Hey there! If youve ever wished you could bottle the cozy feeling of a homecooked meal on a chilly day, youre in the right spot. In just a handful of steps, Ill walk you through an old fashioned chicken soup recipe thats brimming with tender chicken, bright vegetables, and that soulwarming broth we all crave. No fluff, just the good stuff you can throw together in about half an hour.
Why This Soup
Think of this soup as a hug in a bowl. Its cheap, its nutritious, and it comes with a side of nostalgiawhether you grew up with grandmas simmering pot or youre discovering it for the first time. You get protein, collagen, and a rainbow of vitamins without any fancy gadgets.
Ingredients List
Grab these pantry staples and youll be set. Feel free to swap or add anything you loveculinary flexibility is the name of the game.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes / Variations |
|---|---|---|
| Whole chicken (or chicken necks) | 23lb | Use necks for a simple chicken neck soup recipe |
| Carrots, peeled & chunked | 1lb | adds sweetness & vitaminA |
| Onion, quartered | 1 large | optional: swap with leeks for a milder note |
| Celery stalks, chopped | 23 | classic aromatics |
| Garlic cloves, whole | 34 | optional, for depth |
| Bay leaves, thyme, peppercorns | 23 each | herbal backbone |
| Salt | to taste | use seasalt; adjust for lowsodium needs |
| Water | 12cups | adjust for thicker or thinner broth |
| Noodles (egg or glutenfree) | 1cup (optional) | for an oldfashioned chicken noodle soup feel |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2tbsp | garnish |
StepbyStep
Prep the Chicken & Veggies
First things firstgive the chicken a quick rinse and pat it dry. If you like a richer flavor, brown it for a couple of minutes in a hot pan; the caramelized bits will add a wonderful depth to the broth.
Build the Broth
Place the chicken, carrots, onion, celery, garlic, and herbs in a large pot. Cover everything with cold water, then bring it to a gentle simmer. Keep the heat low enough that you only see a few bubbles risingthis is the secret to a clear, clean broth. Let it simmer for 3040minutes, skimming any foam that surfaces.
Pull & Shred the Meat
When the broth is fragrant and the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove the bird. Let it cool just enough to handle, then pull the meat off the bones and shred it into bitesize pieces. Toss the shredded chicken back into the pot.
Finish with Noodles & Herbs (Optional)
If youre craving that classic noodle comfort, stir in your choice of noodles and let them cook for 810minutes. Finish with a handful of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
ProTips & Common Pitfalls
- Dont boil hard. A rolling boil clouds the broth and makes it greasy.
- Season gradually. Add a pinch of salt, taste, then adjust. Its easier to add than to fix.
- Skim often. Removing the surface foam ensures a cleaner taste.
- For an extra boost of umami, stir in a splash of lowsodium chicken base (according to Allrecipes).
Tasty Variations
OldFashioned Chicken Soup with Vegetables
Boost the veggie factor by adding parsnips, turnips, or even a handful of kale. This turns the dish into the best chicken vegetable soup recipe everpacked with extra fiber and antioxidants.
Grandmas Chicken Soup Recipe
Keep it simple: just chicken, carrots, onion, celery, and a pinch of salt. No fancy herbs, just the pure, rustic flavor that reminds you of Sunday afternoons at grandmas kitchen.
Jamie Olivers HerbInfused Version
Jamie's take adds rosemary, lemon zest, and a drizzle of extravirgin olive oil right before serving. The citrus lifts the broth, while the rosemary gives it a fragrant, woodsy note.
LowFat Simple Chicken Neck Soup
If youre watching calories, use chicken necks instead of a whole bird. Simmer them gently, skim the fat, and youll have a lean yet satisfying broth.
Choose Your Style Comparison Table
| Version | Main AddOn | Cook Time | Calories (per cup) | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | None | 45min | 120 | Everyday comfort |
| VeggieHeavy | Extra roots | 50min | 130 | Nutrient boost |
| Noodle | Egg noodles | 55min | 180 | Hearty meal |
| Jamie Oliver | Herbs & lemon | 45min | 140 | Gourmet twist |
| ChickenNeck | Neck pieces | 40min | 110 | Lowfat option |
Nutrition & Health
What Youre Getting
A warm bowl of this soup serves up roughly 20g of protein, a decent dose of collagen (great for joints), and a healthy splash of vitamins A and C. Those nutrients help keep your immune system humming, especially when the weather turns crisp.
When It Shines
- Cold & flu relief. The steam hydrates, the broth soothes a sore throat, and the nutrients give your body a gentle boost.
- Postworkout recovery. The combination of protein and electrolytes from the veggies helps replenish what you lose during exercise.
Potential Risks & How to Mitigate
| Concern | Mitigation |
|---|---|
| High sodium | Use lowsodium broth or reduce added salt. |
| Allergies (celery, wheat noodles) | Swap celery for bok choy; use rice noodles or zucchini zoodles. |
| Dry chicken | Keep simmer gentle and remove chicken early; let it rest. |
Final Thoughts
There you have ityour goto old fashioned chicken soup recipe thats as versatile as it is comforting. Whether youre chasing nostalgia with grandmas simple version, adding a splash of Jamie Olivers herb magic, or loading it with extra veggies for the ultimate health boost, the core method stays the same: simmer, shred, flavor, and enjoy.
Give it a try tonight, and let the aroma fill your kitchen. Id love to hear how you made it your ownmaybe you tossed in a secret spice, or you served it with crusty bread. Share your twists, ask questions, and keep the conversation cooking. Heres to warm bowls, happy tummies, and the simple joy of a wellmade soup!
FAQs
What is the best type of chicken for an old fashioned chicken soup?
Using a whole chicken or bone‑in pieces such as thighs, drumsticks, or necks provides the richest flavor and extra gelatin for a silky, comforting broth.
How long should I simmer the broth to keep it clear?
Simmer gently for 30–40 minutes, skimming off any foam that rises. A low boil prevents cloudiness and preserves a clean taste.
Can I adapt this recipe for a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Place all ingredients in the slow cooker, set on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Finish with shredded chicken and noodles just before serving.
What’s the secret to preventing the chicken from drying out?
Remove the cooked chicken as soon as it’s done, let it cool slightly, then shred. Return the meat to the soup at the end so it stays moist.
What are good gluten‑free noodle alternatives?
Try rice noodles, gluten‑free egg noodles, or vegetable “noodles” such as zucchini or shirataki for a lighter, grain‑free option.
