Warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds with Robin Zoss's Chicken Soup, a quintessential American comfort food that promises to wrap you in a cozy embrace with every spoonful. This delightful recipe is not just a meal; it's a heartwarming experience that brings families together, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little pick-me-up. With just 10 minutes of prep time and 40 minutes of simmering magic, you can create a nourishing bowl of goodness that serves 8. Dive into this recipe and discover the secret to making a chicken soup that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 8 cups water
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, quartered
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Place the whole chicken pieces into a large stockpot or Dutch oven.
- Pour 8 cups of cold water over the chicken, ensuring the meat is completely submerged.
- Add quartered onion, bay leaf, and minced garlic to the pot to enhance the flavor profile.
- Bring the liquid to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer.
- Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during the initial cooking process.
- Simmer the chicken for approximately 25-30 minutes until the meat is tender and fully cooked.
- Carefully remove the chicken pieces from the broth and set aside to cool slightly.
- Add sliced carrots and chopped celery to the simmering broth.
- Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones and shred into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot with vegetables and broth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting flavors as needed.
- Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to blend flavors and ensure vegetables are tender.
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
- Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the comforting chicken soup.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh vegetables and herbs. Fresh parsley adds a vibrant touch to your soup just before serving.
- Skimming the Broth: Don’t skip the step of skimming off the foam and impurities. This will give you a clearer and more appetizing broth.
- Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes or peas for added texture and flavor.
- Let It Simmer: The longer you let the soup simmer, the more the flavors will meld together. Just be sure to keep an eye on the vegetables to avoid overcooking.
- Shred the Chicken: For the best texture, let the chicken cool slightly before shredding it. This makes it easier to handle and ensures even pieces.
- Season to Taste: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust the seasoning. A little extra salt or pepper can elevate the flavors significantly.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This soup also freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 90mg
