Description
A warm and comforting homemade chicken soup, perfect for fighting off colds or enjoying on a cozy day.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken or 2-3 pounds bone-in chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks)
- 3 large carrots, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 10 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 cup egg noodles, rice, gluten-free pasta, or quinoa
- Red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños (for a spicy kick)
- Zucchini, spinach, or peas (for a vegetable boost)
Instructions
- Wash and chop the carrots, celery, and onion into uniform pieces.
- Rinse the chicken and trim off any excess fat.
- In a large pot, place the chicken and cover it with water or broth. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, skimming off any foam that rises.
- Once simmering, add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, parsley, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir gently and continue cooking.
- Let the soup simmer for at least one hour until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are soft.
- Remove the chicken pieces, shred the meat with forks, and return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Add optional noodles or rice, cooking until just tender.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Notes
Use homemade broth for richer flavor. Feel free to customize with different vegetables or grains.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American