If you’re craving something hearty, healthy, and soul-soothing, you can’t go wrong with a classic organic chicken soup. Not only does it offer a delightful balance of flavors, but it’s also packed with nutrients that are great for your body, especially during colder months or when you’re feeling under the weather. There’s something undeniably comforting about the combination of tender chicken, rich broth, and aromatic vegetables.
Now, what makes organic chicken soup even better? Well, it’s not just the taste – using organic ingredients means you’re getting food free from synthetic pesticides, antibiotics, and hormones, which is not only beneficial for your health but also the environment. So, let’s dive in and explore how to make a nourishing, flavor-packed bowl of organic chicken soup that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Organic Chicken Soup Recipe
Creating the perfect organic chicken soup is simpler than it seems. You don’t need an abundance of ingredients, just a thoughtful selection of fresh, organic components. Here’s the basic structure for an organic chicken soup recipe that’s full of flavor, warmth, and all the goodness you need to fuel your body.
Ingredients Needed
To make the soup, you’ll need the following organic ingredients:
- Organic chicken (whole or pieces) – I recommend bone-in chicken for the extra richness and flavor in the broth.
- Organic carrots – Adds natural sweetness and color.
- Organic celery – Provides a refreshing crunch and subtle flavor.
- Organic onions – For that aromatic base that gives depth to the soup.
- Garlic – Freshly minced for a punch of flavor.
- Organic chicken broth – Using organic broth or homemade stock is key for a rich, wholesome base.
- Herbs (thyme, rosemary, bay leaves) – These bring the aromatic depth and fragrance that are signature to chicken soup.
- Salt & pepper – To season the soup to taste.
- Fresh parsley – For a bright, fresh finish.
- Organic potatoes or parsnips (optional) – For added texture and heartiness.
- Lemon juice (optional) – A splash for brightness.
Cooking Instructions
Now that you’ve got your organic ingredients ready, let’s jump into the cooking process. It’s all about patience and layering the flavors to create a rich, vibrant soup.
- Prepare the chicken: If you’re using a whole chicken, remove any giblets from the cavity. You can also break it down into pieces (legs, thighs, or breasts) if preferred. It’s important to keep the skin on, as it will add more flavor to the broth.
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add in the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chicken: Add your chicken pieces into the pot, skin-side down. Brown the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side. This step helps develop the deep flavor of the broth.
- Pour in the broth: Once the chicken is browned, pour in the organic chicken broth or water (enough to cover the chicken and veggies). If you’re using water, add a couple of bouillon cubes or chicken stock concentrate to enhance the flavor.
- Season and simmer: Add your herbs, salt, and pepper to taste. For extra flavor, drop in bay leaves, a sprig of rosemary, and a few sprigs of thyme. Bring the soup to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the broth is infused with the flavors of the herbs and vegetables.
- Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot. Let it cool slightly, and then shred the meat using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back to the pot.
- Add additional vegetables: If you want heartier soup, you can add potatoes, parsnips, or even corn at this stage. Simmer for an additional 20-30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Final touches: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, zesty finish. Throw in some fresh parsley just before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
Ingredient Insights
Let’s take a closer look at some of the ingredients and why they’re great for your organic chicken soup:
- Organic chicken: This is the star of the show. By opting for organic chicken, you’re avoiding potentially harmful hormones or antibiotics. Plus, the flavor is typically more robust, and the texture is much more tender.
- Herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves: These aromatic herbs are essential for creating a flavorful base. Thyme adds a lemony earthiness, rosemary contributes piney, woodsy flavors, and bay leaves infuse a subtle depth.
- Organic carrots and celery: These vegetables, often referred to as the “holy trinity” of soup-making, provide the perfect foundation for any broth. Their natural sweetness complements the savory chicken perfectly.
- Fresh garlic: Garlic is packed with antioxidants and has immune-boosting properties. It adds a little kick and aromatic richness that no soup should be without.
Expert Tips
- Broth, not water: While water can work in a pinch, nothing beats the flavor of homemade or high-quality organic chicken broth. If you don’t have homemade broth, consider using a good store-bought one, and opt for low-sodium varieties to control the salt level.
- Low and slow cooking: The longer the soup simmers, the more flavorful the broth becomes. This is why it’s important to cook the soup on low heat and let it simmer for a longer period. It extracts all the flavors from the bones of the chicken and herbs.
- Don’t forget the skin: If you want extra flavor in your broth, make sure to leave the chicken skin on while cooking. The skin adds fat, which enriches the broth, creating a fuller and more satisfying flavor profile.
- Shred the chicken right: For a more satisfying texture, shred the chicken into larger pieces rather than tiny shreds. This keeps the chicken juicy and tender, and gives your soup a more rustic feel.
Recipe Variations
While this organic chicken soup recipe is delicious on its own, there are several ways to switch things up based on your preferences:
- Add noodles or rice: For a more filling meal, add egg noodles, rice, or even quinoa for an extra layer of texture.
- Spice it up: If you enjoy a little heat, try adding some chili flakes, a diced jalapeño, or a dash of cayenne pepper to the soup.
- Creamy variation: For a creamy version, blend a portion of the soup (after removing the chicken) and stir in some cream or coconut milk to create a richer, velvety texture.
- Vegetarian alternative: Swap out the chicken for organic tofu or a variety of mushrooms to create a hearty vegetarian version.
Final Words
The beauty of homemade organic chicken soup lies in its versatility and the endless possibilities for customization. Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal, a comfort food fix, or a healing remedy for a cold, this soup can do it all. Best of all, it’s easy to make and you can feel great knowing you’re cooking with the highest-quality ingredients, free from pesticides and synthetic chemicals.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Essential For An Organic Chicken Soup Recipe?
To make an organic chicken soup, you’ll need organic chicken (preferably free-range), organic vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, organic garlic, herbs such as thyme and parsley, organic chicken broth or stock, and seasonings like salt and pepper. Optional additions include organic potatoes, leeks, and bay leaves.
Can I Make Organic Chicken Soup With Boneless Chicken?
Yes, you can use boneless organic chicken for a quicker cooking time and a more tender texture. However, bone-in chicken provides a richer flavor and a more nutrient-dense broth. If you prefer boneless, consider adding chicken breast or thighs.
How Long Should I Cook Organic Chicken Soup?
The cooking time for organic chicken soup typically ranges from 1 to 1.5 hours. If you’re using bone-in chicken, it may take longer (up to 2 hours) to extract maximum flavor from the bones. For a faster version with boneless chicken, 30-40 minutes is usually sufficient.
Can I Use Store-bought Organic Chicken Broth For This Recipe?
Yes, store-bought organic chicken broth can be used in place of homemade stock for convenience. Just be sure to check the ingredients to ensure it is free from preservatives and artificial additives.
What Vegetables Can I Add To Organic Chicken Soup For Extra Flavor?
To enhance the flavor of your organic chicken soup, you can add vegetables such as leeks, parsnips, kale, spinach, zucchini, or corn. These vegetables not only add flavor but also boost the nutritional profile of the soup.
Can I Make Organic Chicken Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make organic chicken soup in a slow cooker. Simply add all your ingredients (chicken, vegetables, broth, and seasonings) and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to develop more deeply.
Is Organic Chicken Soup Gluten-free?
Yes, organic chicken soup is naturally gluten-free if you avoid adding ingredients like pasta or noodles that contain gluten. You can make a gluten-free version by substituting pasta with rice or gluten-free noodles.
Can I Make Organic Chicken Soup Ahead Of Time And Store It?
Absolutely! Organic chicken soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating or freezing.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Organic Chicken Soup?
Organic chicken soup is packed with nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and minerals from the chicken and vegetables. The broth is rich in collagen, which supports joint health, while the garlic, onions, and herbs offer antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also great for boosting the immune system.
Can I Add Noodles To My Organic Chicken Soup?
Yes, you can add organic noodles, such as egg noodles or rice noodles, to your chicken soup for a heartier meal. Be sure to cook the noodles separately and add them to the soup near the end of the cooking time to avoid overcooking.