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Chicken Soup Recipe With Whole Chicken

A comforting chicken soup made with a whole chicken for maximum flavor and richness in a delightful broth filled with vegetables.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 whole chicken about 4-5 pounds
  • 10 cups of water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 3 carrots sliced
  • 3 celery stalks sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • slotted spoon
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Begin by rinsing the whole chicken under cold water.
  2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic, bay leaves, and dried thyme, cooking for about a minute.
  5. Place the rinsed chicken into the pot, then pour in 10 cups of water.
  6. Add salt and pepper to taste, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
  7. Cover the pot and simmer for about 1 hour.
  8. Carefully take the chicken out of the pot and place it on a cutting board, letting it cool slightly before shredding the meat.
  9. Add the shredded chicken back to the pot and discard the bay leaves.
  10. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a splash of lemon juice just before serving.