Nana'S Homemade Chicken Soup
A comforting homemade chicken soup with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and pasta, perfect for cozy meals and family gatherings, offering rich flavors and hearty textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven, combine chicken, carrots, celery, onion, salt, pepper, and enough water to fill the pot three-quarters full. Cover, bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 2 hours.
- Remove the chicken from the broth, cut into small pieces, and return to the pot.
- In a separate pot, cook your favorite soup pasta until al dente, drain, and add to the broth.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. If you don't have soup pasta, any small pasta will do, such as orzo or ditalini. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker version. For a heartier soup, add diced potatoes or corn, which pair beautifully with this comforting dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this homemade chicken soup with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. For an extra touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with recipes like Potato-Leek Crock-Pot Soup for a cozy gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for convenience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nana'S Homemade Chicken Soup contains roughly 721 calories, with 30g protein, 169g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (221% of the Daily Value), iron (130% of the Daily Value), and calcium (87% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 615mg per serving (27% 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 bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Yes, using bone-in chicken will add more flavor to the broth. Just be sure to remove the bones before serving. Cooking time may vary slightly, so check for doneness.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
You can also use rice instead of pasta, which is a common substitution in many chicken recipes.
What can I add for extra nutrition?
To boost the nutritional value, consider adding leafy greens like spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking. You could also incorporate beans or legumes for added protein and fiber.
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).