![To make the best homemade chicken soup, gather these key items: - 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs), cleaned - 8 cups chicken broth - 2 cups carrots, diced - 2 cups celery, diced - 1 large onion, diced - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen) - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 bay leaf - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil These ingredients create a rich base that fills your kitchen with warmth. You can add some optional items to boost flavor: - 1 cup egg noodles (for a heartier soup) - Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish) - A squeeze of lemon juice (for brightness) - A dash of hot sauce (for a kick) These extras can bring new layers to your soup. Using the right tools makes cooking easier: - A large pot (at least 6 quarts) - A sharp knife (for chopping veggies) - A cutting board - A ladle (for serving) - A meat thermometer (to check chicken doneness) Having these tools on hand will make your cooking process smooth and enjoyable. Check the Full Recipe for more details on the cooking steps. Gather your ingredients first. You need a whole chicken, broth, and veggies. Chop the carrots, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic. This prep step is key for a smooth cooking process. 1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is clear, about 5 minutes. 3. Now, add the carrots and celery. Cook these for another 5-6 minutes until they soften. 4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. 5. Carefully place the whole chicken in the pot. Add thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. 6. Lower the heat and cover the pot. Let the chicken simmer for about 1 hour, or until it's tender. 7. Once cooked, remove the chicken. Let it cool, then shred the meat from the bones. Discard the skin and bones. 8. Put the shredded chicken back into the pot. If you want noodles, add them now. Cook for 8-10 minutes until soft. 9. Stir in the peas and cook for another 2 minutes. Adjust the seasoning as needed. 10. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve with crusty bread on the side. This makes for a warm, comforting meal. For the full recipe, check the section above! To make your chicken soup burst with flavor, herbs and spices are key. I love using dried thyme and rosemary. They bring warmth and depth. Add a teaspoon of each when you cook. A bay leaf is another great choice. It adds a subtle earthiness. Fresh herbs, like parsley, bring brightness. Stir in chopped parsley just before serving for a fresh taste. Many home cooks make simple mistakes. One common error is overcooking the chicken. Remove it as soon as it’s tender. This keeps the meat juicy. Also, don’t skip the salt. It enhances all the flavors. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning. Finally, avoid cooking the noodles too long. They should be tender but not mushy. If you want a thicker soup, there are easy ways to do it. One method is to use a roux. Mix equal parts flour and butter in a pan. Cook it for a few minutes before adding it to the soup. Another way is to blend some of the soup. Just take a cup out, blend it, and stir it back in. This adds creaminess without extra fat. Enjoy your soup thickened just the way you like! For the full recipe, check here: [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} Using a slow cooker makes chicken soup easy. Start by placing your cleaned whole chicken inside. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth. Season with thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. This method makes the chicken very tender. Shred the chicken before serving. You can add egg noodles or peas as desired. If you need a fast meal, try the Instant Pot. Sauté the onion and garlic using the sauté function. Add the chicken and all the other ingredients. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. Once done, carefully release the pressure. Shred the chicken and add any extra ingredients. This method saves time while keeping great flavor. You can get creative with your chicken soup! Try adding different veggies like spinach or corn. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken for a fast option. For a twist, add some lemon juice or ginger. If you want a creamier soup, stir in some heavy cream at the end. Each of these add-ins can make your soup unique and delicious. For the full recipe, check out the Hearty Comfort Chicken Soup 🥣 section above. To keep your chicken soup fresh, let it cool first. Once cool, pour it into an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option. When freezing chicken soup, use freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. For best taste, use the soup within three months. You can also freeze soup in smaller portions. This makes it easy to thaw just what you need. To reheat chicken soup, you can use the stove or microwave. On the stove, pour the soup into a pot. Heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally. For the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between until hot. Always check that it’s heated evenly before serving. Homemade chicken soup can last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it. In the freezer, it can stay good for up to 3 months. Just remember to cool it down before you freeze it. Yes, you can use a rotisserie chicken for your soup. It saves time and adds great flavor. Just shred the meat off the bone and add it to your broth. You can skip the step of cooking a whole chicken. This makes the soup quick and easy to prepare. The secret to a tasty chicken soup lies in the broth and herbs. Using good quality chicken broth is key. Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary add depth. Don't forget to sauté your onions and garlic first. This step builds a strong flavor base. Adding salt and pepper helps balance the taste. You can also use a bay leaf for extra aroma. These small details make a big difference in flavor. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe. Homemade chicken soup is simple and satisfying. We covered key ingredients, essential tools, and a step-by-step guide to make it. I shared tips to enhance flavor and avoid common mistakes. You can try different methods like slow cooking or using an Instant Pot. Lastly, proper storage and reheating keep your soup fresh. Enjoy making your own soup! It’s a warm meal that brings joy.](https://itssoupy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/73d446f6-ce72-4586-b5ed-826de409ff8c-250x250.webp)
Best Homemade Chicken Soup
Warm up with a delightful bowl of hearty comfort chicken soup that will nourish your body and soul! This easy recipe features tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, creating the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for chilly days, it's not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. Discover how to make this delicious homemade soup that's sure to become a family favorite. Click through for the full recipe and tips to elevate your soup game!