Grandma’s Chicken Soup
A warm, comforting bowl of Grandma’s Chicken Soup made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and rich homemade broth. Perfect for cold days, cozy dinners, or when you need a healing, nourishing meal.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Ladle
- Fine-mesh strainer (optional, for a clear broth)
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken about 3-4 lbs, cut into pieces
- 10 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 carrots peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 1 onion peeled and halved
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or fresh parsley for garnish
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup egg noodles or rice – Adds extra heartiness.
- 1 small potato diced – Gives a slightly creamy texture.
- 1 teaspoon turmeric – Adds a golden color and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes – If you like a little spice.
Substitutions:
- No whole chicken? Use bone-in skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks for flavor.
- Want a vegetarian version? Swap chicken for chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable broth.
- Short on time? Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and reduce cooking time.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken & Broth
- 1️⃣ Place the whole chicken (or bone-in pieces) in a large pot.
- 2️⃣ Add 10 cups of water or low-sodium broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- 3️⃣ Reduce heat to low, skimming off any foam that rises.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables & Seasonings
- 4️⃣ Stir in carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- 5️⃣ Cover and let simmer for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is tender.
Step 3: Remove & Shred the Chicken
- 6️⃣ Take the chicken out and place it on a cutting board.
- 7️⃣ Let it cool slightly, then shred with two forks. Discard bones and skin.
Step 4: Add Optional Ingredients (If Using)
- 8️⃣ Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- 9️⃣ If adding noodles, rice, or potatoes, stir them in and cook for 10-15 minutes.
Step 5: Final Seasoning & Serve
- 🔟 Taste and adjust seasoning.
- 1️⃣1️⃣ Stir in fresh parsley for extra flavor.
- 1️⃣2️⃣ Serve hot with White Lily Cornbread or crusty bread.
Notes
✅ For a clear broth: Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve before adding shredded chicken back.
✅ Storage:
✅ Storage:
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
✅ Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
✅ Make it richer: Simmer longer for deeper flavor, or add a chicken bouillon cube.