There’s something about making chicken soup from scratch that feels like a quiet act of care. It’s a slow process, one that invites patience and attention, especially when you’re sick or just in need of a warm embrace. I love how the smell alone can turn a tough day around, filling the house with smoky, herbal goodness. It’s simple, honest food, made with a little chaos and a lot of love.
Why Make This Soup Over and Over?
It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. The slow simmer releases memories of home and family, even when you’re alone. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable, forgiving your tweaks and substitutions. No matter how many times I make it, I find comfort in its quiet, nourishing presence.
Inside the Kitchen: What Goes Into Healing Chicken Soup
- Chicken (preferably bone-in, skin-on): Gives rich flavor and body to the broth, skin adds depth. Swap with turkey for a different twist.
- Carrots: Sweet, earthy, and brightens the broth. Use parsnips if carrots aren’t available.
- Celery: Adds a fresh, crisp note. Substitute with fennel for a more aromatic punch.
- Onion and garlic: Builds the base flavor with a fragrant, savory aroma. Shallots work nicely too.
- Fresh herbs (thyme, parsley): Layered and herbal, they lift the broth. Dried herbs can be used but add later.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, adjust throughout for best flavor.
- Lemon or lemon juice (optional): Brightens the broth with a zing, especially after long simmering.
Tools of the Trade for a Healing Pot
- Large heavy-bottomed pot: To evenly distribute heat and prevent scorching
- Sharp chef’s knife: To chop vegetables and chicken safely and efficiently
- Wooden spoon: For stirring gently and tasting as you go
- Fine mesh strainer: To skim impurities and strain the soup if needed
Simmering Comfort: The Heart of Healing Chicken Soup
Step 1: Start by gathering all your ingredients and tools.
Step 2: Bring a large pot of water or broth to a gentle simmer, around 90°C (194°F).
Step 3: Add chopped chicken, vegetables, and herbs. Let it cook slowly for about 1 hour.
Step 4: Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
Cooking Checks: How to Know It’s Perfect
- The broth should be clear and aromatic, not cloudy or greasy.
- Chicken should fall apart easily when tested with a fork.
- Vegetables should be tender but not mushy, with a bright, fresh flavor.
Common Pitfalls and How to Fix Them
- Foamy, murky broth after an hour of simmering.? Skim foam regularly to keep broth clear.
- Boiling too hard causing cloudy broth and tough chicken.? Adjust heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Over-salting early which can’t be fixed later.? Add salt gradually and taste.
- Adding dried herbs too early, losing brightness.? Use fresh herbs at the end.
Healing Chicken Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the whole chicken into a large heavy-bottomed pot and cover with water or broth. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, letting it cook slowly for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to start developing.
- Add chopped carrots, celery, diced onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Toss in the fresh thyme sprigs. Continue simmering gently for about 1 hour, skimming off any foam or impurities that surface to keep the broth clear and aromatic.
- Check the chicken for doneness; it should be falling apart when tested with a fork. Gently stir the ingredients to make sure they’re submerged and cooking evenly.
- Use a fine mesh strainer to skim off any foam or impurities from the surface of the broth for a clearer, cleaner flavor.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Strain the broth through the fine mesh strainer into a clean container if desired, then discard the solids or save the chicken for shredding.
- Shred the chicken meat, discarding skin and bones, then return it to the pot of clear broth. Season with salt and black pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed.
- Add freshly chopped parsley to the hot soup for brightness and flavor. If desired, squeeze in a bit of lemon juice for a fresh zing.
- Warm the soup through for another 5-10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the vegetables to reheat if needed.
- Serve the healing chicken soup hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired, and enjoy its comforting, nourishing warmth.
Hi, I’m Katie Dawson, a paediatric speech-language pathologist by day and a passionate food storyteller by night. Based in Seattle but with a love for global flavours (and a soft spot for Indian chai), I created this blog to bridge the gap between therapeutic nutrition and the simple joy of eating.
