Warm your soul with our Hearty Chicken Soup! This timeless classic combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and flavorful herbs in a comforting broth that nourishes both body and spirit. Perfect for chilly days or when you're feeling under the weather, each bowl is packed with wholesome goodness and heartwarming flavors. Easy to prepare and even easier to love, this chicken soup is ideal for family dinners or a cozy night in. Discover the ultimate comfort food that brings everyone together - one spoonful at a time!
Ingredients
1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into pieces
8 cups of water (or low-sodium chicken broth)
2 large carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
2-3 bay leaves
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: 1 cup egg noodles or rice, added during the last 10-15 minutes
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
In a large pot, add the chicken pieces and cover with water or broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, celery, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Carefully take out the chicken pieces and let them cool. Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the bones and discard the bones and skin.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and, if desired, add the egg noodles or rice. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until the noodles/rice are cooked.
Check the seasoning and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve: Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Enjoy your homemade chicken soup!