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Hearty Homemade Chicken Soup

This chicken soup is a comforting, slow-simmered dish that highlights a tender, shredded chicken in a clear, flavorful broth. Filled with carrots, celery, onions, and fresh herbs, it develops a warm, inviting aroma and a satisfying, soupy texture. Optional noodles or rice can be added for extra heartiness, making it a perfect cozy meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Homemade
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole chicken preferably organic or free-range
  • 2 carrots carrots peeled and sliced
  • 2 stalks celery sliced
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried
  • 1 handful fresh parsley chopped, for finishing
  • 1 lemon lemon juiced, for brightness
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning
  • Optional quantity noodles or rice to make the soup more hearty, cook separately and add before serving

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed pot
  • Slotted spoon
  • Fine sieve
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Place the whole chicken in a large heavy-bottomed pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface. This helps keep the broth clear and flavorful.
  2. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, chopped celery, minced garlic, and fresh thyme to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer gently for about 1.5 hours, until the chicken is tender and falling apart.
  3. Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the chicken from the broth. Set it aside to cool slightly. Strain the broth through a fine sieve into another pot or large bowl, discarding the solids. This results in a clear, flavorful broth.
  4. Once cooled enough to handle, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, removing skin and bones. Return the shredded chicken to the strained broth, stirring gently to combine.
  5. Bring the broth with chicken back to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook for another 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
  6. Finish by adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley to brighten the flavors. Taste again and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. For a heartier meal, cook noodles or rice separately according to package instructions. Add to individual bowls and ladle the hot soup over the top for a comforting, complete dish.
  8. Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired. Enjoy the warmth and comforting aroma of this freshly made chicken soup.

Notes

For a richer broth, you can simmer the chicken with a splash of apple cider vinegar. Skim foam regularly for a clearer broth, and feel free to customize with seasonal vegetables or herbs.