the best chicken soup ever

the best chicken soup ever

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of ⁣ chicken soup simmering on the stove, don’t⁣ you think? I love how the rich flavors mix together to create a dish that ​feels like a warm hug! Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just want‌ something hearty for dinner, ​this homemade chicken soup recipe is ‌sure to ⁢hit the spot. Let’s ⁣dive in!

Cook Time: ⁣135
Prep Time: 20
Yields: 8
Calories: 1461

Simple Ingredients for Delicious Chicken Soup

to ‌create ⁤the perfect chicken soup, you’ll ⁢want to gather a straightforward yet satisfying list ‌of ​ingredients. Each component adds its own unique flavor,​ making this recipe not only comforting but also remarkably delicious. here’s⁢ what ‍you’ll need for a warm‍ bowl‍ of goodness:

  • 1 whole‌ chicken ​ (about 3-4 pounds) – The ⁣star of the dish! Choose a fresh or frozen chicken, but‌ if using frozen, remember to thaw it beforehand.
  • 8-10 cups of​ water ‍ – This will⁣ be ⁤the broth base. Adjust as needed⁣ depending⁤ on ‍your desired soup consistency.
  • 3 stalks of celery (with leaves, chopped) – Adds a refreshing crunch⁣ and depth.
  • 5 baby carrots (or 1 pound of⁤ regular carrots,​ chopped) – ‌For a touch of natural sweetness.
  • 2 onions (chopped) –⁣ They provide a fantastic aromatic base.
  • 2 cans⁤ (14.5 ounces each) low-sodium ​chicken broth – Enhances flavor⁣ without being overly salty.
  • 2 beef‌ bouillon cubes (crumbled) – Adds an extra⁤ layer of richness.
  • 1 packet ⁤chicken noodle soup mix – To give it that ⁢classic chicken soup​ taste.
  • 5 black peppercorns ‌ – For ​a subtle spice.
  • 2 ‍bay leaves – Infuse the ‌soup with earthy flavor.
  • 1 pinch of ⁤dried thyme – ⁢Offers a lovely herbal note.
  • 1 pinch ⁤of poultry‌ seasoning –⁤ Complements the‍ chicken beautifully.
  • 1 pinch of dried basil and parsley – for freshness and color.
  • 8 ounces of farfalle pasta (or your ​favorite pasta) – Perfect for a heartier soup.

These ingredients come together to create a nourishing soup that’s⁢ perfect for any day, especially when you need a bit of comfort.

Step-by-Step Instructions⁤ for Making Chicken ‌Soup

Now that⁣ we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make ⁤a delightful‍ homemade chicken soup that ‌will warm​ you from ‌the inside out.

  1. Prep the Chicken: Place the entire chicken into a large stockpot ⁤and‌ cover ⁢it⁣ with⁤ water. Add the⁢ chopped celery leaves. Bring the‌ pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about⁢ 30 to 40 minutes until the chicken⁤ is fully cooked.
  1. Strain the Broth: Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and transfer it to a⁣ large bowl. Strain the ⁤cooking liquid to⁤ remove any vegetables, and return​ the broth to the pot.
  1. Add Vegetables and Broth: In the pot with ​the strained broth, add ​the carrots, onions, celery stalks, chicken broth, crumbled⁢ bouillon cubes, and​ the soup mix. Bring to a simmer over ⁣medium heat.
  1. Season the Soup: Toss in ‌the black peppercorns, bay leaves, thyme, ⁣ poultry seasoning, basil,‌ and parsley. Let the flavors meld together⁢ for⁣ about 10 minutes.
  1. Shred the Chicken: ⁢While⁢ your ⁤soup⁢ simmer, let the chicken⁣ cool a bit. Once manageable, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin‌ and bones.
  1. Combine ⁢Chicken and Pasta: Add the shredded chicken‍ back​ into the pot⁣ and stir. ​Then, mix​ in the pasta.Allow the soup to simmer until the ⁣pasta is tender, about 10⁣ to 15 minutes.
  1. Final Touches: Taste ⁤your soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary.⁤ Once everything ⁤is combined and heated through,it’s time to serve!

Enjoy this homemade chicken soup with a⁣ piece of crusty bread⁤ or your favorite ‌crackers. It’s not just food; it’s a warm hug in‍ a bowl!

  the ​best chicken soup ever‌

Serving and Storage Data for Homemade Chicken Soup

Once your ⁢delicious chicken soup is ready, ‌it’s time to serve and enjoy! This recipe typically yields about ⁢ 8 servings,⁣ making it‌ perfect for​ family​ dinners or meal prep for the week ahead. I love‌ serving this ⁢soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley ⁣for an added touch of flavor.

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely⁣ because it’s⁢ so tasty!), you’ll ‌want to store them properly. Here’s how:

  • Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature ⁣before transferring ⁣it to an airtight ⁢container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.⁢ When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave ​until it’s piping hot.
  • Freezing: ⁢For longer storage, you can freeze the⁢ soup. it’s best to do this before adding the ​ pasta, as cooked pasta can⁤ become mushy when frozen.Portion the cooled soup into​ freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top ​for expansion. It​ will keep well for up to​ 3 ‌months in ‍the freezer.Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

When reheating, if you’ve frozen the soup without pasta, you can⁢ cook⁣ fresh ⁣pasta separately​ and add it to the reheated soup for the perfect texture.

Helpful Recipe ⁣Notes and Troubleshooting for Chicken Soup

As with any ⁣recipe, things can sometimes ‌go awry, but⁢ don’t worry! Here ‌are some helpful tips and common troubleshooting advice to ensure your⁢ chicken soup ⁣ turns out just right.

  • flavor‌ Development: If your‌ soup tastes a bit bland, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasonings.⁢ A​ sprinkle‌ of salt or a dash of‌ pepper can⁣ make a notable difference. ⁣I frequently enough add⁢ a little lemon juice for ‍brightness right ‌before serving.
  • Chicken Quality: Using a fresh whole chicken works best, but if you’re short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can ⁢be‌ a great substitute. ⁢Just add it at the end to warm ⁢through.
  • Vegetable ⁣Texture: For perfectly⁢ tender veggies, avoid overcooking​ them. Depending on how chunky you chop your ingredients, cooking times may vary.Check for doneness periodically while simmering.
  • broth⁢ Consistency: if you prefer a thicker broth, you can blend a portion of ‌the soup, then mix it ‌back ‌in to create a creamier texture. For a heartier soup, simply add more vegetables or grains.
  • Pasta Preferences: If ‌you decide to ‍change up ‍the⁣ pasta, just keep an eye on the cooking time as different types may vary.‌ Quinoa or rice can also be excellent alternatives if you’re looking for ⁤a gluten-free option.

with these tips in mind, you’ll be well on ⁣your way to making an⁤ incredible chicken soup that‍ warms the soul. Enjoy‍ your culinary adventure!