Making chicken soup from scratch feels like a small act of rebellion against the convenience of store-bought broths. I love how the process slows me down, turning simple ingredients into something deeply satisfying. It’s a ritual that reminds me of childhood kitchens, where every simmer and stir was full of quiet care.
Why This Soup Calls Me Back
The slow simmering turns humble ingredients into a layered, comforting broth. It’s a recipe that rewards patience, filling the house with smoky, herbal scents. Every spoonful feels like a quiet victory—simple, honest, deeply satisfying.
Inside the Bowl: The Heart of the Soup
- Whole Chicken or Chicken Pieces: The backbone of flavor, juicy and tender, with a smoky aroma if roasted first.
- Carrots: Sweet, earthy crunch or melt-in-mouth softness, depending on how long you cook them.
- Celery: For depth and herbal brightness, adds a crisp bite if sliced thin.
- Onions: Builds sweetness and richness; caramelized onions bring a smoky note if browned beforehand.
- Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Thyme): A burst of green freshness, brightening the broth’s natural richness.
- Garlic: Adds warmth and depth, scent filling the kitchen as it cooks.
- Lemon or Lemon Juice: Brightens the broth with a zesty zing, especially good in cold weather.
Tools of the Trade: What You Need to Brew a Pot of Soul
- Large Stock Pot: To hold all ingredients and simmer everything evenly.
- Sharp Knife: To chop vegetables and trim chicken with precision.
- Ladle: For skimming foam and serving the broth.
- Slotted Spoon: To remove chicken and vegetables without breaking them apart.
- Meat Thermometer: To check chicken doneness accurately.
Brewing Comfort: How to Make Chicken Soup from Scratch
Cooking Checks: Ensuring Your Chicken Soup Turns Out Perfect
- The broth should be golden and clear, not cloudy, with a fragrant herbal scent.
- Meat should be tender and falling off the bone, not tough or rubbery.
- Vegetables should be softened but still hold a slight bite, not mushy or overcooked.
Common Pitfalls and How to Dodge Them
- Skipping the foam skim will make broth cloudy.? Skim foam regularly to keep broth clear. If foam overflows, reduce heat.
- Over-salting early leaves soup too salty.? Adjust salt gradually; too much can overpower delicate herbs.
- Letting vegetables boil too long.? Cook vegetables just until tender; overcooking turns them mushy.
- Undercooked chicken, risk of dryness or food safety issues.? Ensure chicken reaches 75°C (165°F). If not, cook a few more minutes.
Homemade Chicken Soup
This chicken soup is built through a slow simmering process that transforms humble ingredients into a clear, fragrant broth. Juicy chicken, tender vegetables, and fresh herbs come together in a comforting bowl with a bright, layered flavor and a warm, nourishing feel.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the whole chicken or chicken pieces into a large stock pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, skimming off foam as it rises to keep the broth clear and bright.
- Add diced onions, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Continue simmering gently, allowing the vegetables to soften and release their flavors into the broth.
- After about 30 minutes, add the minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs to the pot. Stir gently and let everything simmer for an additional hour, allowing the flavors to deepen.
- Check the chicken for doneness using a meat thermometer; it should reach 75°C (165°F). Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to rest.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove vegetables if you prefer a clearer broth, or leave them in for a heartier texture. Strain the broth through a fine sieve if you want it extra clear.
- Shred the cooked chicken meat, discarding the bones and skin. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, along with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
- Taste the broth and season with salt and pepper as needed. Warm everything through until the chicken is heated and the flavors meld, about 10 minutes.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional herbs if desired. Enjoy a comforting bowl of homemade chicken soup with tender vegetables and a clear, fragrant broth.
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