chicken soup whole chicken recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best chicken soup whole chicken recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my family’s favorite chicken soup recipe that’s been passed down for generations. This whole chicken recipe is a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will become a staple in yours too.

The moment I think of chicken soup, I’m transported back to my childhood, where my grandmother would make this for me whenever I was feeling under the weather. The smell of the simmering broth and the tender chunks of chicken would always make me feel better.

As a busy mom, I love that this recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit our family’s tastes. Whether we’re looking for a comforting meal after a long day or a hearty dinner for our kids, this recipe never fails to deliver.

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can serve it as a main course or use it as a base for other soups and stews. And let’s not forget about the health benefits – with all the vegetables and lean protein from the chicken, this soup is a nutritional powerhouse.

In fact, I like to call it ‘liquid gold’ because of its numerous health benefits. My kids love helping me prepare this recipe because they get to learn about different herbs and spices, which are essential in giving the soup its signature flavor.

Whole Chicken Soup

4.6 from 1694 votes

A comforting and flavorful soup made with a whole chicken, vegetables, and aromatic spices. This recipe is perfect for a hearty meal on a cold day.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time2 hours 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 50 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 250 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Soup

1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs)
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 large onion, quartered
4 cloves garlic, smashed
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
10 cups water

For Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the whole chicken in a large stockpot.
2Add carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3Pour in water until the chicken is fully submerged.
4Bring to a boil over high heat and then reduce heat to medium-low.
5Cover and let it simmer for 2 hours and 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily falls off the bone.
6Skim any foam or impurities that rise to the top during cooking.
7Remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board.
8Allow it to cool slightly.
9Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken meat using two forks.
10Discard the skin and bones.
11Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
12Strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot to remove the vegetables and spices.
13Discard the solids.
14Return the shredded chicken to the strained broth.
15Stir well to combine.
16Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
17Heat the soup over medium heat until hot and bubbly.
18Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley.
Serve hot.

🔧Equipment

Large stockpot
Wooden spoon
Ladle
Bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 250 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 5g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add noodles or rice to the soup for a heartier meal. For a richer flavor, you can roast the chicken first before adding it to the soup.

This whole chicken soup recipe has become an integral part of our family gatherings over the years and now we love sharing it with friends who come over.

The best part?

It stores beautifully in individual portions making reheating quick and convenient whether we have guests coming over or just want something hearty after work on weeknights Reheating tips include adding more water if needed as well as considering adding some cream or coconut milk for added richness.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Whole Chicken Soup

What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?

You can use any whole chicken for this recipe. I prefer to use a free-range or organic chicken for better flavor and quality. Make sure to remove any giblets from the chicken cavity before cooking.

How long should I cook the whole chicken?

Cook the whole chicken for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C). This ensures that the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Can I use chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken. However, the cooking time will be shorter. Cook the chicken pieces for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C).

What are the health benefits of this soup?

Whole chicken soup is packed with nutrients. It is a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. The soup is also low in calories and fat, making it a healthy choice for a meal.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Let the soup cool completely before freezing. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and heat it on the stove over medium heat until warmed through.

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