Grandma'S Chicken Soup
A comforting homemade chicken soup with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and pasta, perfect for nourishing family meals or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring 15 cups of water to a boil.
- Add chicken breasts with bones, onions, green pepper, salt, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Lower the heat slightly if boiling too rapidly.
- After 20 minutes, add potato, carrots, and celery.
- Cook, partly covered, until chicken and vegetables are cooked.
- Strain the broth.
- In the broth, cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Cut up vegetables and chicken, if desired, and add to the pasta and broth.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the chicken before adding it to the pot. You can substitute carrots with parsnips or add green beans for extra color and nutrients. If you prefer a thicker soup, add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water to the broth before adding the pasta. Adjust the herbs to your taste; fresh thyme can be used instead of dried.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon for brightness. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a comforting combination, try serving alongside Hearty Rice Casserole or a simple green salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, bring the soup to a simmer on the stove, adding a little water if needed to maintain consistency. If freezing, leave out the pasta and add it fresh when serving to prevent mushiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Chicken Soup contains roughly 1072 calories, with 79g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (158% of the Daily Value), iron (97% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (95% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 644mg per serving (28% 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 boneless chicken breasts instead of bone-in?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts, but the cooking time will be shorter. Add them later in the cooking process to prevent overcooking. The flavor may be less rich without the bones, so consider adding more herbs or a splash of chicken broth for depth.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
To make this soup gluten-free, substitute the angel hair pasta with gluten-free pasta or omit the pasta altogether. You can also add rice, such as wild rice or brown rice, for a hearty alternative. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of rice used.
What other vegetables can I add to enhance the soup?
Feel free to add any vegetables you have on hand, such as peas, corn, or spinach, for added nutrients and flavor. Zucchini and bell peppers also work well. Just ensure that they are added at the right time to avoid overcooking.
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).