Name: Homemade Chicken Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 140 min
Ingredients: 3 to 4 pounds whole fresh chicken (giblets removed); 2 large yellow onions (peeled and halved); 1 head garlic (cut in half horizontally); ½ small jalapeno (seeded and ribs removed); 2 dried bay leaves; ½ teaspoon kosher salt (+ more to taste); ½ tablespoon peppercorns (or 1 teaspoon ground black pepper); 12 cups water; 2 large Yukon Gold potatoes (scrubbed and cut into ½-inch cubes); 2 large sweet potatoes (scrubbed, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes); 3 large carrots (peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes); 1 teaspoon reduced sodium soy sauce; 1 large lemon (juiced)

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Whenever the chill of winter sets in, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of warm, nourishing soup to warm your soul. That’s why I find myself turning to my beloved Homemade Chicken Soup recipe, a dish that has been a staple in my kitchen for years. This isn’t just any chicken soup; it’s the ultimate comfort food, brimming with flavor, warmth, and a dash of love. I remember the first time I made it for my family—everyone gathered around the table, the aroma wafting through the air, and the smiles that followed with every spoonful. It’s more than just a meal; it’s about creating memories, family bonding, and the joy of sharing something delicious with the people you care about.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
2 hr 20 mins

Prep Time:
20 mins

Cook Time:
120 mins

Difficulty:
Hard

Calories:
300 kcal

Protein:
35 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, AIP

Fat:
10 g

Tools Used:
Fine-Mesh Strainer, Spoon

What We Adore About This Homemade Chicken Soup

It’s a Hug in a Bowl

There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of Homemade Chicken Soup. It’s like a warm hug on a cold day. The first spoonful transports you back to childhood, reminding you of cozy family dinners and laughter around the table. Each ingredient plays its part, creating a symphony of flavors that soothes the spirit.

Health Benefits Galore

Homemade chicken soup is not just comforting; it’s also packed with nutrition. The combination of fresh vegetables and hearty chicken provides essential vitamins and minerals. The broth, made from simmering the chicken, is rich in collagen and helps to support joint health. It’s a natural remedy for colds and flu, giving your immune system a much-needed boost.

Customizable to Your Taste

One of the best things about making Homemade Chicken Soup is the ability to customize it. Don’t like carrots? No problem! Want to add some noodles? Go right ahead! You can adjust the ingredients to fit your family’s preferences, making it a versatile dish that everyone will love.

It’s an Experience

Cooking this soup is an experience in itself. The process of chopping fresh vegetables, searing the chicken, and waiting for the broth to simmer is meditative. I often find myself reminiscing about the times spent with loved ones while preparing this meal. It’s not just about the food; it’s about embracing the moment and savoring every step.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Another reason I adore this recipe is that it’s perfect for meal prep. You can make a large batch and store it for the week ahead. It’s easy to reheat on busy nights, providing a wholesome dinner option that’s ready in minutes. Plus, it freezes well, so you can enjoy it even on days when you don’t feel like cooking.

Ingredients for Homemade Chicken Soup

In creating the perfect bowl of Homemade Chicken Soup, each ingredient plays a crucial role. The star of the show is the fresh chicken, which infuses the broth with rich flavor. Paired with a medley of vegetables, including onions, carrots, and potatoes, this soup is not only hearty but also comforting. The combination of spices adds depth, making every spoonful a delightful experience.

3 to 4 pounds whole fresh chicken, giblets removed
2 large yellow onions, peeled and halved
1 head garlic, cut in half horizontally
½ small jalapeno, seeded and ribs removed
2 dried bay leaves
½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
½ tablespoon peppercorns, or 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
12 cups water
2 large Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed and cut into ½-inch cubes
2 large sweet potatoes, scrubbed, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
3 large carrots, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
1 teaspoon reduced sodium soy sauce
1 large lemon, juiced

Recipe Directions for Homemade Chicken Soup

Cooking Homemade Chicken Soup is a rewarding experience that fills your home with the most inviting aroma. Follow these steps to create your perfect soup, and don’t hesitate to taste along the way to ensure it suits your palate!

Start by placing the whole fresh chicken, halved yellow onions, and garlic into a large stock pot or Dutch oven. Don’t forget to add the bay leaves, jalapeno, kosher salt, and peppercorns. Pour in 12 cups of water until everything is submerged.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. As it heats up, you’ll notice some cloudy material rising to the top. Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove this scum, ensuring your broth remains clear and flavorful.
Once you’ve achieved a gentle simmer with small bubbles forming around the edges, lower the heat to medium-low and cover the pot with a lid. Allow the soup to simmer for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the chicken becomes tender and starts to fall apart.
When the chicken is ready, carefully remove it and place it on a cutting board. Discard the onions, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns, making sure to retain the delicious broth.
For an optional step, refrigerate the broth for a few hours or overnight. This allows the fat to solidify on the surface, making it easy to scoop off the next day.
Return the broth to the pot and bring it back to a simmer over medium heat. Now it’s time to add your Yukon Gold potatoes, sweet potatoes, and carrots. Cook them until tender, which should take about 20 to 30 minutes.
While the vegetables are cooking, shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones. You can measure out 2 to 3 cups of the chicken to add back into the soup, saving any extra for another recipe.
Once the vegetables are soft, stir in the shredded chicken and let it simmer for an additional 2 to 5 minutes to warm through.
Finally, remove the soup from the heat and add the juice of the large lemon. Stir everything together and taste. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.

Things Worth Knowing

Quality of Chicken: Using a whole, fresh chicken yields the best flavor. Bone-in and skin-on pieces are ideal for a nutrient-rich broth.
Broth Clarity: Skimming the surface while simmering helps keep the broth clear, enhancing the soup’s overall look and taste.
Vegetable Texture: Add vegetables in stages if you prefer differing textures—hard vegetables like carrots can go in earlier than softer ones.
Fat Removal: Refrigerating the broth allows you to remove excess fat easily, making the soup lighter.

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

Adapting Homemade Chicken Soup to suit your tastes is part of the fun! Here are some options to consider:

Storage: Store leftover chicken soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container, leaving space for expansion.
Freezing: This soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Add Noodles: If you’d like to enjoy noodles in your soup, cook them separately and add them just before serving to avoid a mushy texture.
Make it Gluten-Free: If necessary, replace the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to keep it gluten-free.
Experiment with Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be added during cooking for an extra flavor boost.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeno to make the soup spicier or milder based on your preference.

Accompaniments for Homemade Chicken Soup

When serving Homemade Chicken Soup, consider these delicious accompaniments that enhance the meal:

Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup.
Salad: Pair it with a fresh garden salad to add a refreshing crunch.
Rice or Quinoa: Serve the soup over cooked rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
Seasonal Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables can complement the soup beautifully.
Occasions: This soup is suitable for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even as a comforting meal during the winter months.
Storing Leftovers: Leftover soup can be reheated on the stove or in the microwave for a quick lunch or dinner option.

FAQ

Homemade Chicken Soup is comforting because it’s warm, flavorful, and brings back memories of family gatherings. The combination of tender chicken and fresh vegetables creates a rich, hearty broth that soothes the soul, especially on cold days. Each spoonful is like a hug, providing not just nourishment but also love and care infused in the cooking process. It’s a dish that connects generations and creates lasting memories around the dinner table.

You can customize Homemade Chicken Soup in many ways! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as peas or green beans, or even toss in some noodles for a heartier texture. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider increasing the amount of jalapeno. For those who need gluten-free options, simply swap out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility—tailor it to your family’s tastes and dietary needs!

Absolutely! Homemade Chicken Soup freezes wonderfully. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Be sure to leave some space at the top for expansion as it freezes. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

Conclusion

The magic of Homemade Chicken Soup lies in its warmth, flavor, and the memories it creates. It’s a dish that transcends generations, offering comfort during the coldest days and a sense of belonging. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the joy it brings to your table. Make it your own and enjoy the love that goes into every bowl!