Easy Chicken Soup
Easy homemade chicken soup recipe with bone broth, vegetables, and herbs. Perfect comfort food that supports gut health and reduces inflammation.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 medium carrots, cut into half-moons
- 2 medium yellow onions, finely diced
- 4 celery stalks, sliced into half-inch pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup diced parsnips
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup egg noodles or small pasta
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
Instructions
- 1
Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed stockpot over medium-high heat.
- 2
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then place the pieces into the pot, working in batches to avoid crowding, and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 6-8 minutes total.
- 3
Transfer the browned chicken to a clean plate and set aside for later use.
- 4
Reduce heat to medium and add the diced onions, carrots, and celery to the same pot, stirring occasionally until the onions become translucent and the vegetables soften, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- 5
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant and the raw garlic aroma mellows.
- 6
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and water, then scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release the flavorful browned bits.
- 7
Return the chicken pieces to the pot and add the parsnips, thyme, oregano, bay leaves, and turmeric, stirring to combine.
- 8
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low and partially cover with a lid, allowing it to simmer quietly for 45 minutes.
- 9
Check the chicken for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the meat pulls away easily from the bones.
- 10
Remove the chicken pieces with tongs and set aside to cool slightly, then shred the meat from the bones, discarding the skin and bones.
- 11
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir in the egg noodles, cooking uncovered for 8-10 minutes until the pasta reaches your preferred tenderness.
- 12
Add the fresh spinach and chopped parsley, stirring gently until the greens wilt, about 2 minutes.
- 13
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper as needed, then remove and discard the bay leaves.
- 14
Ladle into bowls and serve immediately while steaming hot.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| egg noodles | brown rice or pearl barley | whole grains provide more fiber and minerals while having a lower glycemic impact than refined pasta |
| low-sodium chicken broth | homemade bone broth simmered 12-24 hours | extended cooking extracts collagen and amino acids that support gut lining integrity and improve bioavailability of minerals |
| dried herbs | fresh thyme, oregano, and rosemary added in final minutes | fresh herbs retain volatile oils and phytonutrients that cooking destroys, maximizing antioxidant content |
| regular table salt | sea salt or pink Himalayan salt added gradually to taste | reduces overall sodium while maintaining flavor through gradual adjustment and trace mineral content |
| chicken thighs and drumsticks only | mixed bone-in chicken parts including carcass if available | including carcass dramatically increases collagen and gelatin extraction for improved joint health and skin benefits |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 355 |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 92mg |
| Sodium | 680mg |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fiber | 8g |
| Sugar | 7g |
| Protein | 39g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
