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Homemade Chicken Soup

This chicken soup is built around a rich, clear broth simmered from chicken bones and vegetables, resulting in a soothing, flavorful dish. Shredded cooked chicken, fresh herbs, and optional rice or noodles add texture and heartiness, culminating in a comforting bowl with a bright hint of lemon. The process emphasizes slow simmering and gentle assembly to create a nourishing, homely meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 liters water
  • 1.5 kg chicken bones and carcass use leftovers or ask your butcher
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar helps extract minerals
  • 2 onions roughly chopped
  • 2 stalks celery sliced
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken leftovers or cooked beforehand
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme chopped
  • 1 cup rice or noodles optional, for heartiness
  • 1 lemon juice brightens the soup

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed pot
  • Strainer
  • Sharp Knife
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Place the chicken bones and carcass in a large heavy-bottomed pot, add water, and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  2. Add the vinegar, then let the mixture simmer gently for at least 2 hours, skimming off foam every 30 minutes to keep the broth clear and rich.
  3. Once the broth is rich and milky with collagen, strain it through a strainer into a clean pot, discarding the solids.
  4. In the same pot, sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery over medium heat until fragrant and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
  5. Add shredded cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine with the vegetables.
  6. Pour the strained broth back into the pot, then bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. If using rice or noodles, add them now and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
  8. Stir in chopped parsley, thyme, and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
  9. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt or additional lemon juice as needed.
  10. Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra herbs if desired, and enjoy the comforting, nourishing flavors.

Notes

For a richer broth, simmer longer or add extra bones. Feel free to customize with your favorite herbs or add vegetables like peas or spinach near the end.