Chicken Soup With Matzo Balls
A comforting chicken soup with tender matzo balls, rich broth, and hearty vegetables. Perfect for cold days or when craving soulful, nourishing flavors, this dish suits family dinners and gatherings, offering a warm, satisfying meal with classic Jewish influences and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the chicken, water, onions, leek, celery, salt, and pepper in an 8 to 10-quart Dutch oven.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Add carrots and parsnips, then simmer covered for an additional 30 minutes.
- Remove the chicken and refrigerate if not serving immediately.
- Lift the vegetables from the broth with a slotted spoon, then strain the broth. Return the vegetables to the broth.
- Add parsley and dill if desired. Heat through and serve in bowls with matzo balls.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer broth, consider roasting the chicken before adding it to the pot. If you’re short on time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken and add it to the broth near the end. Fresh herbs like dill and parsley can enhance the flavor significantly. For a gluten-free option, substitute matzo balls with gluten-free dumplings or noodles. This soup also pairs well with crusty bread for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken soup in deep bowls, garnished with fresh parsley. Matzo balls can be added directly to each bowl or served on the side. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a simple salad or a slice of challah. This comforting dish also makes a wonderful starter for a festive meal, complementing dishes like Baked Chicken Coating.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a little water if the broth has thickened. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months; just be sure to leave out the matzo balls, as they don’t freeze well.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Soup With Matzo Balls contains roughly 78 calories, with 4g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (137% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (39% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, this chicken soup can be made a day in advance. Prepare the soup and store it in the refrigerator overnight. The flavors will deepen as it sits. Just remember to reheat it gently before serving and add freshly made matzo balls or noodles for the best texture.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding garlic or ginger during the initial cooking stage. You can also incorporate other vegetables like turnips or green beans based on your preference. A splash of lemon juice just before serving can brighten the flavors beautifully.
Can I use different proteins for this soup?
While traditional chicken soup uses whole chicken, you can substitute with bone-in chicken thighs or breasts for easier handling. For a twist, try adding turkey or even a mix of chicken and turkey. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein used to ensure everything is tender.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).