Homemade Chicken Broth Soup Recipe

Chicken broth soup is a flavorful liquid made from simmering chicken, vegetables, and herbs in water. The long cooking process extracts nutrients, creating a rich and savory broth. The addition of carrots, celery, garlic, and thyme enhances its depth of flavor. This type of soup is widely praised for being easy to digest, soothing, and packed with essential vitamins and minerals.

The preparation time for chicken broth soup is minimal, taking about 10-15 minutes to chop your vegetables and prepare the chicken. The simmering process, where the chicken and vegetables cook together, typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. This allows enough time for the flavors to meld together, creating a hearty and flavorful broth.

Chicken broth soup is an essential go-to recipe. The ease of preparation and the ability to customize it with whatever vegetables or herbs you have on hand makes it a convenient dish. The warmth and richness of the broth provide a sense of comfort, especially when served on chilly days. It’s always a great way to enjoy a meal that’s both nutritious and fulfilling.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Broth Soup

• Comforting and Nutritious: Chicken broth soup is warm, soothing, and packed with essential nutrients. It’s great for boosting immunity, helping you feel better when you’re under the weather.
• Quick and Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients, chicken broth soup is a simple recipe you can prepare in no time. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, it’s effortless to create.
• Versatile and Flavorful: You can customize chicken broth soup with your favorite vegetables or seasonings. It’s a delicious base for endless variations, making each bowl unique and satisfying.

Ingredient Notes for Chicken Broth Soup

• Whole Chicken: A whole chicken is essential for making a rich and flavorful broth. It provides the base for the soup, giving it depth and a natural chicken taste. Be sure to use fresh or frozen chicken for the best results.
• Carrots: Carrots add natural sweetness and color to the broth. They are also packed with vitamins and minerals, making your soup not only tasty but nutritious.
• Celery Stalks: Celery brings a mild, slightly peppery flavor to the broth. It helps balance the other vegetables and adds a refreshing taste.
• Onion: Onions provide a savory base for the soup. They caramelize slightly while cooking, bringing a warm and comforting flavor to the broth.
• Garlic Cloves: Garlic enhances the overall flavor of the broth, adding a subtle but bold taste. It also offers health benefits, such as boosting the immune system.
• Bay Leaves: Bay leaves are an aromatic herb that adds a mild, herbal flavor to the broth. Be sure to remove them before serving, as they can be tough and unpleasant to eat.
• Fresh Thyme: Fresh thyme contributes a fragrant, earthy flavor to the soup. It complements the chicken and vegetables, adding complexity to the broth.
• Water: Water is the liquid base for the broth. It’s important to use fresh, filtered water to ensure the best taste and quality for the soup.
• Salt and Pepper: Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the soup. Adjust to taste, but remember, it’s better to start with a little and add more as it cooks.

Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch

Chicken broth soup is a comforting dish, perfect for any season. To make it truly your own, start with a homemade broth. Using fresh chicken, herbs, and vegetables brings out the best flavors. Simmer it slowly for a richer taste. Don’t rush this step; good things take time.

When adding ingredients, keep it simple. Fresh vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery complement the broth. You can also add garlic for extra flavor. Chicken pieces make the soup more filling and are a great source of protein. Adjust the seasoning to taste for a balanced flavor.

Don’t forget the seasonings! Salt and pepper are key, but adding a pinch of thyme or bay leaves can elevate the flavor. You can also experiment with a dash of lemon juice for a hint of brightness. Remember, seasoning gradually is the best way to avoid overdoing it.

Chicken Broth Soup Variation

While the basic chicken broth soup recipe is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few variations to try:

• Chicken Broth Soup with Noodles: Add egg noodles or any pasta of your choice to make the soup heartier. The noodles soak up the flavorful broth and add a comforting texture.
• Chicken Broth Soup with Rice: For a filling meal, you can stir in some cooked rice. It makes the soup more substantial while keeping it light and healthy.
• Spicy Chicken Broth Soup: If you like heat, try adding some chopped chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce. This will give the soup a spicy kick and enhance its flavor.
• Vegetarian Chicken Broth Soup: If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or a variety of vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, and zucchini.

Each variation offers a new twist on the classic recipe while maintaining the comforting, nourishing qualities of chicken broth soup.

How to Serve Chicken Broth Soup

Chicken broth soup can be served in a variety of ways to suit your meal. Here are some ideas:

• Classic Soup: Serve it hot in a bowl, perfect for a cozy meal. Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor.
• With Bread: Serve your soup with a side of crusty bread, perfect for dipping. A slice of buttered toast works well with the broth.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add fresh herbs like cilantro, rosemary, or chives to your soup just before serving. It will enhance the flavor and give the soup a fresh taste.
• Pair with a Salad: For a complete meal, serve your chicken broth soup with a simple green salad. The fresh, crunchy salad complements the warm soup nicely.

Chicken broth soup can be a meal on its own or paired with other dishes for a more complete meal. It’s versatile and easy to serve in different ways, depending on your mood or the occasion.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, chicken broth soup can be stored and enjoyed later. Here are some tips for storing the soup:

• In the Refrigerator: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
• In the Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stove.
• Store Separately: If your soup contains noodles or rice, consider storing them separately. These ingredients can become soggy if stored in the broth, so keeping them apart will maintain the texture of the soup.

FAQs About Chicken Broth Soup

Is chicken broth soup good for you?
Yes, chicken broth soup is nutritious, packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. It can help boost your immune system and support digestion.

 Can I make chicken broth soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chicken broth soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a few days. For longer storage, freeze it in airtight containers.

 How long does chicken broth soup last in the fridge?
Chicken broth soup lasts about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator if stored properly. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Can I use store-bought chicken broth for soup?
Yes, you can use store-bought chicken broth for soup. However, homemade broth typically offers more flavor and health benefits due to its natural ingredients.

Homemade Chicken Broth Soup Recipe

Chicken broth soup is a flavorful liquid made from simmeringchicken, vegetables, and herbs in water. The long cooking process extractsnutrients, creating a rich and savory broth. The addition of carrots, celery,garlic, and thyme enhances its depth of flavor. This type of soup is widelypraised for being easy to digest, soothing, and packed with essential vitaminsand minerals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 180

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 whole chicken about 3-4 pounds or 4-6 chicken thighs/drumsticks
• 2 medium carrots peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks chopped
• 1 large onion peeled and quartered
• 4 garlic cloves smashed
• 1-2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 10 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth for extra flavor
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: A handful of parsley for garnish
• Optional: 1 cup noodles or rice if you want to make it heartier

Equipment

• Large Stockpot or Dutch Oven
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Ladle
• Strainer or Fine Mesh Sieve
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Soup Spoon

Method

 

1. Prepare the chicken: If you're using a whole chicken, place it in a large stockpot. If you’re using chicken thighs or drumsticks, just add them to the pot as well.
2. Add the vegetables: Add your chopped carrots, celery, onion, and smashed garlic cloves to the pot.
3. Add the water or broth: Pour in 10 cups of water (or low-sodium chicken broth if you prefer a richer base).
4. Add herbs and seasonings: Throw in the thyme, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Bring it to a boil: Turn your heat to medium-high and bring the broth to a boil.
6. Simmer: Once it boils, lower the heat and let it simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour. This allows all the flavors to meld together.
7. Remove the chicken: After simmering, carefully remove the chicken pieces from the pot. If you used a whole chicken, remove the meat from the bones and shred it.
8. Strain the broth: Use a fine mesh sieve to strain the broth and remove all the solid pieces. Return the clear broth to the pot.
9. Taste and adjust: Taste the broth and add more salt and pepper if necessary.
10. Optional step (for extra heartiness): If you want to make your soup more filling, add some rice or noodles at this point and cook them in the broth for about 10-15 minutes until tender.
11. Serve: Ladle the broth into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color.

Notes

Chicken broth soup is incredibly versatile. You can add different vegetables like parsnips or potatoes for variety. You can also make it your own by tossing in some fresh noodles or a handful of rice. It’s perfect for customizing based on what you have in your kitchen. The key is to make sure that your broth is simmered for a long enough time so it gets rich and flavorful.