Homemade chicken soup is the ultimate comfort food, and making it from scratch is easier than you might think. With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can create a delicious and nutritious soup that will warm you up on a cold day or help you feel better when you’re under the weather.
The best part about homemade chicken soup is that you can customize it to your liking. Add more vegetables, different spices, or even some leftover rice or noodles. No matter how you make it, homemade chicken soup is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a pot and let’s get started!
How To Make Homemade Chicken Soup from Scratch
Making homemade chicken soup from scratch is easy. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
You’ll also need the following equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Once you have your ingredients and equipment, follow these steps:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and let cool slightly.
- Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones and shred it.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot and bring to a simmer.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
- Use a whole chicken for a richer flavor.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables. They should be tender but still have a little bit of crunch.
- Add more vegetables to your soup, such as potatoes, green beans, or corn.
- Experiment with different spices and herbs.
- If you want a thicker soup, add some cooked rice or noodles.
There are many possible variations of homemade chicken soup. Here are a few ideas:
- Add some cooked rice or noodles to make a more filling soup.
- Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, cilantro, or chives, for a brighter flavor.
- Add some shredded cheese to the soup for a cheesy twist.
- Top the soup with a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt for a creamy finish.
No matter how you make it, homemade chicken soup is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you’re feeling under the weather or just need a comforting meal, give this recipe a try.
And don’t forget to experiment with different ingredients and variations to create your own signature soup.
Tips or Possible Variation
Here are a few tips for making the best homemade chicken soup: