A step-by-step recipe for making classic chicken soup:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
- 1 onion, peeled and halved
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or a few sprigs of fresh thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water (about 12 cups)
- 2 cups of egg noodles or any pasta of your choice (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
1.1. Rinse the whole chicken under cold running water and remove any giblets or innards.
1.2. Place the chicken in a large stockpot or soup pot.
2. Add Vegetables and Seasonings:
2.1. Add the halved onion, chopped carrots, chopped celery, minced garlic, bay leaf, dried thyme (or fresh thyme sprigs), salt, and pepper to the pot.
2.2. Pour in enough cold water to cover the chicken and vegetables. This is usually about 12 cups of water, but you can adjust as needed.
3. Bring to a Simmer:
3.1. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
3.2. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This will allow the chicken to become tender and infuse the broth with flavor.
4. Remove the Chicken:
4.1. After simmering, carefully remove the whole chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. It should be fully cooked and tender.
4.2. Allow the chicken to cool slightly, then use a fork or your fingers to shred the meat from the bones. Discard the bones and any skin.
5. Optional: Cook Noodles (if using):
5.1. If you want to add noodles to your soup, bring a separate pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set them aside.
6. Strain the Broth:
6.1. Strain the broth in the soup pot to remove any solids. You should be left with clear, flavorful chicken broth
7. Combine Chicken and Broth:
7.1. Return the shredded chicken to the strained broth in the pot.
8. Reheat and Season:
8.1. Heat the soup over low heat until it's heated through.
8.2. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
9. Add Cooked Noodles (if using):
9.1. If you cooked noodles separately, add them to the soup at this stage.
10. Serve:
10.1. Ladle the hot chicken soup into bowls.
10.2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
10.3. Serve your homemade chicken soup hot and enjoy its comforting warmth!
This classic chicken soup is perfect for soothing a cold or simply as a comforting meal on a chilly day. You can also customize it by adding other vegetables like peas or corn if you like.