Ingredients:
For the Chicken Stock:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
- 12 cups water
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Soup:
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup noodles (such as egg noodles or small pasta), optional
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
For the Chicken Stock:
1. Prep the Chicken:
- Place the whole chicken in a large stockpot and cover it with 12 cups of water.
2. Add Vegetables:
- Add the chopped carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and bay leaf to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Bring to a Boil:
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, partially covered, for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Skim off any impurities or foam that rise to the surface.
4. Remove Chicken:
- Carefully remove the chicken from the stockpot. Allow it to cool for a few minutes. Once it’s cool enough to handle, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Discard the skin and bones.
For the Soup:
5. Strain the Stock:
- Strain the stock through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any solids. Return the clear broth to the stockpot.
6. Add Vegetables:
- Add the sliced carrots, celery, diced onion, and minced garlic to the pot with the chicken stock. Simmer over medium heat until the vegetables are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
7. Add Noodles (Optional):
- If you’d like to include noodles in your soup, add them to the pot and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente.
8. Return Chicken:
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot and heat through.
9. Season:
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
10. Serve:
- Ladle the hot chicken soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
11. Enjoy your homemade chicken soup! It’s a comforting and nourishing dish that’s perfect for warming up on a cold day or when you’re feeling under the weather.
This recipe can be customized with your favorite vegetables or herbs. It’s a versatile soup that you can make your own by adding ingredients like spinach, dill, or even a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, fresh flavor.