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Homestyle Chicken Soup

This comforting chicken soup is made by simmering bone-in chicken with aromatic vegetables and herbs to create a clear, flavorful broth. Shredded chicken and bright lemon finish the dish, resulting in a warm, rustic soup with a silky texture and fresh, herbal notes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole bone-in chicken pieces preferably with skin for flavor
  • 2 medium carrots peeled and sliced
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 stalks celery chopped
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 bunch parsley stems for flavor
  • 1 whole lemon for juice
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Sharp chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. Place the bone-in chicken pieces into a large heavy-bottomed pot and cover with cold water. Turn the heat to medium-high and bring to a gentle simmer, skimming off any foam that rises to keep the broth clear.
  2. Meanwhile, prepare your vegetables by peeling and slicing the carrots, chopping the onion and celery, and tying the thyme and parsley stems together with kitchen twine.
  3. Once the broth is gently simmering, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, herb bundle, and bay leaf. Let everything cook together on low heat for about 1.5 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
  4. After simmering, carefully remove the chicken pieces from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer into another pot or large bowl, discarding the solids.
  5. Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding the bones and skin.
  6. Return the shredded chicken to the strained broth. Add salt and pepper to taste, and bring the soup back to a gentle simmer for about 10 minutes.
  7. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the soup to brighten the flavors, and stir in chopped fresh parsley for a fresh herbal note.
  8. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately, enjoying the warm, clear broth with tender chicken and vibrant flavors.

Notes

For extra depth, you can roast the chicken bones beforehand. Adjust seasoning at the end for perfect balance. This soup keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days and can be reheated gently.