Chicken Soup Recipe 🍲
Overview:
Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of homemade Chicken Soup! Perfect for chilly nights or whenever you’re craving a comforting meal, this recipe yields a delectable batch that’s sure to satisfy. With a blend of tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and savory spices, each spoonful offers a taste of cozy bliss.
- Name: Chicken Soup
- Category: Chicken
- Keywords: Poultry, Meat, Weeknight, Canning, < 4 Hours
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 6 pints
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs stewing chicken
- 1 onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 handful celery leaves
- 1 bay leaf
- 4-6 peppercorns
- 4-6 allspice berries
- 2-3 teaspoons salt
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 1177
- Total Fat: 91.9g
- Saturated Fat: 25.8g
- Cholesterol: 320.7mg
- Sodium: 1103.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 2.7g
- Fiber: 0.6g
- Sugar: 1.3g
- Protein: 79.6g
Instructions:
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Prepare Ingredients: Start by cutting the chicken into manageable pieces. Reserve the breast for later use.
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Simmer Chicken and Vegetables: In a large pot, combine the chicken pieces (except the breast), onion, carrot, celery leaves, bay leaf, peppercorns, and allspice berries. Cover everything with water, approximately 3 quarts.
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Bring to a Boil: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
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Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently until the chicken is tender, which usually takes around 2-3 hours. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Prepare Chicken: Once the chicken is tender, remove it from the pot and allow it to cool slightly. Then, remove the skin and bones, and cut the meat into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
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Strain Broth: Carefully strain the broth to remove any vegetable remnants and impurities. Skim off any excess fat from the surface.
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Combine Chicken and Broth: Return the chicken pieces to the strained broth. Season with salt to taste, enhancing the flavors of the soup.
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Boil: Bring the soup to a gentle boil and let it cook for an additional 3 minutes. This final step ensures that all the ingredients are thoroughly heated and the flavors are well-incorporated.
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Prepare Jars: While the soup is boiling, prepare your canning jars by heating them and ensuring they have 1-inch of headspace.
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Canning Process: Ladle the hot soup into the prepared Ball jars, leaving the recommended headspace. Secure the caps tightly.
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Processing: Process the pint jars for 30 minutes or quarts for 45 minutes at 10 pounds of pressure. This step ensures the soup is safely preserved for later consumption.
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Serve or Store: Once processed, your chicken soup is ready to enjoy! Simply heat and serve as desired. For a heartier meal, cook some noodles separately, add them to the soup, and heat until tender.
Serving Suggestions:
- Garnish your chicken soup with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an extra pop of flavor.
- Pair with crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying meal.
- Store any leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for longer-term storage.
Enjoy your Homemade Chicken Soup!
Nothing beats the warmth and comfort of a bowl of homemade chicken soup. Whether enjoyed as a soul-soothing meal on a chilly evening or shared with loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So grab a ladle, dive in, and savor the deliciousness!