Grandma's Chicken Soup
A comforting and nourishing chicken soup recipe that celebrates family traditions and creates warm memories.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 whole Whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds) Base for the soup
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced Enhances flavor
- 1 large Onion, chopped Adds depth
- 5 pieces Carrots, chopped Sweetness and texture
- 3 stalks Celery, chopped Earthy undertones
- 2 teaspoons Dried basil Herbal aroma
- 2 teaspoons Dried thyme Enhances warmth
- 2 teaspoons Salt Balances flavors
- 1 teaspoon Ground black pepper Subtle spice
- 1 quart Low-sodium chicken broth Rich liquid base
- 4 cups Water Adjusts consistency
- As desired Fresh parsley Optional garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the whole chicken in a large stockpot. Pour in the chicken broth, then add enough water to fully cover the chicken.
- Chop the onion, celery, and carrots. Add them to the pot along with the minced garlic, salt, pepper, basil, and thyme. Cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Ensure the chicken remains submerged, adding more water if necessary.
- Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for another hour.
- When the chicken is tender and falling off the bone, carefully transfer it to a plate using two spatulas. Remove the meat from the bones, shred it into pieces, and return it to the pot.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot. Enjoy on its own or over rice or noodles.
Notes
Feel free to play around with the ingredients. For a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes. For a healthier option, substitute whole wheat noodles for traditional ones or eliminate them entirely and serve the soup with brown rice.