Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
3. Add Garlic and Herbs:
   • Add the minced garlic, bay leaf, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to the pot. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add Chicken and Liquid:
   • Place the seasoned chicken pieces into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the water or chicken broth, ensuring that the chicken pieces are submerged.
5. Simmer:
   • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, skimming off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
6. Check Chicken:
   • After simmering, remove the chicken pieces from the pot and set them aside to cool slightly. Once cooled, shred the chicken meat using two forks, discarding the bones and skin. Return the shredded chicken meat to the pot.
7. Season and Adjust:
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. If you’d like to add noodles or rice, this is the time to do so. Cook until the noodles or rice are tender, following package instructions.
8. Serve:
   • Once ready, remove the bay leaf from the soup. Serve the homemade chicken soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley if desired. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra flavor.

Enjoy your homemade chicken soup! It’s a versatile dish, so feel free to add other vegetables or herbs based on your preference.