Chicken soup has been a comforting staple in kitchens for generations. Whether you’re sick, stressed, or just in need of a warm, heart-soothing bowl of food, chicken soup does the trick. The beauty of this classic dish lies in its simplicity – it’s the kind of food that speaks to the soul. What we’ll be diving into today is a Plain Chicken Soup, one that strips down the fluff and brings us back to the heart of what makes chicken soup so special. It’s clean, flavorful, and nourishing. A perfect dish to keep in your repertoire for when you need a bowl of something light yet satisfying.
In this guide, you’ll not only find a clear, step-by-step recipe but also plenty of tips, insights, and variations to keep your chicken soup exciting and tailored to your personal taste. Whether you’re a newbie in the kitchen or an experienced cook looking for a straightforward recipe, you’ll find something here to make your cooking experience enjoyable.
Plain Chicken Soup Recipe
Let’s get to the good part – the recipe. This plain chicken soup is simple but packed with flavor. It’s easy enough for a weekday dinner, but tasty enough to impress your family or guests. Ready to dive in?
Ingredients Needed
To keep things simple and fresh, you won’t need much to get started. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken: 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds) or 4-5 chicken breasts/thighs
- Water: 8 cups (for a rich, clear broth)
- Carrots: 3 medium-sized carrots, peeled and sliced
- Celery: 2-3 stalks, chopped
- Onion: 1 medium onion, peeled and quartered
- Garlic: 2 cloves, smashed
- Bay leaves: 2 leaves for flavor depth
- Fresh thyme: A few sprigs (or 1 tsp dried)
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Parsley: Fresh, chopped (optional for garnish)
- Lemon: 1, sliced (optional for a burst of freshness)
- Egg noodles or rice: Optional, depending on your preference
Cooking Instructions
The best part of any recipe – bringing everything together. Here’s how to make this simple and nourishing chicken soup.
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Prepare The Chicken
- If you’re using a whole chicken, place it in a large pot and cover with about 8 cups of water. If using chicken pieces, do the same, making sure the water covers the chicken by at least an inch.
- Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to a simmer.
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Add The Vegetables
- Add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and bay leaves into the pot. Stir it all together and let it simmer uncovered.
- Allow the soup to simmer for at least 45 minutes to an hour. This allows the chicken to cook through, and the flavors from the vegetables to infuse into the broth.
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Remove The Chicken
- Once the chicken is cooked (it should be tender and falling apart), carefully remove it from the pot. If you used a whole chicken, discard the skin and bones, then shred the meat. For chicken pieces, remove the bones and shred or cut the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
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Season The Soup
- Season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add more thyme if you like a stronger herbal flavor.
- If using, stir in egg noodles or rice at this point and let them cook until tender (usually 10-12 minutes for noodles, or about 20 minutes for rice).
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Garnish And Serve
- Once everything is cooked and seasoned, ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a slice of lemon for a fresh, bright finish.
- Serve hot and enjoy the comforting simplicity of a homemade chicken soup.
Ingredient Insights
Let’s dive a little deeper into the ingredients that make this soup not just simple but delicious:
- Chicken: The backbone of this soup, chicken adds protein and a rich flavor. The best option for flavor depth is a whole chicken, which yields a richer broth due to the bones and skin. However, chicken breasts or thighs can also work well if you’re short on time.
- Carrots and Celery: These vegetables are foundational in most broths and soups, giving a slight sweetness and crunch. They’re often referred to as the “mirepoix” (French for onions, carrots, and celery). The carrots add natural sweetness, while the celery gives that subtle earthiness.
- Garlic and Onion: These two are flavor powerhouses. Garlic brings warmth and earthiness, while onion adds savory depth. Together, they form the flavor base for almost any soup.
- Herbs and Bay Leaves: Thyme is a classic herb in chicken soup, offering a subtle, slightly woody flavor. Bay leaves, when simmered, lend an aromatic, almost floral note that enhances the broth.
- Lemon: The addition of lemon is not traditional but can help cut through the richness of the chicken and broth, adding a refreshing tang. A squeeze just before serving brightens up the entire bowl.
Expert Tips
- For a richer broth: Don’t rush the simmering process. The longer you let the soup cook (up to 2 hours), the more flavorful the broth will be. Just make sure to keep an eye on the water level and add more if it evaporates too much.
- Skim the fat: As the chicken simmers, you might notice a layer of foam or fat forming on top. Skim it off with a spoon to keep the broth clear and less greasy.
- Shred the chicken properly: If you want a finer, more uniform texture, use two forks to shred the chicken. This gives the soup a more homogenous consistency and allows the meat to absorb more of the broth flavor.
- Use homemade stock if possible: If you have leftover chicken stock from a previous meal, or if you can make it from scratch, that will elevate the soup’s flavor even more.
- Don’t forget the seasoning: Taste your soup throughout the cooking process. Often, a pinch more salt, or a squeeze of lemon at the end, can really make the flavors pop.
Recipe Variations
Chicken soup is incredibly versatile, and while this recipe is simple and traditional, there are plenty of ways to give it a personal spin:
- Add noodles: If you prefer a heartier meal, you can add egg noodles, rice, or even quinoa. Make sure to add them towards the end of cooking so they don’t overcook.
- Add greens: Spinach, kale, or Swiss chard can be tossed in at the end of cooking for added nutrition and color. The greens wilt quickly and pair well with the light chicken broth.
- Spicy version: Add a kick of heat by incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper. You can even throw in some fresh ginger for an extra zing.
- Vegetarian version: Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu. For a more intense broth flavor, you can use vegetable stock instead of water.
- Herb variations: While thyme is classic, feel free to experiment with rosemary, sage, or dill for a different herbal profile.
Final Words
Chicken soup may seem like a simple dish, but it’s packed with potential for customization. It has the versatility to be a quick weeknight meal or a comforting bowl that you’ll crave when you’re feeling under the weather. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a soup that’s both nourishing and delicious. The beauty of chicken soup lies in its adaptability, and this recipe lays a great foundation for you to build upon.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For A Plain Chicken Soup Recipe?
For a basic plain chicken soup, you’ll need chicken (preferably bone-in for richer flavor), carrots, celery, onion, garlic, water or chicken broth, salt, pepper, and optional herbs such as thyme or parsley.
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead Of A Whole Chicken For Plain Chicken Soup?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they won’t provide as much depth of flavor as bone-in chicken. To compensate, you may want to add extra seasonings or use chicken broth instead of water.
How Long Should I Cook The Chicken For Plain Chicken Soup?
If using bone-in chicken, simmer the soup for about 1 to 1.5 hours. This allows the chicken to cook through and release its flavor into the broth. If using boneless chicken, 30 to 45 minutes should suffice.
Can I Add Noodles To A Plain Chicken Soup Recipe?
Yes, you can add noodles to chicken soup. However, it’s best to cook them separately and add them just before serving to avoid them becoming too soft or mushy.
Can I Freeze Plain Chicken Soup?
Plain chicken soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Is Plain Chicken Soup Healthy?
Yes, plain chicken soup is generally healthy as it’s low in calories, high in protein from the chicken, and full of nutrients from vegetables. It’s especially beneficial when made with lean chicken and fresh vegetables.
What Can I Do To Enhance The Flavor Of Plain Chicken Soup?
You can enhance the flavor by adding aromatics like garlic, bay leaves, or fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley. Adding a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of salt at the end can also brighten the taste.
Can I Make Plain Chicken Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make plain chicken soup in a slow cooker. Add all the ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method yields tender chicken and rich broth.
What Type Of Chicken Is Best For Plain Chicken Soup?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken, such as a whole chicken, chicken thighs, or drumsticks, is ideal for making plain chicken soup. These cuts provide more flavor and create a richer broth.
Can I Make Plain Chicken Soup Without Using Chicken Broth?
Yes, you can make chicken soup with just water if you don’t have chicken broth. However, you may want to add extra seasonings, like a bouillon cube or seasoning mix, to enhance the flavor.