Homemade Chicken Soup
A comforting homemade chicken soup with tender chicken, sweet corn, and aromatic celery. Perfect for cozy evenings, it boasts rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, making it a favorite for family dinners or anyone seeking a nourishing, hearty meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into pieces and place into a large soup pot.
- Add celery, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Cover with water and put on the lid.
- Simmer until the chicken falls off the bones.
- Drain the broth from the pot.
- Debone the chicken.
- Discard the bones and celery.
- Add the cooked chicken and canned corn into the broth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding aromatics like garlic or onions during the simmering process. If you need a quicker alternative, rotisserie chicken can replace the whole chicken, saving time on cooking and deboning. You can also use frozen corn if fresh isn't available. For added nutritional value, throw in some chopped carrots or greens to the mix.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside the Excellent But Easy Casserole for a comforting dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chicken soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened. This prevents it from becoming too salty or concentrated while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homemade Chicken Soup contains roughly 297 calories, with 10g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value), protein (21% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. It also contributes 15g 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 freeze homemade chicken soup?
Yes, you can freeze chicken soup! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove until heated through.
What can I add to make the soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry or instant potato flakes. Alternatively, blending a portion of the soup can create a creamier texture without losing the chunky elements. Experiment to find your desired consistency!
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Absolutely! You can create a delicious vegetarian version by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and adding beans or lentils for protein. Swap out the chicken for tofu or additional vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for added flavor and texture.
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).