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Homemade Chicken Soup

This chicken soup is a comforting, nourishing dish made by simmering a whole chicken with vegetables and herbs to create a rich, flavorful broth. The soup features tender shredded chicken, aromatic vegetables, and a clear, golden liquid, finished with bright lemon and fresh herbs for a warm, inviting look and feel.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole chicken (preferably organic or free-range) Use a whole chicken or chicken parts
  • 2 carrots carrots peeled and sliced
  • 2 stalks celery chopped
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 bunch fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme whole
  • 1 lemon lemon for juice and brightness
  • to taste salt and pepper seasoning to enhance flavor
  • Optional noodles or rice to add carbs, cooked separately

Equipment

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

Method
 

  1. Place the whole chicken into a large heavy-bottomed pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, skimming off foam that rises to the surface to keep the broth clear.
  2. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, chopped celery, minced garlic, and whole thyme sprigs into 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, filling your kitchen with a warm, savory aroma.
  3. Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Strain the broth through a fine sieve into a clean container, discarding the solids, to achieve a clear, golden soup base.
  4. Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, removing skin and bones. Return the shredded chicken to the strained broth, stirring gently.
  5. Bring the broth 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 squeezing fresh lemon juice into the soup for brightness and stirring in chopped parsley for a fresh, herbal lift. If serving with noodles or rice, prepare separately and add just before serving to keep the broth clear.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley and a wedge of lemon on the side. Enjoy this comforting bowl of homemade chicken soup that feels like a warm hug.

Notes

Keep the broth at a gentle simmer to maintain clarity. Skim foam regularly for a pristine soup. Adjust seasoning at the end for perfect flavor balance. Shred chicken finely for tender bites.