How to Make Homemade Nourishing Chicken Soup for Comfort and Health

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of homemade chicken soup, especially when the weather turns chilly or when you’re feeling under the weather. This Homemade Nourishing Chicken Soup is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl! Packed with wholesome ingredients, this soup is perfect for boosting your immunity and warming your soul. Plus, it’s one of those easy pasta recipes that can be made in a jiffy, making it a fantastic option for quick family dinners!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and nourishing, perfect for chilly days.
• Boosts gut health with wholesome ingredients.
• Simple to make, even on busy weeknights.
• Versatile – add your favorite noodles or rice!
• Great for meal prep and leftovers.

Ingredients

To create this delicious soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, preferably organic (4-5 lbs.)
• 1 pound carrots, cut in half
• 1/4 piece celery bunch, remove the lower 1/4 of the celery bunch for the soup and reserve the rest for other uses
• 2 yellow onions, cut into quarters
• 1 head garlic, cut in half
• 1/4 small head of cabbage, cut in half
• 2 bay leaves
• 10-15 whole black peppercorns
• 1 tbsp. sweet Hungarian paprika
• 1 tbsp. salt
• 1 bunch fresh parsley
• Water to cover chicken
• Cooked noodles (pastina is my favorite but any pasta noodle will do)

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Now, let’s dive into the steps to create this comforting soup:

1. Remove the innards from the chicken and rinse the cavity. Rinse the body of the chicken as well. Place the whole chicken in a large soup pot.
2. Quarter the onions, leaving the skins on, and add them to the pot.
3. Cut the carrots into chunks (no need to peel!) and place them in the pot.
4. Cut off the whole base of a bunch of celery by measuring 4-5 inches from the bottom and cutting from that place. Put the bottom piece in the pot.
5. Add a whole bunch of freshly rinsed parsley, the halved garlic, cabbage, bay leaves, salt, peppercorns, and paprika to the pot.
6. Fill the pot with spring water until it’s about 2/3 full, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged.
7. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cook for 1-2 hours or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. You can test the chicken by pulling a piece off the bone; it should fall right off and be super tender.
8. Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and allow the soup to cool slightly. Use tongs to remove the chicken and place it in a separate container. Shred the chicken you want in your soup and set aside.
9. Place a strainer over a large bowl and carefully pour the broth with all the vegetables through the strainer. Remove larger pieces of carrots and set aside to slice into your soup. If you’d like, reserve some cooked cabbage to chop into your soup.
10. Smoosh all the remaining vegetables with a wooden spoon to extract as much flavor as possible. Discard the smooshed vegetables in the strainer.
11. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning before pouring it into your soup terrine.
12. To serve, shred the chicken from the bone and add it to the stock, then slice the carrots and add them as well. Add noodles or rice to individual soup bowls and top with additional parsley.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your chicken soup turns out perfectly:

• For a richer flavor, consider using homemade Healing Chicken Bone Broth instead of water.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes or green beans for extra nutrition.
• If you want a creamy texture, you can blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in.
• For a twist, try adding some herbs like thyme or dill for added flavor.

How to Serve

This soup is perfect on its own, but you can elevate your meal with some delicious sides. Serve it with:

• Crusty bread for dipping.
• A fresh garden salad for a light complement.
• Some creamy garlic pasta for a heartier meal.

It’s also a great option for 30-minute meals when you have leftover soup and want to whip up something quick!

Make Ahead and Storage

This soup is perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch and store it for later. Here are some tips:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
• When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up if it’s too thick.

So there you have it! A delicious, nourishing chicken soup that not only warms your heart but also supports your gut health. If you’re looking for more ways to enhance your wellness, check out Foods for Healing the Gut and Restoring Gut Health. Enjoy your cooking adventure!