Chicken Soup(By A "Navy" Cook)
A comforting chicken soup with savory flavor, gentle seasonings, and tender meat, perfect for soothing sick days or casual family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- After the chicken boils, skim off any foam or impurities.
- Add seasonings, celery, and onion to the pot and boil for 1 hour.
- Remove the meat from the bones and discard the skin.
- Strain out the vegetables and return the chicken to the clear broth.
- Add cooked noodles or rice to the soup if desired.
- Serve plain or with additional seasonings as preferred.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using fresh herbs like thyme or parsley alongside the bay leaf. If you prefer a richer color, substitute the yellow food coloring with a pinch of turmeric. For a heartier texture, add diced potatoes or carrots. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, use it instead of raw chicken pieces for a quicker preparation. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting chicken soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Consider pairing it with a light, refreshing side like coleslaw or steamed vegetables. For a heartier option, serve alongside Baked Macaroni And Cheese Squares for a delicious combination. This soup can also be dressed up with a sprinkle of fresh herbs right before serving for additional flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm the soup on the stove over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency. For longer storage, freeze the soup in portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Soup(By A "Navy" Cook) contains roughly 206 calories, with 18g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (199% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (93% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (79% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1961mg per serving (85% of the Daily Value).
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 use store-bought chicken broth instead of bouillon cubes?
Yes, you can substitute chicken bouillon cubes with store-bought chicken broth. Use about 4 cups of broth in place of the water and bouillon cubes. This will enhance the flavor even more and make your soup richer.
What can I add to make the soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can add a slurry made from cornstarch and water or simply mash some of the cooked chicken and vegetables back into the broth. Another option is to include some cooked rice or noodles, which will absorb the liquid and add body.
Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this chicken soup in a slow cooker, simply add all ingredients to the pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the cooked chicken and return it to the broth before serving for an easy, hands-off meal.
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).