Hey there! It’s Callie, and I’m thrilled to share my Healing Chicken Soup recipe with you today. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, need a comforting meal after a long day, or simply want to enjoy a warm bowl of goodness, this soup has got you covered.
It’s packed with wholesome ingredients and a warmth that somehow makes everything feel right. Trust me, when the kids catch a cold, this soup becomes my trusty sidekick. Before we dive into the recipe, if you’re craving something else comforting, check out my cozy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This Healing Chicken Soup is not just any soup; it’s a soulful hug in a bowl. Loaded with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs, each spoonful promises both comfort and nourishment.
It’s great for:
- Healthy goodness: Full of nutritious veggies and soothing broth.
- Versatility: You can customize it with noodles, rice, or any grains you have on hand.
- Simplicity: Using easily available and affordable ingredients within 20 minutes of prep time.
Whether you’re nursing a cold or simply want a go-to comfort meal, this soup ticks all the right boxes.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 pounds), cleaned and cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup water (if needed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)
- 1 cup egg noodles or rice (optional, for heartiness)
Step-by-step instructions
Prepare the chicken and sauté
- Rinse and dry the whole chicken, then cut it into pieces: legs, thighs, wings, and breasts.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the chicken pieces for about 5-7 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the vegetables
- Using the same pot, add chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add the garlic and stir for an additional minute.
- Toss in the carrots and celery, sautéing until they begin to soften—about 5 minutes.
Build the soup
- Add thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf, stirring well.
- Return the chicken to the pot, nestling it among the veggies.
- Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is submerged. Add water if needed.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
Finish and serve
- Carefully remove the chicken, allow it to cool slightly, and shred the meat, discarding the skin and bones.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Season with salt and pepper.
- If adding noodles or rice, stir them in and simmer until cooked, about 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in parsley and optional lemon juice just before serving.
Ladle into bowls and enjoy!
Recipe tips & variations
- For a richer broth, use a mix of chicken stock and water. Homemade stock will add a deeper flavor.
- Vegetable swaps: You can add parsnips or sweet potatoes for a sweet twist.
- Grain choices: Replace noodles with rice, or your favorite grains such as quinoa or barley.
Storage & reheating
- Storing: Let leftovers cool, then store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well without noodles or rice. Simply freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts only?
Yes, you can use only chicken breasts for a leaner soup, but using a whole chicken adds depth and flavor.
How can I make it gluten-free?
Ensure your broth is gluten-free, and use rice or gluten-free noodles instead of egg noodles.
Could I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, kale, or even zucchini.
Is lemon juice necessary?
No, but it does add a nice brightness. You can skip it or add a splash of apple cider vinegar if preferred.
Recipes you may like
- Cozy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
- Cozy Up with Heartwarming Chicken Pot Pie Soup
- Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
There you have it, my go-to Healing Chicken Soup recipe that my family always adores. Give it a try, and I hope it wraps you in warmth, just like it does for my family!
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Healing Chicken Soup
- Total Time: 2 hours and 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A comforting Healing Chicken Soup recipe, perfect for when you’re feeling unwell or just want a warm meal.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 pounds), cleaned and cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup water (if needed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)
- 1 cup egg noodles or rice (optional, for heartiness)
Instructions
- Rinse and dry the whole chicken, then cut it into pieces: legs, thighs, wings, and breasts.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the chicken pieces for about 5-7 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Using the same pot, add chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add the garlic and stir for an additional minute.
- Toss in the carrots and celery, sautéing until they begin to soften—about 5 minutes.
- Add thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf, stirring well.
- Return the chicken to the pot, nestling it among the veggies.
- Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is submerged. Add water if needed.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Carefully remove the chicken, allow it to cool slightly, and shred the meat, discarding the skin and bones.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Season with salt and pepper.
- If adding noodles or rice, stir them in and simmer until cooked, about 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in parsley and optional lemon juice just before serving. Ladle into bowls and enjoy!
Notes
- For a richer broth, use a mix of chicken stock and water. Homemade stock will add a deeper flavor.
- Vegetable swaps: You can add parsnips or sweet potatoes for a sweet twist.
- Grain choices: Replace noodles with rice, or your favorite grains such as quinoa or barley.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 800 milligrams
- Fat: 15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 35 grams
- Cholesterol: 90 milligrams