This homemade chicken soup recipe combines a 3-pound whole chicken, carrots, celery, onion, and water simmered for 90 minutes into a rich stock.
Yielding 10 servings in 1 hour and 45 minutes, this simple meal provides 152 calories and 13g of protein per serving.
Follow this guide for complete ingredients, step-by-step simmering directions, community tips, and storage guidelines to make comforting soup from scratch.
Recipe Overview and Key Ingredients
Preparing traditional chicken soup at home requires basic whole ingredients, simple kitchen tools, and patient cooking times to build a wholesome broth for ten full servings.
Essential Recipe Timeline and Yield
Making soup from scratch takes minimal preparation work followed by gentle simmering on the stove.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes required to gather and prep ingredients.
- Cook Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes of low-heat simmering.
- Total Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes from start to finish.
- Recipe Yield: 10 individual servings.
Core Ingredients List
Simple whole ingredients form the foundation of this clear broth soup.
- Whole Chicken: 1 (3-pound) whole chicken.
- Vegetable Base: 4 carrots (halved), 4 celery stalks (halved), and 1 large onion (halved).
- Liquid: Cold water added in a quantity sufficient to cover all ingredients completely.
Seasonings and Optional Additions
Minimal seasoning enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
- Standard Seasonings: Salt and black pepper added to taste.
- Optional Flavor Booster: 1 teaspoon of chicken bouillon granules for additional savory depth.
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
Following a clear step-by-step process ensures the whole chicken and vegetables release their full flavor into the liquid while keeping the final soup clean and easy to serve.
Simmering the Stock
Combining ingredients and maintaining a low simmer extracts maximum flavor from the whole bird.
- Place the whole chicken, 4 halved carrots, 4 halved celery stalks, and 1 halved large onion into a large soup pot.
- Pour in enough cold water to completely cover the chicken and vegetables.
- Place the pot on the stove and bring the liquid to a boil over medium heat.
- Lower the heat to low and simmer uncovered for approximately 90 minutes until the chicken meat easily falls off the bone.
- Skim off foam from the surface of the simmering liquid periodically as needed.
Processing Chicken and Stock
Separating meat, stock, and vegetables allows for proper trimming and pot cleaning.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and set it on a clean surface to cool.
- Strain the cooked vegetables out of the pot, reserving all liquid stock in a bowl.
- Rinse the soup pot thoroughly to remove any residue, then pour the reserved liquid stock back into the clean pot.
- Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, chop the meat into small pieces and discard the skin and bones.
Reassembling and Final Heating
Recombining ingredients ensures every bowl contains chicken meat, tender vegetables, and hot broth.
- Chop the cooked carrots, celery, and onion into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
- Add the chopped chicken meat and chopped vegetables back into the pot with the reserved stock.
- Warm the pot over low heat until the soup is thoroughly heated through.
- Taste the warm broth and season with salt, black pepper, and optional chicken bouillon granules before serving.
Nutrition Facts Table per Serving
Understanding the nutritional breakdown per serving helps with accurate meal planning. The values below reflect one serving from the total ten-serving recipe yield.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 152 | – |
| Total Fat | 9g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Cholesterol | 37mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 68mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 227mg | 5% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 4g | 2% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Total Sugars | 2g | – |
| Protein | 13g | 26% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 24mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 4% |
Community Customization Tips and Upgrades
Home cooks frequently adapt this foundational recipe by altering cooking methods or adding grains, herbs, and dairy toppings to match specific family preferences and dietary needs.
Preparation and Broth Upgrades
Altering preparation steps or adding aromatics builds deeper flavor profiles.
- Oven Roasting: Toss the whole chicken and halved vegetables in olive oil and seasonings, then roast them in the oven before simmering in the pot.
- Herbs: Add bay leaves or fresh herbs during the 90-minute simmer to boost broth aroma.
- Fresh Vegetables: Discard spent vegetables after straining stock, then cook fresh diced carrots and celery during final heating for firmer texture.
Grain and Pasta Additions
Adding starches turns a simple chicken broth into a heartier meal.
- Egg Noodles: Stir cooked noodles directly into the pot or individual bowls right before serving.
- Small Pasta: Cook orzo pasta or fideo cut spaghetti separately and stir into individual bowls.
- Cooked Rice: Stir 1/2 to 1 cup of cooked rice into warm soup bowls.
Serving and Repurposing Ideas
Creative serving choices help maximize meal variety across multiple days.
- Grated Cheese: Top warm servings with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Chicken Pot Pie: Reserve a portion of cooked chicken meat and broth to make a homemade chicken pot pie.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Guidelines
Proper storage techniques maintain soup safety and flavor quality, making this batch recipe convenient for weekly meal preparation or long-term freezer storage.
Refrigerator Storage Steps
Follow these steps to keep leftover soup fresh in the fridge.
- Allow the cooked soup to cool completely at room temperature.
- Transfer the cooled soup into a clean airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Freezing and Reheating Methods
Freezing in single portions allows for quick weekday meals.
- Freezing: Pour cooled soup into labeled freezer bags, leaving extra room at the top for liquid expansion, squeeze out air, and freeze flat for up to 6 months.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator, then reheat thoroughly on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until hot throughout.
