Why Make This Recipe

Healing Chicken Soup is more than just a dish; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. Packed with nourishing ingredients, this classic recipe is perfect for when you’re feeling under the weather or just need a comforting meal. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs makes it not only delicious but also healing. Plus, it’s simple to make, using ingredients you may already have in your kitchen.

How to Make Healing Chicken Soup

Ingredients

1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cleaned and cut into pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium carrots, sliced
3 celery stalks, sliced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
8 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
1 cup water (if needed)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Juice of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)
1 cup egg noodles or rice (optional, for heartiness)

Directions

Rinse the whole chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
Cut the chicken into pieces: legs, thighs, wings, and breasts.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, skin-side down, and sear for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
Toss in the sliced carrots and celery, sautéing for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
Sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, and add the bay leaf, stirring to coat the vegetables.
Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot, nestling them among the vegetables.
Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged. Add water if needed.
Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Carefully remove the chicken pieces from the pot using tongs and place them on a cutting board to cool slightly.
Shred the chicken meat using two forks, discarding the skin and bones.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring it into the broth and vegetables.
Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
If adding egg noodles or rice, stir them in and let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until cooked through.
Just before serving, stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice if using.
Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy warm.

How to Serve Healing Chicken Soup

Serve your Healing Chicken Soup warm in bowls. You can enjoy it as is or pair it with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal. A sprinkle of extra parsley on top adds a fresh touch!

How to Store Healing Chicken Soup

To store your soup, let it cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave some space in the container as it will expand when frozen.

Tips to Make Healing Chicken Soup

For extra flavor, you can roast the chicken pieces before adding them to the soup.
Feel free to add more vegetables like potatoes or green beans.
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry at the end.
Adjust the seasonings to taste by adding more herbs or spices that you enjoy.

Variation

You can make a vegetarian version by using vegetable broth and omitting the chicken. Add beans or lentils for protein, and feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken for this soup?
Yes, you can! Use cooked chicken to save time. Add it towards the end of cooking to heat through.

Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you skip the egg noodles or use gluten-free pasta or grains.

How can I make this soup spicier?
Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while it cooks for a spicy kick.