Gramma’s Quick and Dirty Chicken Soup
Warm Your Soul with Mom’s Homemade Chicken Soup with Orzo
Is there anything more comforting than a bowl of homemade chicken soup? This isn’t just any chicken soup, though. This is Mom’s Homemade Chicken Soup with Orzo – a recipe passed down through generations, guaranteed to soothe what ails you and bring a little bit of home to your table. Forget the canned stuff – this soup is packed with flavor, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked orzo, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
We’ve all been there – a chilly evening, a scratchy throat, or just a need for something comforting. This soup delivers on all fronts. It’s surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned chef. The key is using good quality ingredients and letting the flavors meld together. The orzo adds a lovely texture, but feel free to substitute with egg noodles or ditalini if that’s what you have on hand.
What makes this soup special?
- Homemade Goodness: Made from scratch with love (and real chicken!).
- Comfort in a Bowl: The perfect remedy for a cold day or a sick tummy.
- Easy to Customize: Add your favorite vegetables or herbs to make it your own.
- Family Favorite: A recipe that will be passed down for generations.
Tips for the Best Soup:
- Don’t skimp on the broth: A good quality chicken broth is the foundation of a flavorful soup.
- Simmer, don’t boil: Simmering the soup allows the flavors to meld together without making the chicken tough.
- Cook the pasta separately: This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and absorbing all the broth.
- Fresh herbs are best: If you have fresh parsley, it adds a bright, fresh flavor to the soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a rotisserie chicken?
A: Absolutely! A rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just remove the meat from the bone and add it to the soup.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, but it’s best to freeze it before adding the pasta. The pasta can become mushy when frozen and thawed. Add the cooked pasta when you reheat the soup.
Q: What other vegetables can I add?
A: Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables! Potatoes, green beans, peas, and corn are all great additions.
Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Combine all the ingredients (except the pasta) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the cooked pasta just before serving.
Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: Not as written, due to the orzo. You can easily make it gluten-free by substituting the orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice.
Mom's Homemade Chicken Soup with Orzo
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 box pasta (orzo, egg noodles, or ditalini)
- 2 stalks celery thickly chopped
- 2 medium carrots thickly chopped
- 1 medium onion thickly chopped
- 2 tablespoons parsley optional
- 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- Cook the chicken.
- Put thickly chopped celery, carrots, and onions in broth and cook till just tender. Maybe add some parsley.
- Cut up cooked chicken and put in soup broth.
- Cook pasta separately.
- Spoon out pasta and ladle soup with vegetables over pasta.
- Sprinkle with cheese.
Share this:
Discover more from Resoupies
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
