Country-Style Chicken Soup
A hearty, comforting country-style chicken soup featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and noodles or rice, perfect for cozy family dinners and chilly days.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 lb. chicken, cut up ⓘ
- 1 onion or leek, chopped ⓘ
- 1 carrot, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 6 cups water ⓘ
- 4 oz. cooked fine egg noodles or 3 cups cooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 4-quart or larger crock-pot, combine the chicken, chopped onion or leek, chopped carrot, chopped celery, parsley, bay leaf, thyme, salt, pepper, and water.
- Cover and cook on low for 7 or 8 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken and bay leaf from the crock-pot.
- Turn the crock-pot on high.
- Remove the meat from the chicken parts and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the chicken to the crock-pot and add cooked noodles or rice.
- Heat and serve at desired temperature.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a dash of hot sauce. You can substitute the chicken with leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep. If you prefer a thicker soup, add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water towards the end of cooking. Fresh herbs like dill or oregano can also enhance the taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Country-Style Chicken Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Cornbread Dressing (Southern Style) for a comforting touch. For added flair, sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme on top before serving. This soup can be the perfect centerpiece for a family gathering or a cozy dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in a bowl, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens, add a bit of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country-Style Chicken Soup contains roughly 174 calories, with 6g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (93% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1031mg per serving (45% 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 make this soup in a regular pot instead of a crock-pot?
Absolutely! You can prepare this soup in a large pot on the stove. Simply sauté the vegetables first, then add the chicken and water, and simmer on low for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the chicken is tender. Be sure to check the water level to avoid burning.
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).