Chicken Home Soup

Chicken soup is a comforting and versatile dish that is great for any time of the year. Here’s a classic recipe for homemade chicken soup:

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or a handful of fresh parsley, chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 cups of chicken broth (or water)
• 1 cup egg noodles (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for sautéing vegetables)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Rinse the chicken and remove any giblets. Place the whole chicken in a large pot.
2. Add Broth:
   • Pour in the chicken broth (or water) to cover the chicken. If needed, add more water to ensure the chicken is fully submerged.
3. Add Vegetables and Herbs:
   • Add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, parsley, and a bit of salt and pepper.
4. Cook the Chicken:
   • Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Cover the pot and simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5. Remove the Chicken:
   • Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Let it cool slightly, then shred the meat, discarding the skin and bones.
6. Optional: Sauté Vegetables:
   • If you prefer, you can sauté the vegetables in a little olive oil before adding them to the pot. This can add a richer flavor to the soup.
7. Return Chicken to the Pot:
   • Add the shredded chicken back to the pot.
8. Add Noodles (Optional):
   • If using egg noodles, add them to the pot and let them cook for about 10 minutes, or until tender.
9. Season and Serve:
   • Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
10. Garnish and Enjoy:
    • Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken.
• Add extra vegetables: You can also add other vegetables like potatoes, peas, or corn.
• Storing: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Enjoy your homemade chicken soup!