Homemade Classic Chicken Soup Recipe: The Best Chicken Soup Ever

Chicken soup has long been a comforting dish, synonymous with cozy evenings, warm kitchens, and healing properties. Whether you’re recovering from a cold or simply seeking a nourishing meal, homemade chicken soup stands out as a tried-and-true recipe that can be easily customized to suit your preferences. This article will guide you through creating the best chicken soup ever using a variety of techniques and ingredients, including a Vitamix chicken soup recipe, zesty chicken soup, and more, ensuring your chicken soup experience is as satisfying as possible. Let’s dive into some of the best variations, including crockpot versions, single servings, and more.

Classic Homemade Chicken Soup: The Foundation

Before we explore variations, let’s start with the classic homemade chicken soup. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, yet its rich flavors and comforting warmth never disappoint.

Ingrédients:

• 1 whole chicken (or 4-6 chicken thighs or breasts)
• 1 oignon moyen, haché
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-2 bay leaves
• 6 cups of chicken broth (store-bought or homemade)
• Sel et poivre au goût
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)
• 1-2 cups egg noodles or rice (optional)
• Lemon juice (optional, for a zesty kick)

Instructions:

1. Préparer le Poulet: If you’re using a whole chicken, rinse it and place it in a large pot. Fill the pot with water, ensuring the chicken is submerged. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
2. Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, and bay leaves.
3. Simmer: Let the soup simmer for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. If you’re using chicken breasts or thighs, this will take less time (around 40-50 minutes).
4. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred the meat off the bones. Discard the bones and skin.
5. Return the Chicken to the Pot: Add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
6. Servir: You can add egg noodles or rice at this point, allowing them to cook in the broth until tender. For an extra zest, squeeze in a bit of lemon juice for a refreshing twist. Garnish with fresh parsley.

This homemade chicken soup is the epitome of comfort food. But there are many ways to enhance and personalize it.

Vitamix Chicken Soup Recipes: Blending Up a Creamy Delight

If you prefer a creamy, velvety version of chicken soup, the Vitamix chicken soup recipes are ideal. The Vitamix blender is perfect for pureeing ingredients into a smooth, rich soup without any cream, making it a healthier option while maintaining the delicious flavor.

Ingrédients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 small potato, peeled and chopped
• 4 tasses de bouillon de poulet
• Sel et poivre au goût
• Fresh thyme (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Vegetables: Sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and potato in a bit of olive oil in a large pot until they begin to soften (about 5-7 minutes).
2. Blend the Soup: Transfer the sautéed vegetables into the Vitamix blender. Add the chicken broth and blend on high until smooth. If you like a thicker soup, use less broth. If you want it more fluid, adjust the amount of liquid.
3. Simmer: Pour the blended soup back into the pot. Add the shredded chicken and bring the mixture to a simmer for about 10 minutes.
4. Season: Taste and season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme if desired.

This Vitamix chicken soup is perfect for those who love a creamy texture without the need for heavy cream or dairy. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and packed with nutrients.

Zesty Chicken Soup: Adding Flavor to the Classic

Sometimes, a little bit of zest is all you need to take your chicken soup to the next level. For those who prefer a bolder flavor, a zesty chicken soup with citrus or spice can be a fantastic variation.

Ingrédients:

• 4 tasses de bouillon de poulet
• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 medium carrot, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 2 gousses d'ail, émincées
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 red chili (optional for spice)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp turmeric
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Vegetables: In a large pot, sauté the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and ginger until soft (about 7-8 minutes).
2. Add the Broth and Spices: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the turmeric, chili (if using), and the lemon juice.
3. Simmer: Let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Add Chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken and cook for an additional 5 minutes to warm through.
5. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving.

This zesty version adds a punch of flavor and an exciting twist to your classic chicken soup. The lemon and turmeric not only brighten the dish but also offer health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties.

Homemade Chicken Soup Crockpot: Effortless and Flavorful

A homemade chicken soup crockpot recipe is perfect for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it approach to cooking. Simply add the ingredients in the morning and come home to a warm, comforting bowl of soup.

Ingrédients:

• 1 whole chicken (or 3-4 chicken breasts)
• 1 oignon moyen, haché
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 c. à thé de poudre d'ail
• Sel et poivre au goût

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crockpot: Add the whole chicken (or chicken breasts), onion, carrots, celery, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper into the crockpot.
2. Add the Broth: Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients.
3. Cuire: Set the crockpot on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred the meat.
4. Finish the Soup: Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
5. Servir: Enjoy a warm and hearty bowl of soup!

This method allows you to prepare a flavorful, comforting soup with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy days.

Chicken Soup With a Whole Chicken: The Ultimate Comfort Dish

Using a whole chicken in your soup brings a deep, rich flavor that can’t be matched by chicken parts alone. This method also allows you to make your own broth from scratch, which is ideal for those seeking a wholesome, homemade meal.

Ingrédients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
• 1 onion, halved
• 2 carrots, peeled and halved
• 3 celery stalks, halved
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 10 cups water
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 c. à thé de poivre noir

Instructions:

1. Préparer le Poulet: Place the whole chicken in a large pot and cover it with water.
2. Simmer the Broth: Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2-3 hours, skimming off any impurities that rise to the surface.
3. Shred the Chicken: After cooking, remove the chicken from the pot, remove the meat from the bones, and discard the bones. Return the shredded chicken to the broth.
4. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Serve the soup with your favorite sides or bread.

This version of chicken soup offers a hearty, homemade broth that’s rich in flavor and nutrients. The longer it simmers, the more depth the broth will have.

Chicken Soup For One Person: Single-Serve Delight

If you’re cooking for one or want a quick meal for yourself, chicken soup for one person is the perfect solution. This version is simple, quick, and perfectly portioned for a single serving.

Ingrédients:

• 1/2 cup cooked chicken (shredded)
• 1 small carrot, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1/2 tasse de bouillon de poulet
• 1/4 cup egg noodles or rice
• Sel et poivre au goût
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small pot, combine the chicken, carrot, celery, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
2. Cook the Noodles: Add the egg noodles or rice and cook until tender (about 8-10 minutes).
3. Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning to taste and garnish with fresh herbs.

This single-serving chicken soup is perfect for when you need something quick, warm, and satisfying. It’s also great for meal prep or a late-night snack.

Simple Soups With Chicken Broth: Versatile and Quick

Sometimes, the simplest soups with chicken broth are the best. Whether you want a basic chicken noodle soup or a light vegetable soup, chicken broth serves as the perfect base for endless variations.

Basic Chicken Soup:

• 4 tasses de bouillon de poulet
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
• 1/2 cup noodles or rice

Combine all ingredients in a pot, bring to a simmer, and cook until the vegetables and noodles are tender. This basic soup is quick, light, and satisfying.

Costco Chicken Soup Recipe: A Copycat Version

If you’ve ever tasted the delicious chicken soup at Costco, you know it’s rich, flavorful, and comforting. Here’s how to recreate it at home.

Ingrédients:

• 1 rotisserie chicken (shredded)
• 4 tasses de bouillon de poulet
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 c. à thé de poudre d'ail
• Sel et poivre au goût
• 1-2 cups egg noodles

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Soup: In a large pot, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
2. Add the Noodles: Add the egg noodles and cook until tender.
3. Servir: Enjoy a delicious bowl of chicken soup that tastes just like Costco’s!

Conclusion

Chicken soup is one of the most versatile and comforting dishes, whether you’re using a whole chicken, cooking in a crockpot, or blending in a Vitamix. With so many variations, from zesty chicken soup to simple broths, you can easily tailor it to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. The best chicken soup ever is just a few ingredients and some time away from becoming a family favorite.