Jean'S Chicken Soup
A hearty chicken soup with tender meat, vegetables, and aromatic herbs, perfect for comfort and nourishment. Suitable for family dinners or chilly days.
Ingredients
- 1 or 2 whole chickens ⓘ
- 1/2 cup barley or rice
- 1 1/2 cups finely diced carrots ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves
- pinch of tarragon ⓘ
- pinch of saffron ⓘ
- 2 or 3 chicken bouillon cubes
- 3 cups or more water ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon marjoram ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon parsley flakes ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon basil ⓘ
Instructions
- Put chickens in a large pot and cover with water.
- Bring to a boil, then lower heat to simmer.
- Cook until chickens are tender, then remove from heat and let cool.
- Remove the meat from the chickens and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a few cloves of garlic during cooking. You can substitute the barley with rice or quinoa for a different texture. If you prefer a creamier soup, adding a bit of Cream Soup Powder can enhance the consistency. Adjust the herbs according to your taste; fresh herbs can be used instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Jean's Chicken Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon for brightness. This hearty soup pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. For a comforting twist, serve it alongside Baked Skinless Chicken Breasts for a satisfying dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. When reheating, add a splash of water to maintain the soup's consistency, and reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jean'S Chicken Soup contains roughly 1157 calories, with 28g protein, 237g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (186% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1117mg per serving (49% 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 leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken can save time and add flavor. Simply skip the boiling step and add the shredded chicken to the broth along with the vegetables and grains, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
What can I do to make the soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can blend a portion of it and then mix it back into the pot. Alternatively, adding a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water can help thicken the broth as it simmers.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Yes, Jean's Chicken Soup freezes well! Ensure you let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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).