for about 1.5 hours, skimming foam as it rises.

Step 3: Remove the chicken once cooked through. Let it cool slightly before shredding the meat, discarding bones and skin.

Step 4: Meanwhile, in a separate pan, sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery in a splash of oil until they soften and smell sweet, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 5: Add the vegetables to the broth. Simmer everything together for another 20 minutes to develop flavor.

Step 6: Taste the broth; it should be rich, clear, with a hint of lemon and herbs. Adjust salt and pepper.

Step 7: Add shredded chicken back to the pot. Warm through for 5 more minutes.

Step 8: Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Cooking Checkpoints & Tips for Success

• Broth should be clear, not cloudy, with a rich aroma. Skim foam regularly.
• Vegetables should be tender but not mushy, with vibrant color.
• Chicken should shred easily and be moist, not dry or stringy.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

• Not skimming foam.? FORGOT to skim foam? Skim immediately after simmering begins for a cleaner broth.
• Overcooking vegetables.? DUMPED all vegetables at once? Add them in stages for better texture and flavor.
• Boiling too vigorously.? OVER-TORCHED the broth? Reduce heat and add a splash of cold water to stop boiling.
• Lack of flavor.? Sore about bland broth? Boost flavor with a splash of soy sauce or a squeeze of lemon.

Homemade Chicken Soup

This chicken soup is built through slow simmering, which extracts deep flavors from chicken and vegetables, resulting in a clear, fragrant broth with tender shredded meat. The dish features a comforting, hearty texture with vibrant, soft vegetables and fragrant herbs, perfect for a cozy meal. It’s highly adaptable, allowing for added greens, spice, or a splash of vinegar to customize each bowl.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Homestyle

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 whole chicken (whole or parts like thighs or drumsticks) preferably bone-in for flavor
• 1 large onion chopped
• 2 large carrots peeled and sliced
• 2 stalks celery sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 4 cups water or chicken broth enough to cover ingredients
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme or parsley or dried herbs if fresh not available
• 1 lemon lemon for brightening, optional
• to taste salt and pepper for seasoning
• optional noodles or rice for added heartiness

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot
• Sharp knife
• Slotted spoon
• Meat shredder or fork

Method

 

1. Place the whole chicken or chicken parts into the large pot and cover with water or broth. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, skimming off foam as it rises and filling the air with a savory aroma.
   
2. Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken cook gently for about 1.5 hours until fully cooked and tender, filling your kitchen with a comforting smell.
   
3. Carefully remove the chicken from the pot with a slotted spoon and set aside to cool slightly. Discard bones and skin, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces using a fork or your hands.
   
4. In a separate pan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions, sliced carrots, and celery, sautéing until the vegetables are soft, fragrant, and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
   
5. Add the sautéed vegetables to the broth in the pot, along with the fresh herb sprigs. Let everything simmer together for another 20 minutes to deepen the flavors and soften the vegetables.
6. Taste the broth and season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon if desired, adjusting to your preference for brightness and saltiness.
7. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir well. Warm through for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to reheat.
8. If desired, add cooked noodles or rice to make the soup more filling. Stir to combine and heat until the grains or pasta are tender.
9. Remove the herb sprigs, and if using, squeeze a little more lemon for brightness. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with additional herbs if you like.
10. Serve hot, enjoying the comforting aroma and hearty, tender ingredients that make this chicken soup a timeless favorite.

Notes

For a clearer broth, skim foam frequently and avoid boiling vigorously. Feel free to customize with greens, spices, or a splash of vinegar for added flavor.