Nothing is more comforting than a hot bowl of homemade chicken soup. It is not only soothing to the soul, but also warms you from the inside out. It is the ultimate comfort food that can cure any sickness and chase away any bad day. Even if you are well, you can still enjoy this delicious soup at any time. It is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. It’s also the perfect meal to make a big batch of and freeze for later. The best thing about this soup is that it is surprisingly easy to make chicken soup from scratch. All you need is a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time.
If you have never made chicken soup from scratch before, don’t worry. It is a very easy process. Before getting started, go over the recipe and make sure you understand the steps. Also gather all the ingredients and equipment that you will need. This will help make the cooking process smoother.
How To Make Chicken Soup from Scratch
Making chicken soup from scratch is not difficult. As mentioned earlier, you just need to have a few ingredients and prepare the right equipment. Here are the ingredients that you need:
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 cups water
Aside from the ingredients, here are some of the equipment that you need to prepare:
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Slotted spoon
- Ladle
Now that you have everything that you need, let’s start cooking chicken soup from scratch!
In a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the chicken on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the water and chicken back to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the pot and let cool slightly. Shred the chicken and return it to the pot. Simmer for an additional 15 minutes, or until the soup is heated through.
Tips or Possible Variation of “Chicken Soup from Scratch”
Here are some tips for making the best chicken soup from scratch:
- Use a whole chicken for the best flavor. You can also use chicken breasts or thighs if you prefer, but the soup will not be as flavorful.
- Don’t overcook the chicken. The chicken is cooked through when it is no longer pink in the center.
- Add vegetables to your soup. Any vegetables will work, but carrots, celery, and onion are classic choices.
- Season the soup to taste. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs as desired.
Here are some possible variations of chicken soup from scratch:
- Add noodles to your soup for a more filling meal.
- Add rice to your soup for a more hearty meal.
- Add potatoes to your soup for a more comforting meal.
- Add beans to your soup for a more protein-packed meal.
There are many ways to make chicken soup from scratch. The most important thing is to use fresh ingredients and to cook the soup until the flavors have had a chance to meld. So experiment until you find the perfect recipe for your taste. Once you have the perfect recipe, you can enjoy a delicious bowl of chicken soup any time you want.
Chicken soup from scratch is a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. So next time you are feeling under the weather or just want a comforting meal, give chicken soup from scratch a try.
