jewish chicken soup recipe

jewish chicken soup recipe

The Best jewish chicken soup recipe

I’m so excited to share this traditional Jewish chicken soup recipe with you all. This is a family favorite that’s been passed down for generations, and it’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cold winter day or a special family gathering.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and packed with nutrients.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is always a hit with them. We make it at least once a week during the winter months to keep everyone healthy and happy.

I’ve experimented with different ingredients over the years, but this classic recipe remains my go-to. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and aromatic spices is just unbeatable.

Plus, it’s so versatile – you can serve it as a main course or use it as a base for other soups and stews. I’ve even added some fun twists like adding noodles or dumplings for a hearty meal.

My family loves when I serve this soup with some crusty bread or crackers on the side for dipping in the rich broth.

Classic Jewish Chicken Soup

Classic Jewish Chicken Soup

4.8 from 1676 votes

A comforting and nourishing chicken soup, often called Jewish penicillin, made with a rich golden broth, tender chicken, and root vegetables. This traditional recipe is perfect for warming the soul and is a staple for holiday gatherings or when feeling under the weather.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time2 hours 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 50 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 280 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Soup

1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds), cut into pieces
3 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
3 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch chunks
2 large parsnips, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
1 large onion, quartered
1 large leek, white and light green parts only, halved lengthwise and rinsed
1 small bunch fresh dill
1 small bunch fresh parsley
2 cloves garlic, smashed
2 bay leaves
10 black peppercorns
2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
12 cups cold water

For Serving (optional)

Cooked egg noodles or matzo balls
Fresh dill or parsley for garnish

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the chicken pieces in a large stockpot and add the cold water.
2Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
3Skim off any foam that rises to the surface with a spoon for about 10 minutes.
4Add the carrots, celery, parsnips, onion, leek, dill, parsley, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, and 2 teaspoons of salt to the pot.
5Stir gently to combine, then return the soup to a low simmer.
6Cook uncovered for 2 hours, adjusting the heat as needed to keep a gentle bubble.
7After 2 hours, remove the pot from the heat.
8Carefully take out the chicken pieces with tongs and set them on a cutting board to cool slightly.
9Once cool enough to handle, remove the skin and bones, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
10Strain the remaining broth through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl, pressing on the vegetables to extract all the liquid.
11Discard the solids.
12Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
13The broth should be clear and golden.
14Return the strained broth to the pot and add the shredded chicken.
15Bring the soup back to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low to keep it warm.
16If serving with noodles or matzo balls, prepare them according to package directions and add to the bowls before ladling the soup.
17Ladle the hot soup into bowls, making sure each serving gets some chicken.
18Garnish with fresh dill or parsley if desired.
19Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting flavors.

🔧Equipment

Large stockpot (at least 8 quarts)
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Fine-mesh strainer
Large bowl
Ladle
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 280 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 3.5g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 680mg🌾Total Carbs: 10g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

For an even richer flavor, roast the chicken pieces and vegetables in a 400°F oven for 30 minutes before adding them to the pot. The soup can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Skim any solidified fat from the surface before reheating.

Watch Video Of How Classic Jewish Chicken Soup Works

This traditional Jewish chicken soup recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a comforting meal after a long day or want something easy to whip up on busy weeknights.

My family loves how versatile this recipe is – we’ve used it as a main course for dinner parties or as a base for other soups and stews.

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to store in the fridge or freezer for later use.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Jewish Chicken Soup

Q1: What is the origin of Jewish chicken soup?

Jewish chicken soup has its roots in Eastern European Jewish cuisine, where it was known as ‘chicken soup’ or ‘jewish penicillin.’ It was often served as a comfort food during times of illness or hardship, and its reputation as a healing remedy spread quickly throughout the community.

Q2: What are the key ingredients in Jewish chicken soup?

The classic recipe calls for chicken breast or thighs, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, ginger, and aromatic spices like paprika and thyme. You can also add other vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or sweet potatoes for added flavor and nutrition.

Q3: How do you make Jewish chicken soup?

Simply sauté the onions and garlic in some oil until softened, then add in your chopped veggies and cook until they’re tender. Next, add in your chicken broth and let it simmer until everything is cooked through. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste.

Q4: Can I customize this recipe to suit my dietary needs?

Absolutely! If you’re gluten-free or dairy-free, simply substitute those ingredients with gluten-free or dairy-free alternatives. You can also adjust the amount of spices to suit your taste preferences.

Q5: Is Jewish chicken soup suitable for freezing?

Yes! This soup freezes beautifully – simply let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag.

Similar Posts