The Ultimate Chicken Soup
A hearty, comforting chicken soup infused with herbs, vegetables, and tender chicken, perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 6-quart pot, simmer chicken, celery with leaves, carrot, onion, peppercorns, cloves, and seasoned salt in 4 quarts of water until chicken falls apart.
- Remove cooked chicken from the pot; let cool, then skin, bone, and tear into pieces. Set aside.
- Strain broth and return it to the pot.
- Add chicken bouillon cubes, stirring to dissolve. Stir in cream of chicken soup until lumps are dissolved.
- Bring the broth to a boil.
- Add wide egg noodles and cook for 6 minutes.
- Stir in chicken pieces. Add parsley flakes, red pepper flakes (optional), minced onion, black pepper, and additional salt if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider roasting the chicken beforehand. If you prefer a lighter soup, use less cream of chicken soup or substitute with a low-fat version. Fresh herbs like thyme or dill can also enhance the taste. If you're short on time, you can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep. This recipe is versatile enough to be adapted into other chicken recipes, like a Chicken-Spinach Bake.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a comforting meal. To elevate your presentation, garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper. For a heartier option, serve alongside a slice of White Lasagna. Don't forget to offer some grated Parmesan cheese on the side for an extra flavor boost.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the soup and heat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the soup in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of The Ultimate Chicken Soup contains roughly 417 calories, with 9g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (150% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (116% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (60% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1525mg per serving (66% 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 chicken thighs instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, you can definitely use chicken thighs for this recipe. They add a bit more flavor and moisture to the soup. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take less time to become tender compared to a whole chicken.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
To make this chicken soup gluten-free, substitute the wide egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice. Ensure that the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free as well, or make your own using a gluten-free roux and chicken broth. This will allow you to enjoy the same comforting flavors without the gluten.
Can I add vegetables to this chicken soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as peas, corn, or green beans. Just toss them in when you add the egg noodles to ensure they're cooked through but still vibrant. This adds both nutrition and color, making the soup even more appealing.
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).