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Healing Homemade Chicken Soup

This chicken soup is made by simmering a whole chicken with aromatics like onion, garlic, and herbs to create a clear, flavorful broth with tender meat. The process involves slow simmering, straining, and shredding, resulting in a comforting dish with a vibrant, nourishing appearance. It’s a simple, soulful meal that can be customized with noodles, greens, or lemon for added brightness.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Homemade
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole organic chicken preferably fresh and whole for best flavor
  • 1 large onion peeled and quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic peeled and smashed
  • 2 bay leaves bay leaf
  • 3 carrots carrots peeled and sliced
  • a handful fresh parsley chopped, added at the end
  • a few sprigs fresh thyme added during simmering, removed before serving
  • to taste salt and pepper season gradually to enhance flavor

Equipment

  • Large stockpot
  • Fine sieve
  • Tongs
  • Forks
  • Chef's Knife

Method
 

  1. Place the whole chicken in a large stockpot and cover with cold water, ensuring it's fully submerged.
  2. Add the quartered onion, smashed garlic cloves, bay leaves, and sliced carrots to the pot.
  3. Bring the water to a gentle simmer over medium heat, watching for small bubbles and a fragrant aroma filling the kitchen.
  4. Allow the soup to simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, skimming off foam and oil that rise to the surface to keep the broth clear.
  5. Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the broth, placing it on a cutting board to cool slightly.
  6. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding bones and skin.
  7. Pour the strained broth through a fine sieve into a clean pot, pressing gently on the solids to extract maximum flavor.
  8. Return the strained broth to the stove, add the shredded chicken and sliced carrots, and bring to a gentle simmer.
  9. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, stirring gently to combine all flavors.
  10. Just before serving, stir in chopped parsley and remove the thyme sprigs for a fresh, vibrant touch.
  11. Serve the hot, clear chicken soup in bowls, enjoying the comforting aroma and tender ingredients.

Notes

Feel free to add noodles, greens, or lemon for variation. This soup is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days.