Chicken soup is one of those timeless dishes that never goes out of style. Whether you’re recovering from a cold, feeling a little under the weather, or simply craving something warm and comforting, chicken soup always hits the spot. It’s got that perfect balance of nourishing broth, tender chicken, and flavorful veggies, making it a meal that can bring comfort to both the body and the soul.
Now, imagine having a bowl of chicken soup that’s not just your standard recipe. We’re talking about an award-winning chicken soup, the kind that’s rich, flavorful, and so satisfying that it might just make you rethink your usual go-to recipes. It’s a soup that’s been perfected over time, carefully crafted to highlight the flavors of fresh, high-quality ingredients. In this guide, we’ll take you through the full recipe, break down each component, and give you insider tips to make sure your chicken soup turns out nothing short of extraordinary.
Award Winning Chicken Soup Recipe
The secret to an award-winning chicken soup lies in the balance of flavors. It’s not just about throwing a bunch of ingredients together and boiling them until they’re cooked. It’s about layering flavors, taking your time, and letting each component shine. The combination of slow-cooked chicken, aromatic herbs, and hearty vegetables creates a depth of flavor that is far beyond ordinary. This recipe is all about quality and care, and it’s sure to leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients Needed
To make this delicious and award-worthy chicken soup, here’s what you’ll need:
- Whole Chicken (about 4 pounds) – Using a whole chicken ensures a rich, flavorful broth. You could use chicken breasts or thighs, but the bones in the whole chicken are key to creating a deep, savory base.
- Carrots (3 large) – Sweet, tender carrots add color and natural sweetness to the soup.
- Celery (3 stalks) – The celery provides that signature ’vegetable soup’ flavor and adds a nice crunch.
- Onions (2 medium) – Onions form the aromatic base of the soup, giving it a depth of flavor.
- Garlic (5 cloves) – Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor that really brings the soup to life.
- Leeks (1 large) – Optional, but leeks bring a mild, sweet onion-like flavor that’s perfect in a chicken soup.
- Bay Leaves (2) – A couple of bay leaves will infuse the broth with an earthy, slightly floral flavor.
- Fresh Thyme (2 sprigs) – Fresh herbs like thyme elevate the taste of the soup, making it feel homemade and comforting.
- Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup) – Chopped parsley is added at the end for a pop of color and freshness.
- Salt and Pepper – These are essential for seasoning. Adjust to taste, but don’t skimp, as the broth needs the right amount of seasoning to balance everything out.
- Water (10 cups) – This is the base of your broth. The water should be enough to fully cover the chicken and vegetables.
- Noodles (optional, 1 cup) – If you want to make your soup heartier, adding noodles is a great option. You can choose any type of pasta, but egg noodles or small pasta shapes work best.
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Chicken
- Clean the Chicken – Remove any giblets from the chicken cavity. Rinse the chicken thoroughly under cold water.
- Simmer the Chicken – Place the whole chicken in a large pot. Cover it with 10 cups of cold water and bring it to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it gently simmer for about 1 hour. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the top.
- Shred the Chicken – After an hour, remove the chicken from the pot. Allow it to cool slightly before shredding the meat off the bones. Set the meat aside and discard the bones. Return the chicken meat to the pot.
Step 2: Add The Vegetables
- Chop the Veggies – While the chicken is simmering, peel and chop the carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and leeks. The pieces don’t need to be uniform, but aim for chunks that are easy to eat with a spoon.
- Cook the Vegetables – Add the chopped vegetables to the pot along with the bay leaves and thyme. Continue to simmer for another 30-45 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Step 3: Season The Broth
- Taste and Season – Once the vegetables are tender, taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. If you’re adding noodles, toss them in now and cook until they’re tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Final Touches – Once everything is cooked and well-seasoned, stir in the chopped parsley for added freshness.
Ingredient Insights
- Whole Chicken: Using a whole chicken is key because the bones release collagen into the broth as they simmer, creating a silky, rich texture. The dark meat from the chicken adds depth of flavor, making the soup more satisfying.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and bay leaves infuse the broth with herbal notes. They are a simple but powerful way to boost flavor without overwhelming the dish.
- Leeks: While leeks are optional, they add a wonderful sweet, mild onion flavor that blends perfectly with the other veggies. If you can find them, they’re worth the extra effort!
- Noodles: If you’re adding noodles, make sure they’re added at the right time-just before serving, so they don’t absorb all the broth. If you plan to store leftovers, keep the noodles separate so they don’t become mushy.
Expert Tips
- Let it Simmer Slowly: The longer you let the chicken simmer, the richer your broth will be. Avoid rushing the process, as it’s the slow cooking that extracts all the flavor from the chicken.
- Skim the Broth: Make sure to skim off any impurities that float to the top when the chicken is simmering. This will give you a clearer, cleaner broth.
- Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: Since chicken soup is all about the flavors of the ingredients, it’s essential to use the best chicken, fresh herbs, and crisp vegetables. Organic ingredients can really make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Make it Ahead: This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. Make a big batch and let it sit overnight for a richer taste.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Chicken Soup: Add a little heat by incorporating red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce.
- Creamy Chicken Soup: If you prefer a creamier version, stir in some heavy cream or half-and-half in the last 5 minutes of cooking. This will create a richer, smoother texture.
- Vegetable Chicken Soup: For a heartier, veggie-packed option, you can throw in additional vegetables like zucchini, corn, or spinach. This will bulk up the soup without adding too many calories.
- Asian-Inspired Chicken Soup: Try adding ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of sesame oil for an Asian twist. Top with chopped scallions and a sprinkle of cilantro.
Final Words
This award-winning chicken soup recipe is truly a game-changer. It’s a perfect combination of hearty chicken, aromatic vegetables, and rich broth that will warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish, a starter, or just enjoying a bowl on a chilly evening, this soup is sure to impress.