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Homemade Chicken Soup

This comforting chicken soup is crafted by simmering bone-in chicken with aromatic vegetables, resulting in a clear, flavorful broth with tender meat. The process involves slow simmering, skimming impurities, and adding fresh herbs for brightness, culminating in a warm, nourishing bowl that can be customized with greens, lemon, or noodles.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Homestyle
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole chicken (preferably bone-in) preferably organic or fresh
  • 2 medium onions diced
  • 3 carrots carrots diced
  • 2 stalks celery chopped
  • 1 handful parsley chopped, for garnish
  • 2 sprigs thyme fresh
  • 1 lemon lemon for a splash at the end
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • Optional amount noodles or rice add near the end for a heartier soup

Equipment

  • Large stockpot
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. Place the whole chicken in a large stockpot and cover with cold water. Turn the heat to medium and bring to a gentle simmer, letting the chicken cook slowly for about 10 minutes while skimming off any foam that rises to the surface.
  2. Add diced onions and carrots to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and their aroma turns sweet, with gentle bubbling around the edges.
  3. Drop in chopped celery and sprigs of thyme. Continue simmering uncovered on low heat, maintaining a gentle simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, skimming occasionally to keep the broth clear and pristine.
  4. Once the chicken is tender and falling apart, carefully remove it from the broth. Set aside to cool slightly, then strip the meat from the bones into bite-sized pieces.
  5. Pour the broth through a fine-mesh strainer into another pot to remove any remaining impurities. Return the clear broth to the stove and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Add the chopped chicken back into the broth, along with a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  7. If you’re using noodles or rice, add them now and cook until tender, about 10 minutes for noodles or as directed for rice.
  8. Once everything is heated through and the flavors meld, ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and a final squeeze of lemon for a bright finish.

Notes

For a clearer broth, make sure to skim regularly during simmering. Adjust seasoning at the end for perfect flavor. Customize with greens, chili, or lemon to suit your taste.