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Healing Chicken Soup

This comforting chicken soup is built with simmered bones, vegetables, and herbs, creating a clear, flavorful broth with tender vegetables and noodles. The slow cooking process releases nourishing minerals and flavors, resulting in a soothing, hearty bowl perfect for any rough day. The final dish is a warm, fragrant, and nourishing soup with a bright herbal finish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 kg chicken bones and skin leftovers or whole chicken parts
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar helps extract minerals from bones
  • 2 large carrots peeled and finely chopped
  • 2 stalks celery finely chopped
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 1 cup rice or noodles add for heartiness
  • 4 cups water for simmering the bones
  • 1 handful fresh herbs parsley, dill, or thyme, chopped
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning
  • 1 squeeze lemon juice optional for brightness

Equipment

  • Large stockpot
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Chef’s knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Method
 

  1. Place chicken bones and skin into a large stockpot, add water and a splash of apple cider vinegar, then bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 1 hour, skimming foam from the surface as needed. The broth will turn a deep, fragrant golden color.
  2. After simmering, strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl, discarding solids but keeping the bones for extra flavor and nutrients. Return the clear broth to the pot.
  3. Chop carrots, celery, and onion finely. Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat, then add the chopped vegetables. Sauté until they soften and release a fragrant aroma, about 8 minutes—they should be tender but not mushy.
  4. Add the sautéed vegetables to the strained broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Toss in rice or noodles for added heartiness, and cook until tender, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Once the vegetables and noodles are cooked through, stir in chopped fresh herbs for a bright, herbal note. Taste the broth and season with salt and pepper as needed. Add a squeeze of lemon juice if you like a touch of acidity.
  6. Let the soup rest off the heat for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Ladle the warm, fragrant soup into bowls, and enjoy it hot with crusty bread if desired.

Notes

Skimming foam during simmering keeps the broth clear. Adjust seasoning at the end for perfect flavor. Feel free to customize with your favorite herbs or add leftover vegetables for variety.