Healing Chicken Soup Recipe: Comforting & Nourishing Classic
Healing Chicken Soup is a comforting and nourishing recipe that blends tender chicken pieces, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a savory broth. Perfect for cold days or when you need a boost of home-cooked goodness, this soup soothes the body and soul with its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 pounds), cleaned and cut into pieces
- 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup water (if needed)
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)
- 1 cup egg noodles or rice (optional, for heartiness)
Instructions
1. Rinse the whole chicken under cold water and pat dry. Cut into pieces: legs, thighs, wings, and breasts.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sear chicken pieces skin-side down for 5–7 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, sauté chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Add sliced carrots and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
5. Add dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir to coat vegetables.
6. Return seared chicken pieces to the pot and nestle among the vegetables.
7. Pour in chicken broth and water (if needed) to fully submerge the chicken. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low and cover. Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
8. Remove chicken from the pot. Cool slightly, then shred with two forks, discarding skin and bones.
9. Return shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
10. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
11. If using, add egg noodles or rice and simmer for 10–15 minutes until cooked.
12. Stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice (if using) just before serving.
13. Ladle into bowls and enjoy warm.
Notes
For deeper flavor, use homemade chicken broth.
Lemon juice is optional but adds brightness to the soup.
Omit noodles or rice for a lighter version, or include them for extra heartiness.
This soup freezes well for up to 3 months—store in airtight containers.
Be sure to remove the bay leaf before serving as it is not edible.
Adjust herb quantities to taste. This recipe is great for customizing.
Find it online: https://cookingwithramsay.com/healing-chicken-soup/