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Classic Smoky Chicken Soup

This hearty chicken soup features a rich, smoky broth infused with tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and fresh herbs. The slow simmering process creates a clear, flavorful broth with falling-apart chicken and vibrant vegetables, resulting in a comforting and rustic dish with a warm, inviting appearance.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Homestyle
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole chicken preferably bone-in for flavor
  • 8 cups water
  • 2 carrots carrots peeled and sliced
  • 2 stalks celery sliced
  • 1 large onion quartered
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 sprigs thyme fresh
  • 1 handful parsley chopped, for garnish
  • 1 lemon lemon zested and juiced

Equipment

  • Large stockpot
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Sharp carving knife
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Place the whole chicken in a large stockpot and cover with cold water, ensuring it's fully submerged. Add a few sprigs of thyme, the quartered onion, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing the water to bubble softly and skim off any foam that rises to keep the broth clear.
  2. Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer gently for about 1.5 hours, maintaining a soft bubbling sound. The broth will develop a smoky aroma as it cooks slowly, filling your kitchen with warmth.
  3. Carefully remove the chicken from the broth and set aside to cool slightly. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer into another pot or bowl, discarding the solids. Return the clear broth to the stove and bring it back to a gentle simmer.
  4. While the broth simmers, shred the cooled chicken meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding bones and skin. This makes the meat tender and easy to eat in the soup.
  5. Add sliced carrots and celery to the simmering broth. Cook for about 10 minutes, until they are vibrant and slightly tender but still retain some crunch.
  6. Stir in the minced garlic and shredded chicken, letting everything heat through for another 5 minutes. The aroma will deepen as the garlic releases its fragrance.
  7. Finish by adding chopped parsley, lemon zest, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, then let the soup rest off the heat for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
  8. Ladle the steaming, clear broth filled with tender vegetables and chicken into bowls. Garnish with additional parsley if desired, and serve hot for a comforting, smoky chicken soup.

Notes

For a deeper smoky flavor, add a small piece of smoked paprika or a smoked salt during seasoning. Feel free to customize vegetables or herbs to suit your taste.