Chicken Soup Delia Smith Recipe

When the weather turns chilly, or you’re feeling under the weather, there’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of homemade chicken soup. It’s more than just a meal – it’s a warm hug in a bowl. The kind of dish that brings comfort, nostalgia, and a sense of calm with every spoonful. And if you’re looking for a recipe that’s both simple yet flavorful, look no further than Delia Smith’s classic chicken soup recipe.

Delia Smith, known for her easy-to-follow recipes and no-nonsense approach to cooking, has perfected the art of comfort food. Her chicken soup recipe is one that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich broth that tastes as though it’s been simmering for hours. But don’t be fooled – it’s a relatively quick and straightforward dish to make, especially when you follow her expert guidance.

In this article, we’ll break down every aspect of Delia Smith’s chicken soup recipe, from the ingredients to the cooking instructions, and even offer some expert tips and variations to make it your own. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe easy to tackle and, most importantly, absolutely delicious.

Chicken Soup Delia Smith Recipe

Delia Smith’s chicken soup is everything you want in a comforting dish. The recipe focuses on bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables, without over-complicating things. The result is a wholesome, satisfying soup with a rich broth, tender chicken, and a medley of vegetables that create the perfect balance of flavors.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 whole chicken (about 1.5kg / 3.3 lbs), or a selection of chicken pieces (thighs, breasts, wings)
• 1 large onion, peeled and halved
• 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 sticks celery, chopped
• 1 large leek, trimmed and sliced (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 bay leaf
• A few sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• 500ml (approx. 2 cups) of chicken stock (preferably homemade, but store-bought works fine)
• 100g (about 1/2 cup) of small pasta or rice (optional, for a heartier soup)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare The Chicken

   Start by placing the chicken (whole or pieces) into a large pot. Fill the pot with cold water, ensuring that the chicken is fully covered. Bring the water to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer.

2. Add The Aromatics

   Once the chicken starts to cook, add the onion, carrots, celery, leek, and garlic. Toss in the bay leaf and thyme, giving everything a stir to infuse the flavors. Let the soup simmer gently for about 1 hour. You’ll notice the kitchen starting to smell absolutely divine.

3. Skim The Broth

   As the soup simmers, be sure to skim any foam or impurities that rise to the top with a ladle. This will give you a clear, clean broth. Keep an eye on the heat – you want a gentle simmer, not a boil.

4. Remove The Chicken

   After 1 hour, carefully remove the chicken from the pot. Once it’s cool enough to handle, shred the meat off the bones and return it to the pot.

5. Add The Stock And Seasoning

   Now, pour in the chicken stock to enrich the broth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting as you go. If you’re adding pasta or rice, toss it in at this stage and allow the soup to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the pasta or rice is tender.

6. Final Touches

   Once everything is cooked, remove the bay leaf and any sprigs of thyme. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Ingredient Insights

Understanding the ingredients used in this chicken soup is key to elevating the flavor. Here’s why each one matters:

• Chicken: The star of the show. Using a whole chicken provides the richest flavor, as the bones and skin release gelatin into the broth, creating a silky texture. You can also use chicken thighs or breasts for a quicker version, but the broth won’t have the same depth.
• Vegetables (onions, carrots, celery, leek): These provide both flavor and texture. The classic mirepoix (a mixture of onion, celery, and carrots) is the base of many soups and stews. The leek adds a slightly sweeter, more delicate taste compared to onions.
• Garlic: Garlic imparts a mellow, aromatic flavor to the soup, without being overpowering. It adds a depth that rounds out the soup beautifully.
• Herbs (bay leaf, thyme): Bay leaves are known for their subtle, herbal flavor, while thyme brings a woodsy note that complements the chicken. They infuse the broth as it simmers, giving the soup its complex flavor.
• Chicken stock: For a richer, fuller broth, homemade stock is ideal. However, store-bought chicken stock is an excellent option for those with less time. Just ensure you choose a high-quality, low-sodium version to control the seasoning.
• Pasta or rice: Adding a starchy component like pasta or rice transforms the soup from a light starter into a more filling meal. It also helps thicken the broth slightly.

Expert Tips

• Use a slow cooker for convenience: If you have more time, you can easily adapt this recipe to a slow cooker. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. It allows the flavors to meld even more deeply.
• Season in layers: Seasoning throughout the cooking process is key to getting a perfectly flavored broth. Taste your soup as it simmers and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
• Strain the broth for clarity: If you prefer a clear soup, you can strain the broth after simmering to remove all the vegetables and bits of chicken. This gives you a pristine, delicate broth.
• Enhance with a squeeze of lemon or vinegar: To brighten up the flavors, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of vinegar right before serving. It balances the richness and adds a touch of freshness.
• Cook the pasta separately: If you plan to store leftovers, it’s best to cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much broth and becoming soggy over time.

Recipe Variations

Chicken soup is a highly versatile dish that can be adjusted to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few variations to try:

• Spicy Chicken Soup: Add a few dried red chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give your soup a little heat. You could also include some fresh chopped chilies or a splash of hot sauce.
• Creamy Chicken Soup: For a richer, creamier version, you can stir in a small amount of double cream or full-fat coconut milk at the end of cooking.
• Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary, sage, or dill to change the flavor profile. Each herb brings its unique character to the soup.
• Vegetarian Version: For a plant-based version, swap out the chicken for hearty vegetables like potatoes, butternut squash, or mushrooms. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock to maintain a deep, savory flavor.
• Asian-Inspired Chicken Soup: Add some ginger, soy sauce, and a few sprigs of cilantro to turn your chicken soup into a comforting bowl of Asian-inspired flavors. You can also add rice noodles instead of pasta.

Final Words

Delia Smith’s chicken soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food. It’s straightforward, yet bursting with flavor, and it makes a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking it to soothe a cold, to feed the family, or simply to enjoy a bowl of something nourishing, this recipe won’t disappoint.

As we’ve explored, there are countless ways to tweak and personalize the soup to suit your tastes. Whether you choose to keep it classic or experiment with flavors, one thing is for sure: This chicken soup is a winner every time.