Homemade Comfort Food: A Hearty Chicken Soup Recipe

Chicken soup is one of those universally loved dishes that can serve as both a comforting meal and an effective remedy for various ills, especially during cold weather or when you're feeling under the weather. This homemade chicken soup recipe will provide warmth, nutrition, and delicious flavors to satisfy every palate.

Ingredients

3 lbs (about 1.36 kg) of chicken pieces or bone-in chicken parts
4 carrots, peeled and sliced into chunks
4 celery sticks, chopped
3 ribs of leeks, halved lengthwise and washed well to remove dirt from the greens
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns (crushed)
4 bay leaves
8 cups of chicken stock or water
3 tablespoons of olive oil
Kosher salt and pepper to taste
Optional: fresh parsley for garnish, croutons on top, a sprinkle of paprika

Instructions

Start by cleaning the chicken pieces thoroughly. Pat them dry with paper towels.
In a large stockpot, heat up olive oil over medium heat. Once it's warm, add the onions and garlic into the pot. Stir occasionally until they become translucent and begin to turn golden brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes depending on your stove.
Add the chicken pieces to the pot containing onions and garlic. Cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, browning them lightly on all sides. During this time, you can use a spatula or fork to turn the pieces occasionally so that they get evenly browned.
Once the chicken has been browned, add in the carrots and celery along with the leeks. Stir everything together well. Let it cook for another 3 minutes before adding in the bay leaves, peppercorns, and stock or water. Make sure that all ingredients are properly covered by liquid.
Bring your soup to a boil over high heat. Reduce the temperature down to medium-low right after seeing the first bubbles form around the edges of the pot. The soup should simmer gently for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until you notice that the chicken is falling apart when you use tongs to test it.
After your broth has been cooking long enough, use a slotted spoon to remove all large pieces of meat from the soup. Shred them into bite-sized chunks using two forks. Return these shreds back into the pot along with any vegetables that you may have wanted to reserve.
Taste and season your chicken soup with salt and pepper according to taste preference. Adjust seasoning as necessary by adding more salt or pepper. Optionally garnish your finished dish with fresh parsley, croutons, or a dusting of paprika for added color.

Cooking Time & Servings

This recipe takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare, including the time needed for the soup to simmer. Once prepared correctly, this hearty chicken soup can serve up to six people as a main course.

Tips for Perfect Results

For extra flavor, consider adding a few tablespoons of white wine or sherry during cooking.
If you prefer spicier soups, you could add a pinch of cayenne pepper towards the end before serving.
To make this dish even more nutritious and filling, mix in some cooked barley or rice while letting it simmer with the rest of your ingredients.

Conclusion

Comfort food plays an important role during colder months or whenever we need to boost our immune system. Homemade chicken soup is a simple yet delicious option that delivers warmth and sustenance. With its rich flavors, soothing properties, and ability to cater well for various tastes, this dish proves itself as an absolute winner whether you're cooking it for yourself or sharing with friends.