Simple Chicken Soup
A comforting, hearty chicken soup with rich flavors from simmered chicken wings and vegetables, perfect for cozy meals or nourishing gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients into a large soup pot with enough water to cover.
- Cover and bring to a boil.
- Skim off the scum, re-cover, lower heat, and simmer for 1 3/4 hours.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or bay leaves while simmering. If you don’t have chicken parts, a whole chicken can be used instead. Substitute fresh herbs with dried ones if necessary, but use less. To enhance the soup's nutrition, throw in some leafy greens like spinach or kale during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting chicken soup hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley for freshness. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or crackers. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a salad like Chutney Chicken Salad, which adds a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Simple Chicken Soup contains roughly 75 calories, with 2g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 599mg per serving (26% 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 other parts of the chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for wings, necks, and backs, you can use any chicken parts you prefer, such as thighs or drumsticks. Just ensure they are skin-on for extra flavor, and adjust cooking times slightly if using larger pieces.
What should I do if the soup is too salty?
If your chicken soup turns out too salty, you can balance the flavors by adding a peeled, whole potato during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The potato will absorb some of the saltiness. Alternatively, add a bit more water or low-sodium broth to dilute the salt.
How can I make this soup more hearty?
To create a heartier chicken soup, consider adding diced potatoes, noodles, or rice. These ingredients will absorb the broth and add substance. You can also include other vegetables like peas or corn for additional texture and flavor.
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).