Homemade Nourishing Chicken Soup from Scratch! (Using a Whole Chicken)
Nourishing Chicken Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of chicken soup? This Nourishing Chicken Soup recipe is a classic for a reason – it’s simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for chilly evenings, when you’re feeling under the weather, or just craving a little bit of home-cooked goodness. We’ve taken the traditional recipe and made it even easier to create a truly heartwarming meal.
This isn’t just any chicken soup; it’s packed with tender chicken, sweet carrots, and aromatic celery, all simmered in a rich and flavorful broth. The addition of thyme and a bay leaf elevates the flavor profile, creating a depth that will have everyone asking for seconds. And the egg noodles? They add the perfect touch of heartiness and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Simple & Easy: Minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions make this recipe a breeze to prepare.
- Comforting & Flavorful: A classic combination of ingredients creates a truly comforting and flavorful soup.
- Versatile: Perfect for any time of year, and easily adaptable to your preferences.
- Nourishing: Packed with vitamins and nutrients to help you feel your best.
Tips for the Best Chicken Soup:
- Use a Whole Chicken: While you can use pre-cooked chicken, using a whole chicken yields a richer, more flavorful broth.
- Don’t Skip the Bay Leaf: The bay leaf adds a subtle but essential layer of flavor. Remember to remove it before serving!
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Salt and pepper are key, but feel free to add other herbs and spices to customize the flavor.
- Make it Ahead: Chicken soup tastes even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead meal.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of a whole chicken?
A: Yes, you can! However, using a whole chicken will result in a more flavorful broth. If using chicken breast, you may want to add chicken bouillon for extra flavor.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add potatoes, parsnips, or any other vegetables you enjoy.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, you can! Let the soup cool completely before freezing in an airtight container. It’s best to freeze without the noodles, as they can become mushy when thawed.
Q: What kind of noodles should I use?
A: Egg noodles are traditional, but you can use any small pasta shape you prefer.
Q: How long does it take to make this soup?
A: The total time is about 80 minutes, but most of that is simmering time, so you can relax while it cooks!
We hope you enjoy this comforting and nourishing Nourishing Chicken Soup as much as we do! It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Nourishing Chicken Soup
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 medium carrots sliced
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf bay leaf
- 1/2 cup egg noodles
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- salt to taste salt
- pepper to taste pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add chicken broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes.
- Remove chicken and shred the meat. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Add egg noodles and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
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