Grandma’s Homemade Chicken Soup

Making Grandma’s Homemade Chicken Soup is a comforting experience that warms the soul. This recipe brings together tender chicken and fresh vegetables, creating a rich broth that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or hosting a cozy dinner, this soup delivers hearty flavors and nostalgia in every bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Family Tradition: This recipe has been passed down through generations, bringing warmth and love to your dining table.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can whip up this delicious soup.
• Flavorful Comfort: The combination of herbs and vegetables creates a savory broth that delights the taste buds.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or serve it alongside rice or noodles for added heartiness.
• Nutritious Choice: Packed with protein and vitamins from vegetables, this soup is both satisfying and healthy.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare Grandma’s Homemade Chicken Soup efficiently, gather the essential tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large stock pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Spatulas

Importance of Each Tool

• Large stock pot: Ideal for simmering the whole chicken and all ingredients together, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Sharp knife: Ensures easy chopping of vegetables, making prep work quicker and safer.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting ingredients, keeping your kitchen organized.

Ingredients

An easy homemade chicken soup made from scratch. Grandma’s chicken soup recipe is easy to make using a whole chicken and vegetables.

Main Ingredients

• 1 whole raw chicken
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 large onion
• 5 chopped carrots
• 3 chopped celery stalks

Seasoning Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Broth Ingredients

• 1 quart chicken broth (low sodium)
• 4 cups water

Optional Garnish

• Fresh parsley

How to Make Grandma’s Homemade Chicken Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Add 1 whole raw chicken to a large stock pot. Pour in 1 quart of low-sodium chicken broth. Fill the pot with 4 cups of water to completely cover the chicken.

Step 2: Chop Vegetables

Chop 1 large onion, 3 celery stalks, and 5 carrots into small pieces. Add them to the pot along with 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons of salt, 2 teaspoons of dried basil, 2 teaspoons of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Stir well.

Step 3: Start Cooking

Cover the pot and heat on medium-high until it reaches a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium for about 1 hour. Stir occasionally to ensure the chicken remains submerged in liquid. Add more water if necessary.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

After an hour, lower the heat to low and let it simmer for another hour. When finished cooking, carefully remove the tender chicken from the soup using two spatulas. Set it on a plate to cool slightly before shredding into bite-sized pieces. Return shredded chicken back to the soup.

Step 5: Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with rice or noodles according to your preference—my grandmother loved serving it over rice!

Enjoy your delicious bowl of Grandma’s Homemade Chicken Soup!

How to Serve Grandma’s Homemade Chicken Soup

Serving Grandma’s Homemade Chicken Soup can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this comforting dish.

With Rice

• Rice complements the soup well, providing a hearty base that absorbs the delicious flavors.

With Noodles

• Adding noodles creates a satisfying texture and makes the soup more filling.

Garnished with Fresh Parsley

• A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the flavor with a fresh note.

Accompanied by Bread

• Serve with crusty bread for dipping. It’s perfect for soaking up every drop of that rich broth.

In a Bread Bowl

• For a fun twist, serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl. It’s both charming and tasty!

As Part of a Meal Prep

• Portion the soup into containers for an easy lunch or dinner throughout the week.

this …

How to Perfect Grandma’s Homemade Chicken Soup

Perfecting Grandma’s Homemade Chicken Soup is all about technique and quality ingredients. Here are some tips to enhance your soup-making skills:

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs will elevate the flavor of your chicken soup significantly.
• Skim the Fat – After cooking, skim off any excess fat from the top for a cleaner taste.
• Adjust Seasoning – Always taste before serving. Adjust salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference.
• Let it Rest – Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking. This helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
• Store Properly – Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for longer preservation.

Best Side Dishes for Grandma’s Homemade Chicken Soup

Pairing side dishes with Grandma’s Homemade Chicken Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent companions:

1. Garlic Bread – Toasted garlic bread provides a crunchy contrast and is great for dipping.
2. Simple Salad – A light mixed green salad offers freshness and balances the richness of the soup.
3. Cornbread – Sweet cornbread is a delightful pairing, adding a touch of sweetness with every bite.
4. Roasted Vegetables – Roasted seasonal vegetables bring depth and additional nutrients to your meal.
5. Stuffed Peppers – These can be filled with rice or quinoa, offering extra fiber while being flavorful.
6. Cheesy Biscuits – Fluffy biscuits with cheese add comfort food appeal alongside your warm soup.
7. Coleslaw – The crunchiness of coleslaw provides contrast, making it a refreshing choice next to warm soup.
8. Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges can add heartiness and pair well with broth-based soups like this one.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Grandma’s Homemade Chicken Soup can be a delightful experience, but certain mistakes can affect the final result. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Skipping the broth: Using only water will make your soup bland. Always use chicken broth for deeper flavor.
• Overcooking vegetables: Cooking vegetables for too long can make them mushy. Add them in stages according to their cooking time.
• Not seasoning enough: Forgetting to season can lead to tasteless soup. Taste frequently and adjust salt and spices as needed.
• Ignoring the chicken quality: Using poor-quality chicken can impact taste. Opt for fresh or organic chicken for the best results.
• Rushing the simmering process: A rushed cooking process won’t allow flavors to develop. Take your time and let it simmer gently.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Let the soup cool down completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Grandma’s Homemade Chicken Soup

• Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating Grandma’s Homemade Chicken Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered oven-safe dish for about 30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 3-5 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Simmer gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Grandma’s Homemade Chicken Soup special?

This recipe is cherished because it uses simple, fresh ingredients that create comforting flavors reminiscent of home-cooked meals.

Can I add more vegetables to Grandma’s Homemade Chicken Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans for added nutrition and flavor.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t contain any wheat products. Always check the labels of store-bought broth if you’re sensitive.

What is the best way to serve Grandma’s Homemade Chicken Soup?

Serving it hot with rice or noodles is traditional. You can also enjoy it with crusty bread or crackers on the side.

Can I use leftover chicken instead of a whole chicken?

Yes! Using cooked chicken will save you time. Just add it towards the end of cooking to warm it through without overcooking.

Final Thoughts

Grandma’s Homemade Chicken Soup is not just a meal; it’s a warm embrace on a chilly day. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on what you have at home. Whether enjoyed alone or paired with rice or noodles, this soup promises comfort and satisfaction. Give this timeless recipe a try and savor every spoonful!