Welcome to the heartwarming world of "Chicken Soup Full of Love," where every spoonful is a comforting embrace! This classic American recipe is not just about nourishing your body; it's about warming your soul and creating cherished memories around the dinner table. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little time, you can transform a whole chicken into a deliciously rich and flavorful soup that serves up to eight people. Whether you're battling a cold or simply craving a taste of home, this recipe will have you saying goodbye to takeout and hello to homemade goodness. Ready to dive into this culinary hug? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs)
- 8 cups water
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, quartered
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup egg noodles (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the whole chicken thoroughly under cold water, removing any giblets from the cavity.
- Place the entire chicken in a large stockpot and add 8 cups of cold water, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged.
- Add the quartered onion, chopped carrots, chopped celery stalks, and minced garlic to the pot.
- Sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper over the chicken and vegetables.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45-50 minutes.
- Carefully remove the chicken from the pot using tongs and place on a cutting board to cool slightly.
- Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove and discard the skin, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken meat back to the pot.
- If desired, add egg noodles and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes until noodles are tender.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls, ensuring each portion has chicken, vegetables, and broth.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: For the best flavor, opt for a whole organic chicken. The bones and skin add depth to the broth, making it richer and more delicious.
- Prep Ahead: If you're short on time, you can prep the vegetables a day in advance. Just chop the carrots, celery, and onion, and store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
- Simmer Slowly: Allow the soup to simmer gently. This slow cooking process helps extract the maximum flavor from the chicken and vegetables.
- Skim the Fat: If you prefer a lighter soup, skim off any excess fat that rises to the surface during cooking. This will keep your broth clear and healthy.
- Enhance the Flavor: Feel free to add herbs like parsley or dill for an extra burst of flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can also brighten the taste!
- Noodle Options: If you're adding egg noodles, make sure to cook them separately if you plan on storing leftovers. This prevents them from becoming mushy in the soup.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze the soup for up to three months for a quick meal later on.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dash of black pepper before serving can elevate the dish’s appearance and flavor, making it even more inviting.With these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a bowl of "Chicken Soup Full of Love" that everyone will adore!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 85mg
