Chicken Soup is one of those timeless comfort foods that can warm you up from the inside out, no matter what season it is. It’s a dish that speaks to the soul, evokes memories of home-cooked meals, and somehow feels like a hug in a bowl. When it comes to creating a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying chicken soup, no one does it quite like Paula Deen. Known for her Southern-style recipes that balance richness with heartiness, her Chicken Soup recipe is a go-to for family gatherings, sick days, or simply when you’re craving something that tastes like home.
This recipe isn’t just about tossing a few ingredients together. Paula Deen’s approach to Chicken Soup elevates the dish into something truly special, with her signature blend of flavors, the perfect balance of tender chicken, and that comforting broth that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or someone just beginning to experiment with soups, this recipe is approachable, yet offers a depth of flavor that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
So, if you’re ready to discover how to make the best chicken soup you’ve ever had, keep reading!
Chicken Soup Paula Deen Recipe
What makes Paula Deen’s Chicken Soup different? Well, it’s the combination of Southern hospitality and a recipe that’s as rich as the flavors. In this recipe, the chicken is simmered slowly to create a deeply flavorful broth, while adding vegetables and seasonings to give the soup that extra punch. The secret? A few key ingredients and some simple yet effective techniques that make all the difference.
Ingredients Needed
- 1 whole chicken – You can use a rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time, but cooking your own from scratch really infuses the broth with incredible flavor.
- 6 cups chicken broth – For a soup that’s deep and hearty, you need a rich base. Chicken broth will bring out the essence of the chicken in the soup.
- 1 large onion – The base of many Southern dishes, including soup. It adds a savory sweetness and depth to the broth.
- 2 medium carrots – Sliced or chopped, carrots add both texture and a slight sweetness to balance the savory elements.
- 2 celery stalks – Celery provides that signature crunch and a fresh note to offset the richness of the soup.
- 4 cloves garlic – Fresh garlic is essential for that extra punch of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Seasoning is key! A touch of salt helps bring all the flavors together.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – A bit of pepper adds warmth without overpowering the flavors.
- 1 bay leaf – This will infuse the soup with a subtle earthy flavor.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme – Thyme adds an herby note that perfectly complements the chicken.
- 2 cups egg noodles – These soft noodles absorb all the delicious broth and make the soup even more filling.
- 2 tablespoons butter – A little butter goes a long way to enhance the richness of the broth and add a silky texture.
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Chicken
Start by boiling your whole chicken in a large pot of water. This will serve as the base for your broth. Add salt and pepper to taste. Let the chicken cook for about 1 hour to ensure it’s tender and falls off the bone easily. Afterward, remove the chicken and shred it. Set the chicken aside.
Step 2: Make The Broth
In the same pot, add your chicken broth along with the bay leaf, thyme, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Let this simmer for about 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Add The Noodles
Once the broth has developed a rich flavor, stir in the egg noodles and cook until they’re tender, about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Add The Chicken
Add the shredded chicken back into the soup. Stir well and taste. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Finish With Butter
Once everything is cooked through, add the butter to the soup. Stir until it melts and combines into the broth, creating a rich, silky texture.
Step 6: Serve
Once the butter is fully incorporated and the soup is at your desired temperature, it’s time to ladle it into bowls. You can garnish with fresh herbs or serve with some warm cornbread on the side.
Ingredient Insights
- Chicken: The star of the dish, a whole chicken not only makes for a rich broth, but it also provides tender, flavorful meat that’s perfect for shredding. Cooking your chicken from scratch creates a more authentic and flavorful experience compared to using pre-cooked meat.
- Egg Noodles: Egg noodles are traditionally used in chicken soup due to their ability to soak up the broth while still maintaining a tender bite. They’re the perfect texture to complement the soup’s other ingredients.
- Chicken Broth: Opt for a high-quality chicken broth, preferably one that’s low-sodium so you can control the seasoning yourself. Homemade chicken broth takes the flavor of this soup to the next level, but store-bought works perfectly fine for an easy, time-saving option.
- Thyme and Bay Leaf: These herbs add aromatic, savory flavors that anchor the soup. Thyme’s earthiness pairs beautifully with the chicken, while bay leaf brings a subtle, slightly floral undertone.
Expert Tips
- For a richer broth: If you want to intensify the flavor, roast the chicken in the oven first, then cook it in the water to make the broth. Roasting brings out an additional layer of flavor through caramelization.
- Use homemade chicken broth: If you have the time, making homemade chicken broth can truly elevate your soup. Simmering the bones with vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery will give your soup a depth of flavor that store-bought broth just can’t match.
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Egg noodles can turn mushy if overcooked, so make sure to add them last and keep an eye on their texture. You want them to be soft but still hold their shape.
- Season in stages: Taste your soup throughout the cooking process. The flavors change as the ingredients meld, so you may need to adjust the seasoning (salt and pepper) more than once.
Recipe Variations
- Add leafy greens: For some extra nutrition, stir in fresh spinach or kale toward the end of cooking. It adds a pop of color and a mild earthy flavor that pairs well with the chicken.
- Creamy Chicken Soup: If you love creamy soups, you can add a bit of heavy cream or half-and-half once the noodles are tender. This will give your soup a velvety, luxurious texture.
- Spicy Chicken Soup: Add a kick by incorporating diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or even a spoonful of hot sauce. This will give the soup a subtle heat that complements the rich, savory broth.
- Vegetable-packed soup: Add more vegetables like peas, green beans, or zucchini to turn this soup into a heartier dish.
Final Words
Paula Deen’s Chicken Soup is a recipe that combines simplicity with flavor. It’s the kind of dish you can make for a crowd or just for yourself, and every time, it delivers a deliciously comforting meal. With tender chicken, a savory broth, and just the right balance of vegetables and spices, this soup is guaranteed to bring you that warm, cozy feeling every time you take a bite.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Whether you want to make it as is or experiment with variations, the core recipe offers a solid foundation for whatever direction you want to take. Plus, you’ll always have a comforting bowl of soup that’s sure to make any meal feel like a special occasion.