Chicken soup is a comforting and nourishing dish that is perfect for cold winter days or when you’re feeling under the weather. This recipe for the best chicken soup ever is hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. It’s filled with tender chicken, vegetables, herbs, and spices, all simmered together to create a delicious and comforting soup that the whole family will love. Serve it with some crusty bread for a complete meal that will warm you up from the inside out.
Ingredients for The Best Chicken Soup Ever
- 1 whole chicken, about 4-5 pounds
- 2 onions, chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 10 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
How to Make The Best Chicken Soup Ever
- Prepare the Chicken: Remove the giblets from the chicken, if included, and rinse the chicken under cold water. Place the chicken in a large stockpot and cover it with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer the chicken for about 1 hour, or until the meat is falling off the bones. Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones and shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Soup Base: In the same stockpot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften. Add the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf, and cook for another minute, or until fragrant.
- Add the Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the Shredded Chicken: Add the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Season the soup with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Add the Peas and Parsley: Stir in the frozen peas and chopped parsley, and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the peas are heated through.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, with some crusty bread on the side.
About the Main Ingredients
Chicken: Using a whole chicken to make the broth gives the soup a rich and flavorful base. The meat from the chicken adds protein and heartiness to the soup.
Vegetables: Onions, carrots, celery, and garlic are classic soup vegetables that add flavor, color, and nutrients to the soup.
Herbs and Spices: Dried thyme, dried rosemary, and a bay leaf add depth of flavor to the soup. You can adjust the amounts to suit your taste.
Chicken Broth: Using chicken broth as the base of the soup adds richness and flavor. You can use store-bought chicken broth or homemade chicken broth for the best flavor.
Peas: Frozen peas are added at the end of cooking to add a pop of color and sweetness to the soup.
Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds freshness and a burst of flavor to the soup. It’s best to add it at the end of cooking to preserve its bright green color and fresh flavor.
Seasoning: Salt and pepper are added to taste to enhance the flavors of the soup.
This recipe for the best chicken soup ever is a classic comfort food that is sure to warm you up and make you feel cozy. It’s easy to make and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and herbs. Whether you’re fighting off a cold or just craving a comforting bowl of soup, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
