5 Ways to Make Your Own Chicken Soup

When you're feeling under the weather or simply craving some comfort food, few things are as soothing as a bowl of homemade chicken soup. It's not just the warmth it provides, but also the rich flavors and its potential health benefits. Here, we're exploring five different ways to make your own chicken soup, tailored to suit various tastes, dietary needs, and skill levels in the kitchen.

Classic Chicken Soup

The classic chicken soup is timeless for a reason. Its simplicity allows for the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through.

• Ingredients: Chicken, carrots, onions, celery, garlic, salt, pepper, water, and optional herbs like parsley or dill.
• Process:
  1. Bring water to a boil in a large pot.
  2. Add chicken pieces, reducing heat to simmer until cooked.
  3. Remove chicken, shred, and return to pot.
  4. Add chopped vegetables, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  5. Simmer until vegetables are tender.
  6. Adjust seasoning, garnish with herbs.

🍲 Note: For a clearer broth, you can skim off the foam that forms on the surface during boiling.

Low-Sodium Chicken Soup

With growing awareness of sodium intake, this version of chicken soup offers a healthier alternative without compromising on taste.

• Ingredients: Similar to the classic but with reduced salt, and using low-sodium or homemade chicken broth.
• Process:
  1. Instead of boiling chicken in water, use low-sodium chicken broth from the start.
  2. Simmer with less salt, focusing on natural flavors.
  3. Incorporate herbs like thyme and bay leaves for flavor.
  4. Once cooked, adjust with a pinch of salt if needed.

🩺 Note: Remember, low-sodium diets can significantly benefit individuals with heart-related conditions.

Creamy Chicken Soup

For those who love a richer texture, this creamy chicken soup recipe adds a luxurious twist to the traditional soup.

• Ingredients: Chicken, cream, butter, flour, onions, garlic, broth, carrots, celery, thyme, rosemary.
• Process:
  1. Melt butter, sauté onions and garlic.
  2. Add flour to make a roux, cook for 2 minutes.
  3. Gradually add broth, stirring constantly.
  4. Add shredded chicken, carrots, celery, and herbs.
  5. Simmer until vegetables are tender, stir in cream at the end.

Instant Pot Chicken Soup

The Instant Pot is revolutionizing the way we cook, offering quick yet delicious meals. Here’s how to make chicken soup with this modern marvel.

• Ingredients: Chicken, vegetables (like the classic), broth, optional noodles.
• Process:
  1. Combine all ingredients except noodles in the Instant Pot.
  2. Pressure cook for 8 minutes, then allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
  3. Add noodles, set to sauté for additional cooking.
  4. Season to taste.

Vegan Chicken Soup

This variant is for those who follow a plant-based diet, yet crave the comforting essence of chicken soup.

• Ingredients: Tofu or seitan (as a meat alternative), vegetable broth, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
• Process:
  1. Sauté onions and garlic in oil.
  2. Add chopped vegetables, sauté briefly.
  3. Pour in vegetable broth, add herbs.
  4. Simmer until vegetables are soft.
  5. Add tofu or seitan, cook until heated through.

🌱 Note: For added richness, consider using a touch of nutritional yeast to mimic the cheesy flavor that’s often found in traditional soups.

Creating homemade chicken soup not only provides comfort but also allows for creative expression in the kitchen. Whether you choose the classic route, opt for a low-sodium version, crave the creaminess, embrace the convenience of the Instant Pot, or go vegan, there's a chicken soup recipe for everyone. Each method highlights different techniques and ingredients, ensuring that you can enjoy this timeless dish in various delightful ways. The key to a great chicken soup lies in balancing flavors, understanding the cooking time of ingredients, and not being afraid to experiment with what you have at hand.

Can I use leftover roasted chicken for soup?

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Yes, absolutely. Leftover roasted chicken can add a rich flavor to your soup. Simply shred the meat and add it towards the end of cooking to heat through.

How can I make my soup thicker?

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You can thicken soup by:

• Using a roux (flour and fat mixture).
• Blending some vegetables to make a puree.
• Adding a slurry of cornstarch or flour and water.

What are some good substitutions for cream in the creamy chicken soup?

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Consider these substitutes for cream:

• Coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
• Blended cauliflower or potato for a lower-calorie option.
• Cashew cream, made by blending soaked cashews with water.

Is it okay to freeze chicken soup?

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Yes, chicken soup freezes well. However, if you’re adding noodles, cook them separately to prevent them from becoming too soft after thawing and reheating.

Can I add other herbs and spices to my soup?

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Certainly! Here are some suggestions:

• Turmeric for anti-inflammatory properties.
• Ginger for a zesty kick.
• Dried or fresh sage for a deep, earthy flavor.